Valerie Simpson, Melinda Wagner Honored By ASCAP Foundation

Valerie Simpson (Shutterstock/Kathy Hutchins)

The ASCAP FOUNDATION honored R&B and pop icon VALERIE SIMPSON with its GEORGE M. COHAN FRIARS ROUNDATION AWARD and PULITZER PRIZE-winning composer MELINDA WAGNER with its MASTERS AWARD at the 2018 ASCAP FOUNDATION HONORS at JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER's FREDERICK P. ROSS HALL WEDNESDAY night.  The ASCAP FOUNDATION 2018 scholarship recipients were also recognized during the evening's festivities.

SIMPSON was presented with her award by ASCAP FOUNDATION President PAUL WILLIAMS for her multifaceted career and success in a variety of roles, including her role in fostering and encouraging young songwriters with the “REACH OUT AND TOUCH” award at the ASCAP FOUNDATION honoring her late husband NICK ASHFORD's legacy. 

WAGNER received her award from ASCAP FOUNDATION Board member and fellow composer ALEX SHAPIRO.  Her works have been performed by the NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC, CHICAGO SYMPHONY and ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA. WAGNER has been awarded a GUGGENHEIM FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP, awards from the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ARTS AND LETTERS and ASCAP. She currently serves as chair of composition on the faculty of THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL OF MUSIC and gives master classes at HARVARD, YALE, EASTMAN and UC DAVIS. 

« see more Net News