Jazz

The program, established in 2002, was created to encourage gifted jazz composers from throughout the United States. The recipients, who receive cash awards, range in age from 10 to 29, and are selected through a juried national competition.

Grammy, Emmy and ASCAP Henry Mancini Award-winning trumpeter/composer Mark Isham had a fruitful 2011, anchored by his scores to Warrior, Dolphin Tale and the first season of Once Upon a Time. We spoke with Isham about the fascinating places his career has taken him - and continues to take him.

New Orleans-based Trombone Shorty's new release, For True, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Album Chart. It features ASCAP members Lenny Kravitz, Jeff Beck, and Ledisi, among others. ASCAP caught up with him on tour at NYC's Terminal 5.

ASCAP writer/singer/guitarist Allan Harris is that rare creator who plays everything well - jazz, R&B, rock, country, you name it. Versatility is all part of Harris's philosophy. Here, he explains how it informs his new album Open Up Your Mind and his music career in general.

ASCAP jazz singer/lyricist Deborah Pearl tells us all about Souvenir of You, her new album of original lyrics to tunes by the immortal ASCAP composer Benny Carter. It's a heartfelt tribute to the man whose years of friendship inspired Pearl in her own life and career.

Five music greats were added to the ASCAP Jazz Wall of Fame: Living Legends Jimmy Heath and George Avakian, and posthumous honorees Oscar Peterson, Mel Powell and Nina Simone. The event also celebrate recipients of ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Awards and honored Omer Avital with the ASCAP Jazz Vanguard Award.

ASCAP has announced the winners of the 43rd Annual ASCAP Deems Taylor Awards for outstanding print, broadcast and new media coverage of music. The winners will be honored at a special invitation-only ceremony and reception on Tuesday, November 15.

The September 2011 Congressional Black Caucus Jazz Concert in Washington, DC, hosted by Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), was headlined by renowned jazz musicians Randy Weston and Ben Williams.

Gia Prima and her friends and long-time Counsel at Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP have established The ASCAP Foundation Louis Prima Award to be presented to a talented vocalist or musician attending the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts.

ASCAP members Randy Weston and Ben Williams will perform during the 25th Annual Jazz Issue Forum and Concert hosted by Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus. The September 22 concert is free and open to the public.