A Legacy of Ongoing Programs for Music Education, Talent Development, Awards and Recognition Supported by ASCAP Foundation Donors
2001
The ASCAP Foundation Jerry Herman Legacy Series, funded by composer and lyricist Jerry Herman who wrote Hello, Dolly! and Mame, is established to bring the American musical theater heritage to students across the country.
The ASCAP Foundation Henry Mancini Music fellowships are established with funding from Ginny Mancini in memory of Mr. Mancini, who wrote "Days of Wine and Roses" and "Moon River." These scholorships provide support for film and television composition student at universities across the country.
The ASCAP Foundation received a major bequest from the estate of John DeVries, writer of "Oh Look at Me Now," for the education and support of young musicians.
2002
The ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Awards are established to encourage the creation of new jazz works.
The ASCAP Foundation Living Archive Project is initiated to videotape prominent ASCAP songwriter and composer members to document their place in music history and the music industry. This project is funded through a gift from The Cain Foundation, directed by Wofford Denius.
The ASCAP Foundation Fran Morgenstern Davis Scholarships are established for students at Manhattan School of Music. These scholarships are funded by a gift from Joan and Jay Morgenstern, a record and music publishing veteran, to honor the memory of their daughter.
The Heineken Music Initiative/The ASCAP Foundation Grant Program For R&B Songwriters assists up-and-coming songwriters in selected local markets with career advancement to develop new musical talent. The awards are supported with a grant from The Heineken Music Initiative.
2003
The Richard Adler-ASCAP Foundation Musical Theater Development Program is initiated at the Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp in Colorado to nurture new composers, lyricists and librettists. This is funded through a gift from Richard Adler, Broadway musical writer of Pajama Game and Damn Yankees.
The ASCAP Foundation received a major bequest from Lola Brockman, daughter of James Brockman who wrote "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles," for the support of music education and talent development for young composers.
The ASCAP Foundation Rudy Perez Songwriting Scholarship is established with a gift from songwriter Rudy Perez, one of the top producers of Latin music. This scholarship will be presented annually to an aspiring Latino songwriter who demonstrates potential to produce creative and original work and also demonstrates financial need.
The ASCAP Foundation Eunice and Hal David Instructor-In-Residence Award was established. This Award provides funding to support the work of an outstanding music instructor at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Hal David, ASCAP and ASCAP Foundation board member and lyricist for such great standards as "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and "Alfie," together with his wife Eunice, funds this program.
2004
The ASCAP Foundation Steve Kaplan TV and Film Studies Scholarship is created by The Kaplan family in memory of Steve Kaplan, award-winning film and television composer whose talents and credits span 25 years and encompass multiple genres. The scholarship encourages the career development of aspiring film and television composers by providing financial support for participants in ASCAP’s annual Film Scoring Workshop in Los Angeles.
The ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop is established in Chicago to provide musical theatre writers the opportunity to present their original works-in-progress for professional critique. The workshop is funded by Peter Schneider and The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Harold Arlen Musical Theater Award and The Harold Arlen Film & TV Award, to assist songwriters and lyricists, is established by Sam and Joan Arlen in celebration of the Centennial year of Harold Arlen, composers of "Over the Rainbow" and "Stormy Weather."
The ASCAP Foundation David Rose Scholarship is established with a gift from The Rose Family Trust to honor television and film-scoring great David Rose. David Rose's best-known works include the instrumental standards, "Holiday for Strings" and "The Stripper," music for Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie and decades of work with radio and television star Red Skelton. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a qualified college-level student working toward a career in scoring for film and/or television who is participating in ASCAP's Film & Television Scoring Workshop. In 2011 to honor Rose's Centennial year, two scholorships will be awarded.
The Heineken USA/ASCAP Foundation Latin And Pop/Rock Grant Program is launched. This grant program benefits emerging Latin and Pop/Rock music songwriters in selected markets. The awards are supported with a grant from Heineken USA Inc.
The ASCAP Foundation is selected by The National Endowment for the Arts as one of only 10 organizations nationwide to receive a grant in a new initiative, the pilot phase of Summer School in the Arts.
The ASCAP Foundation is named the final beneficiary of all of Irving Caesar's assets (copyrights) including those held under his lifetime trust, those retained in his wholly owned publishing company, as well as his memorabilia. Irving Caesar was a prolific and beloved lyricist who wrote hundreds of songs including "Tea for Two," "Just a Gigolo," "Swanee" and "Animal Crackers in My Soup."
2005
The ASCAP Foundation Charlotte V. Bergen Scholarship is established and is awarded annually to the top ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer age 18 or under. This scholarship is made possible by The Frank & Lydia Bergen Foundation and is named in memory of their daughter, Charlotte, a lover of classical music. The scholarship is to be used for music study at an accredited college or music conservatory.
The ASCAP Foundation Children Will Listen program in honor of ASCAP member and musical theatre great Stephen Sondheim (West Side Story, Gypsy!, Pacific Overtures, A Little Night Music) is established to provide the musical theatre experience to a generation of students who might not otherwise have this opportunity.
2006
The ASCAP Foundation Robert Allen Award is established and is presented annually to an aspiring ASCAP songwriter participating in ASCAP's New York Paul Cunningham Workshop. It is named in honor of Robert Allen, composer of many classic pop songs including "It's Not for Me to Say" and "Chances Are," and is funded by a gift from Patty Allen, in memory of her husband.
The ASCAP Foundation Michael Masser Scholarship established in 1987 by Michael Masser, composer/producer of such classic songs as "The Greatest Love of All" and "Saving All My Love For You," is updated to support the educational advancement, professional training and development of someone who demonstrates outstanding talent in the arts.
The ASCAP Foundation Irving Berlin Summer Camp Scholarship is created to honor American songwriter Irving Berlin, who wrote such classics as "God Bless America" and "White Christmas," this scholarship makes the summer music camp experience possible for a young music creator who may otherwise not have this opportunity. The scholarship is funded by a gift to The ASCAP Foundation from the Irving Berlin Charitable Fund, Inc.
The ASCAP Foundation Leon Brettler Award is presented to a singer/songwriter participating in an ASCAP Foundation Nashville Songwriter Workshop. It is funded through a gift from Michael and Doug Brettler, and the music publishing firm, Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., in memory of their father, Leon Brettler (1926-2001), who helmed Shapiro, Bernstein & Co. and served on the ASCAP Board of Directors for nearly 40 years.
The ASCAP Foundation Life in Music Award is established. This award recognizes the efforts of veteran music creators who have made significant contributions to our nation's music culture. It is presented each year to up to three ASCAP writer members, each one representing a different musical genre. This program is exclusively funded by a bequest under the will of Rosalie Meyer, the widow of Joseph Meyer, a longtime ASCAP member who's standards include "If You Knew Susie."
The ASCAP Foundation Irving Burgie Scholarship to support an aspiring African-American songwriter from New York City is established. It is funded by Irving Burgie in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his song "Day-O."
2007
The ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Lyric Award is established and presented annually to aspiring lyricists who participate in an ASCAP or ASCAP Foundation workshop in the musical theater, pop and/or country genres. Recipients must demonstrate talent and an intelligent and sensitive use of language, a talent and ability that the heirs of the late lyricist Harold Adamson, writer of "Time on My Hands" and "An Affair to Remember," seek to recognize and foster in future generations. It is funded by Harold Adamson's royalties.
ASCAP Foundation Jamie deRoy & Friends Award is established. This award is presented to an ASCAP songwriter (either composer, lyricist or team of writers) whose work has been of a high and consistent level of professionalism. The ASCAP Foundation Jamie deRoy & friends Award recognizes outstanding work, dedication and craftsmanship. This award is funded by the Jamie deRoy Charitable Trust.
The ASCAP Foundation BMG/Cherry Lane Scholarship in Honor of Quincy Jones is established. This scholarship supports the work of an African-American college or university student majoring in music who demonstrates musical talent and proficiency in the areas where Quincy has made his mark: composing, arranging, producing, conducting and performing. The scholarship is funded by BMG/Cherry Lane.
The ASCAP Foundation Joan and Irwin Robinson Scholarship is established by Irwin Z. Robinson, and his wife Joan. The scholarship supports a music business undergraduate or graduate student demonstrating leadership, knowledge, dedication, skill and career potential. The scholarship recipent is selected from New York University. Irwin Z. Robinson is the Vice President, Industry Affairs of the Richmond Organization.
2008
The ASCAP Foundation Cy Coleman Award is established by Shelby Coleman in memory of her husband. Cy Coleman was a long time member of the ASCAP Board of Directors and a member of The ASCAP Foundation Board. Coleman wrote many pop standards including "Witchcraft," and "The Best Is Yet To Come," as well as hit Broadway scores such as Wildcat ("Hey Look Me Over"), Little Me ("Real Live Girl"), Sweet Charity ("Big Spender"), Seesaw ("It's Not Where You Start"), I Love My Wife, The Will Rogers Follies, and The Life. The award will be presented annually to support a student enrolled in a music business course and rotates between New York University, Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California
2009
The ASCAP Foundation Cole Porter Award is established with a gift to The ASCAP Foundation from the Cole Porter Musical and Literary Trusts. The Award, which will be presented annually to an ASCAP or unaffiliated member who writes music and lyrics, whose work shows promise, and who has participated in The ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Workshop. The Award honors the memory of Porter who wrote such classics as "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "Day and Night."
The ManUp4Kids educational program is established at The ASCAP Foundation by Grammy award-winning ASCAP songwriter/producer Desmond Child. Child who was inducted into The Songwriter's Hall Of Fame in 2008 and is known for his collaborations with many big-name pop artists such as KISS, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Cher, Michael Bolton and Ricky Martin during his 30-year tenure at ASCAP. He has over 70 top 40 singles to his credit including: "Angel," "I Was Made For Loving You," "Livin' On a Prayer," Livin' La Vida Loca" and "Dude Looks Like a Lady," to name a few.
ManUp4Kids provides low-income families the opportunity to attend music, theatre and cultural events within their community that would otherwise be unattainable, as well as sponsoring instrument rentals, lessons and scholarships to music summer camps. ManUp4Kids helps to give struggling parents the possibility of sharing life changing musical moments and unforgettable memories with their children.
The ASCAP Foundation Jay Gorney Award is established by his wife, Sondra and son. Dr. Roderic Gorney, to commemorate Jay's career and legacy. Jay Gorney, a long-time ASCAP member and composer, along with lyricist E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, wrote the 1930's classic, "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?" which became the anthem of the Great Depression. The Jay Gorney Award is presented annually for an original song written by an ASCAP member or unaffiliated songwriter who graduated from either an ASCAP, ASCAP Foundation or Songwriters Hall of Fame workshop/showcase. The song is judged on its message of social conscience/social significance as well as overall craft, artistry and compositional elements.
The ASCAP Foundation Scholarship in Honor of Louis Armstrong is established and is presented to an outstanding student of jazz composition at either Manhattan School of Music or the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. The scholarship is underwritten by a grant from The Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation.
2010
The ASCAP Foundation Michelle and Dean Kay Award is established to support careers in music, particularly for those who concentrate their efforts in the Los Angeles area. The award is given to an aspiring ASCAP songwriter participating in either the pop or musical theater ASCAP workshops in Los Angeles. Dean Kay has been at the helm of some of the most highly respected publishing companies in the world, and is currently President/CEO of his own Demi Music Corp. and its affiliates, Lichelle Music Company and Yak Yak Music. Michelle Kay is Vice President and CFO of the company. Prior to his involvement in publishing, Dean was a successful songwriter, having had hundreds of his compositions recorded, including "That's Life" by Frank Sinatra.
The ASCAP Foundation Barbara and John LoFrumento Award was established by ASCAP CEO and his wife Barbara to support music and music therapy programs for autistic learners. This award, which was recently presented to the Music Conservatory of Westchester Music Therapy Institute, will enable the Institute to expand its music therapy program and provide weekly music therapy sessions to special needs students in the Eastchester, NY school district. Students will have the opportunity to work with music educators on songwriting and instrumental instruction.
The ASCAP Foundation Joe Raposo Children's Music Award was established by the family of Joe Raposo to honor his legacy. The award supports emerging talent in the area of children's music. Raposo, one of the creators of Sesame Street and its first and longtime musical director, wrote music for such diverse talents as Kermit The Frog, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Dr. Seuss, Barbra Streisand and Cookie Monster. "Sing," "It's Not Easy Bein' Green" and the "Sesame Street Theme" are among the songs to earn Joe five Grammys and multiple Gold and Platinum albums.
Songwriters: The Next Generation, a partnership between The ASCAP Foundation and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is established to showcase the work of four emerging songwriters and composers in a free concert on the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. This program is made possible by The ASCAP Foundation Bart Howard Fund.
2011
The ASCAP Foundation Louis Prima Award is established by Gia Prima, wife of Louis, and her friends and long-time Counsel at Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP and is presented to a talented vocalist or musician attending the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. One of the founding fathers of the Las Vegas entertainment scene, his group The Witnesses was a precursor to the Rock & Roll sound of the 50's. Many of the popular favorites Louis recorded included his own compositions such as "Jump, Jive, An' Wail," "Banana Split For My Baby," and "Oh, Marie." Louis was awarded the first Grammy award in the Vocal Group category for his rendition of "That Old Black Magic" in 1958. Artists as diverse as David Lee Roth and Brian Setzer brought Prima's music to the top of the charts in the 80's and 90's and his music was at the center of ad campaigns through the 2000's. Louis Prima passed away on August 24, 1978.
The ASCAP Foundation Freddy Bienstock Scholarship & Internship is established by ASCAP board member and CEO of Carlin America, Caroline Bienstock, along with her mother Miriam Bienstock and brother Robert, COO of Carlin America, to honor the memory of publishing great and ASCAP board member, Freddy Bienstock. Bienstock dedicated his life to the music industry as a music publishing and record company executive. He founded Carlin America Music Publishing, under its current name in 1995. Their catalog includes more than 100,000 titles spanning a wide variety of musical genres. The ASCAP Foundation Freddy Bienstock Scholarship & Internship provides a tuition-based cash award to an NYU student interested in music publishing who completes a full-time summer internship at Carlin America.
The ASCAP Foundation Mary Rodgers/Lorenz Hart Award is established by Mary Rodgers to honor the legacy of Lorenz “Larry” Hart who together with composer Richard Rodgers produced a roster of hit shows including Jumbo, On Your Toes, Babes in Arms, I Married an Angel, The Boys from Syracuse, Pay Joey, and A Connecticut Yankee. The Mary Rodgers/Lorenz Hart Award is presented annually to an ASCAP member who is a promising musical theater lyricist. A composer/lyricist team is also eligible.
The ASCAP Foundation "Reach Out and Touch" Award in honor of Nick Ashford is established by his partner in life and musical collaborator, Valerie Simpson. Ashford & Simpson, who collaborated on such iconic R&B songs like "Ain't Nothin' Like the Real Thing," "You're All I Need to Get By," "Gimme Something Real" and "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)," began writing songs together in 1964. The Award was established to advance the careers of promising songwriters by providing financial assistance for professional recordings of their work.
The ASCAP Foundation Bart Howard Songwriting Scholarship at Berklee College of Music is established to honor the memory of long-time ASCAP member Bart Howard. This tuition-based scholarship recognizes the talent, professionalism, musical ability and career potential of a Berklee student majoring in songwriting. Bart Howard (1915-2004) was a prolific composer who wrote over 200 songs, most notably “Fly Me to The Moon,” which has been performed by hundreds of singers including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Diana Krall.
2012
The ASCAP Foundation Jimmy Van Heusen Award is established by his family to honor his legacy. Van Heusen was one of the most accomplished songwriters from the mid-twentieth century with countless hits sung and recorded by such American vocal icons as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Lena Horne and Rosemary Clooney. Some of his most popular songs were written for movies: "Swinging on a Star,” "All the Way," "High Hopes," and "Call Me Irresponsible.” The ASCAP Foundation Jimmy Van Heusen Award will be presented to an outstanding, promising composer who has participated in the ASCAP/NYU Television and Film Scoring Workshop. The recipient will be an ASCAP or unaffiliated member who is pursuing a career in television and film scoring.
The ASCAP Foundation "Sunlight of the Spirit" Award is established by ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams and his wife Mariana. The Award is presented to an individual who is exemplary in recovery and in music creativity. Paul Williams is an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe winning Hall of Fame songwriter and President & Chairman of the Board of ASCAP and The ASCAP Foundation. Recognized as one of America’s most gifted lyricists and composers, Williams’ musical legacy, including "We’ve Only Just Begun," "You and Me Against the World" and "The Rainbow Connection," have been recorded by artists as varied as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, REM, Tony Bennett, Dixie Chicks, Jason Mraz, and Kermit the Frog.
The ASCAP Foundation Vic Mizzy Scholarship is established by the Mizzy Jonas Family Foundation. The Scholarship honors the veteran film & TV composer-lyricist Vic Mizzy who created the beloved TV theme songs for The Addams Family and Green Acres, among many other musical achievements. Vic Mizzy was a proud and lifelong member of ASCAP joining the organization in 1938. The Scholarship assists a deserving graduate student of Film & Television scoring at New York University's Steinhardt School.
2013
The ASCAP Foundation Jerry Ragovoy Award is established by Jerry’s widow, Bev Ragovoy, to commemorate the life and career of the great R&B, Rock and Pop songwriter, Jerry Ragovoy. The East Coast Pop Songwriters Workshop is renamed The ASCAP Foundation Jerry Ragovoy Songwriters Workshop, also made possible through the financial support of Bev. Jerry wrote or co-wrote such classic hits as "Piece of My Heart," "Time Is on My Side," "Cry Baby," "Get It While You Can," "Stay with Me Baby" and "Pata Pata."
The ASCAP Foundation Marvin Hamlisch Broadway Conductors Program is established as a way to celebrate the memory of the incomparable Marvin Hamlisch. The inaugural program launches in June of 2013 with the selection of 10 young aspiring musical theater conductors ranging in age from 17-30 for the 4-day intensive workshop. The workshop will include Master Classes with Broadway conductors, musicians, performers and a visit to an orchestra pit during a live performance. The workshop will culminate with each participant conducting an orchestra ensemble.
Hamlisch, a composer/arranger/conductor/pianist, died in 2012 at the age of 68. At the time of his death, Hamlisch was Principal Pops Conductor of the following orchestras: The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony, the Seattle Symphony, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Pasadena Symphony and Pops. The Dallas Symphony premiered Hamlisch's symphonic suite The Anatomy of Peace in 1991.
For information about establishing a program or making a bequest to The ASCAP Foundation, please contact us at:
Colleen McDonough, Director
The ASCAP Foundation
One Lincoln Plaza
New York, NY 10023-7142
Phone: (212) 621-6219
Fax: (212) 595-3342
ascapfoundation@ascap.com
www.ascapfoundation.org
1975 - 1987 |1990 - 2000
