BMI held its 15th annual Latin Music Awards Thursday, June 12 at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles. Esteemed composer and producer Gustavo Santaolalla was named a BMI Icon; Juan Luis Morera Luna and Llandel Veguilla Malavé, better known as reggaetón duo Wisin & Yandel, and singer/songwriter Espinoza Paz comprised the three-way tie for Latin Songwriter of the Year; “De Rodillas Te Pido” garnered Song of the Year honors for writer José A. Sosa; and Editora Arpa Musical received the Latin Publisher of the Year crown. Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Assistant Vice President, Latin Music, Delia Orjuela, the black-tie dinner also touted the writers and publishers of the past year’s 50 most-performed Latin songs on U.S. radio and television.

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The BMI Icon award is bestowed on creators who have had a “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” An all-star musical tribute paid homage to the achievements of Gustavo Santaolalla, who joins an elite list of past honorees that includes Latin music titans Los Tigres Del Norte, Juan Luis Guerra and Carlos Santana, along with legends Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Isaac Hayes, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton and the late James Brown.

Artist, talent scout, producer, documentarian and composer, Gustavo Santaolalla’s genius spills over into numerous disciplines. The Argentina native helped define the nascent Latin rock movement of the 1970’s with his innovative Latino folk/rock band, Arco Iris, and later as a solo artist. Santaolalla has mastered Andean string instrument the ronroco and filmed Pan-American, indigenous folk musicians. His transformation to producer was inevitable; the subsequent cultural unification was historic. Along with partner Anibal Kerpel, he united the traditionally separate Mexican and Argentine rock spheres, gaining recognition for production work on numerous platinum and gold-selling projects. The duo achieved a new level of visibility with band Café Tacuba, whose collaborations with Santaolalla/Kerpel garnered multiple Grammy nominations and a Latin Grammy win. Santaolalla triumphantly entered the world of cinema, where he has composed numerous BMI, Golden Globe and Oscar award-winning original scores for films including Brokeback Mountain and Babel. His work on Babel and the critically-acclaimed Motorcycle Diaries also earned BAFTA honors. Through the creation of his label Surco, Santaolalla has also launched and sustained marquee artists, including international star Juanes.

Chart-dominating reggaetón duo Wisin & Yandel and charismatic troubadour Espinoza Paz shared the prestigious Latin Songwriter of the Year title. The win marks the second consecutive Songwriter of the Year crown for Wisin & Yandel’s Juan Luis Morera Luna and Llandel Veguilla Malavé. Three of the co-writing pair’s infectious hits rested comfortably on BMI’s most-performed list: “Noche De Entierro (Nuestro Amor)” (Los Benjamins featuring Wisin & Yandel, Daddy Yankee, Héctor "El Father,” Tonny Tún Tún and Zion), “Pam Pam” (Wisin & Yandel) and “Pegao” (Wisin & Yandel featuring Los Vaqueros). Mexican singer/songwriter Espinoza Paz earned his first Songwriter of the Year trophy by also contributing three songs to the top 50: “Mil Heridas” (Banda Cuisillos), “Prohibido” (El Coyote y su Banda Tierra Santa) and “Te Compro” (Duelo).

“De Rodillas Te Pido” earned BMI Latin Song of the Year honors for award-winning songwriter José a.k.a. “Pepe” A. Sosa. Published by Siempre Music and recorded by renowned group Alegres de la Sierra, “De Rodillas Te Pido” shot to the top slot of Billboard’s Latin Regional Mexican Airplay Chart and reached the Hot Latin Tracks’ top ten ranks. The combination of José A. Sosa and Alegres de la Sierra proved potent, as Sosa also took home an award for composing the band’s hit “Y Si Volviera A Nacer.”

With the highest percentage of copyright ownership of the year’s most-performed songs, Editora Arpa Musical garnered the Latin Publisher of the Year crown. Hits including Mariano Barba’s “Aliado Del Tiempo”; La Banda Pequeños Musical’s “Reencuentro” and “Me Encantaría”; El Chapo de Sinaloa’s “Detrás De La Puerta”; and Songwriter of the Year Espinoza Paz’s compositions catapulted Editora Arpa Musical to the top.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the BMI Foundation's fifth annual peermusic Latin Scholarship to Boston’s Simmons College student Daniela Blau. The 21 year-old Costa Rica native will receive a $5,000 scholarship for her song “Y Si No Lo Sabes.” Established by the BMI Foundation and funded by the generosity of Ralph Peer II and the peermusic companies, the scholarship is awarded annually through a competition for original Latin songs and instrumental compositions. The 2008 competition was open to college students between the ages of 16 and 24 currently attending school throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

BMI also honored beloved Mexican troupe La Banda El Récodo with a commemorative plaque celebrating the prolific group’s 70th anniversary. Recognized as the first recorded banda, La Banda El Récodo also ranks among the most eclectic, combining Latin dance, jazz and classical music to produce an inimitable sound.

Premier Latin songwriters Manuel Eduardo Castro (SACM), Agustín Cejudo, Edgar Cortázar, Héctor Delgado "El Father,” Cuauhtémoc González García, Don Omar, Luis "Louie" Padilla and Julieta Venegas (SGAE) took home two awards each. Additional big winners included Mariano Barba for “Aliado Del Tiempo”’s second award; Ramón González Mora for “Voy A Llorar Por Ti”; Adrián Pieragostino for “Me Duele Escuchar Tu Nombre”; Kike Santander for “¿Quién Me Iba A Decir?”; Sergio Vallin for “Bendita Tu Luz”; and Luigi Giraldo and A.B. Quintanilla III for “Chiquilla.”

Publishers claiming two or more songs among the top 50 were Universal Music Publishing Group (Universal Music-Careers/Universal-Música Unica Publishing/Universal Music Publishing SA [SGAE]); EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc.; SER-CA Publishing, Inc.; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.; Máximo Aguirre Music Publishing, Inc.; Blue Kraft Music Publishing; Crown P. Music Publishing; Peer Music Group (Peer International Corp./peermusic III, Ltd.); and Rompediscoteca Music Publisher.

Latin rock superstar, Juanes noted the contest's importance in supporting and encouraging young Latin musical talent. "This contest is an amazing opportunity for young composers/lyricists to compete against the best talent in the USA and Puerto Rico and earn money to further their education. I am glad to be a part of something that promotes and celebrates the emergence and growth of Latin musical talent," he sais.

According to Porfirio Pina, Director of the competition, the program is open to students between the ages of 16 and 24 who are enrolled in any college or university located in the United States and Puerto Rico. All words and music must be original. The postmark deadline for entries is February 8, 2008. Competition rules and applications are available online at www.bmifoundation.org.

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 33 offices in 27 countries. With well over a quarter of a million titles in the company's catalogue, and songs that vary from country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock 'n' roll, peermusic is the largest privately owned company of its kind in the world.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.

Listen to the winning song, "Todo Lo Que Necesito."

The scholarship competition was established through the generosity of Ralph Peer II and the peermusic companies and is open to students between the ages of 16 and 24 attending colleges and universities in the United States and Puerto Rico. The 2007 jury included Latin Grammy President Gabriel Abaroa, peermusic's Julio Bague, EMI Music Publishing's Claribel Caraballo, Sony BMG Music Entertainment's Rene Hubard and Tu Casa Entertainment's Maribel Schumacher. Porfirio Piña, Director of the Foundation's peermusic Latin Scholarhsip and Director of Latin Music at BMI in New York, oversaw the judging process.

The judges also awarded one Honorable Mention to 22-year-old Rebecca Lopez and 24-year-old Agnel David Lindes, both students at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, who co-wrote the winning song, "Y Se Va."

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 33 offices in 27 countries. With well over a quarter of a million titles in the company's catalogue, and songs that vary from country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock 'n' roll, peermusic is the largest privately owned company of its kind in the world.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.

Famed Latin rock superstar, Juanes, is proud to stand behind a contest that supports and encourages young Latin musical talent. "This contest is an amazing opportunity for young composers/lyricists to compete against the best talent in the USA and Puerto Rico and earn money to further their education. I am glad to be a part of something that promotes and celebrates the emergence and growth of Latin musical talent," says Juanes.

The 2007 competition is open to students between the ages of 16 and 24 enrolled in any college or university in the United States and Puerto Rico. All words and music must be original. The postmark deadline for entries is Jan. 13, 2007. Click here for competition rules and applications.

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 33 offices in 27 countries. With well over a quarter of a million titles in the company's catalogue, and songs that vary from country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock 'n' roll, peermusic is the largest privately owned company of its kind in the world.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.]]> 2006-10-12T05:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/334779 Jackson, Ralph, Bryant, Del, Godoy, Marco, Peer, Ralph, Peer, Ralph S., peermusic, Latin, Foundation, peermusic Latin Scholarship BMI Foundation, Inc., has announced that Berklee College of Music student Marco A. Godoy is the winner of the third annual peermusic Latin Scholarship, a competition for original Latin songs and instrumental compositions. The 23-year-old Venezuelan songwriter, who also won the prestigious honor in 2004, reclaimed the title and took home $5,000 for his song "Para Mi Eres Todo." The scholarship presentation took place during the recent BMI Latin Awards ceremony held in New York City, where the young musician got to share the stage with some of the biggest names in Latin music.

Peermusic Scholarship winner Marco Godoy (center) is congratulated on stage by BMI's Del Bryant, peermusic's Kathy Spanberger, BMI's Diane Almodovar and Elizabeth Ann Peer, daughter of Ralph Peer II.

Godoy, whose instrumental "My Latin Feel" earned him the Foundation's inaugural peermusic Scholarship two years ago, won his first singing competition at the age of six, led his own rock/pop band at 13, and was hired to be the arranger and director of a 15-piece salsa band at the age of 16. With a dual major in Music Production & Engineering and Contemporary Music & Production, Godoy was also a finalist in the SGAE Premio de Jazz Latino, won first place in the Shure Fantastic Scholastic Recording Competition, and has been honored by Berklee with its Achievement Scholarship and the Peter Kaleta Award for his contributions to the college's Contemporary Writing and Production department.

Peermusic Scholarship winner Marco Godoy shows off his award plaque to BMI Foundation President Ralph Jackson.

The BMI Foundation’s peermusic Latin Scholarship was established in 2003 through the generosity of music publishing titan Ralph Peer II and the peermusic companies for college students throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The judging panel included Sony/BMG’s Angel Carrasco, LARAS President Gabriel Abaroa, EMI’s Nestor E. Casanou, peermusic’s Julio Bague, Sirius Satellite Radio’s Elizabeth Rodriguez, El Especial’s Fernanda Garcia, Venevision Music’s Fidel Hernandez and Tu Casa Entertainment’s Maribel Schumacher.

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 33 offices in 27 countries. With well over a quarter of a million titles in the company's catalogue, and songs that vary from country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock 'n' roll, peermusic is the largest privately owned company of its kind in the world.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants. For more information: www.bmifoundation.org.

Photos by WireImage/Lester Cohen]]> 2006-04-20T18:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234540 Peer, Ralph, Peer, Ralph S., peermusic, Latin, Foundation BMI Foundation, Inc. has announced the opening of the 3rd Annual peermusic Latin Scholarship, a competition for young songwriters and composers. Established by music publisher Ralph Peer II and generously funded by peermusic, a $5,000 scholarship will be awarded for the best song or instrumental composition in a Latin genre.

The 2006 competition is open to students between the ages of 16 and 24 enrolled in any college or university located in the United States and Puerto Rico. All words and music must be original. The postmark deadline for entries is January 13, 2006. Click here to download the competition rules and application. (pdf)

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 33 offices in 27 countries. With well over a quarter of a million titles in the company's catalogue, and songs that vary from country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock 'n' roll, peermusic is the largest privately owned company of its kind in the world.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.]]> 2005-09-13T18:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234422 de la Parra, Manelick, Peer, Ralph, Peer, Ralph S., peermusic, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Rock, Foundation, peermusic Latin Scholarship BMI Foundation, Inc., has announced that Manelick de la Parra is the winner of the second annual peermusic Latin Scholarship, a competition for original Latin songs and instrumental compositions. De la Parra, a 22-year-old native of Mexico and a senior at Berklee College of Music, received a $5,000 scholarship for his song, "Me Toco Amarte." The presentation took place during the BMI Latin Awards ceremony held in Las Vegas on April 21.

Ralph N. Jackson and Manelick de la Parra

Click here to listen to "Me Toco Amarte" by Manelick de la Parra

This new BMI Foundation scholarship was established in 2003 through the generosity of Ralph Peer II and the peermusic companies for students between the ages of 16 and 24 from schools in California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Puerto Rico and Texas. This year's judges included Latin Grammy President Gabriel Abaroa, peermusic's Julio Bague, SZG Entertainment's George Zamora, and BMI's Dianne J. Almodovar and Porfirio Pina.

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 33 offices in 27 countries. With well over a quarter of a million titles in the company's catalogue, and songs that vary from country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock 'n' roll, peermusic is the largest privately owned company of its kind in the world.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.]]> 2005-04-21T18:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234238 Peer, Ralph, Peer, Ralph S., peermusic, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Rock, Foundation BMI Foundation has announced the opening of the 2nd Annual peermusic Latin Scholarship, a competition for young songwriters and composers. Established by music publisher Ralph Peer II and generously funded by peermusic, a $5,000 scholarship will be awarded for the best song or instrumental composition in a Latin genre.

The 2005 competition is open to students between the ages of 16 and 24 enrolled in colleges and universities located in these select states: California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Puerto Rico and Texas. All words and music must be original.

Click here for official rules and applications materials. You may also obtain materials by writing to:

Ralph N. Jackson
President, BMI Foundation
Peermusic Latin Scholarship
320 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019

The postmark deadline for entries is January 13, 2005.

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 33 offices in 27 countries. With well over a quarter of a million titles in the company's catalogue, and songs that vary from country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock 'n' roll, peermusic is the largest privately owned company of its kind in the world.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 95% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.

Click here to see last year's winner.]]> 2004-10-27T18:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/234010 Jackson, Ralph, Godoy, Marco, Peer, Ralph, Peer, Ralph S., peermusic, Preston, Frances, Santander, Kike, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Rock, Foundation, peermusic Latin Scholarship BMI Foundation, Inc. has announced that Marco A. Godoy is the winner of the first annual peermusic Latin Scholarship, a competition for original Latin songs and instrumental compositions. Godoy, a 21-year-old native of Venezuela and a freshman at Berklee College of Music, received a $5,000 scholarship for his instrumental entitled, "My Latin Feel." The presentation took place on March 16 during the BMI Latin Awards ceremony held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Click here to listen to "My Latin Feel"

Pictured after the presentation of the BMI Foundation/peermusic Latin Scholarship are BMI Foundation President Ralph Jackson, BMI President & CEO Frances Preston, scholarship recipient Marco Godoy, and peermusic Chairman & CEO Ralph Peer II.

This new BMI Foundation scholarship was established through the generosity of Ralph Peer II and the peermusic companies and was open to students between the ages of 16 and 24 from 17 select schools in California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Puerto Rico and Texas. The judges included Latin Grammy President Gabriel Abaroa, Warner Music Latina's Amir Agai, BMI's Dianne J. Almodovar, peermusic's Julio Bague, songwriter Rodolfo Castillo, BMI songwriter Kike Santander and Warner Music Latina President George Zamora.

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 33 offices in 27 countries. With well over a quarter of a million titles in the company's catalogue, and songs that vary from country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock 'n' roll, peermusic is the largest privately owned company of its kind in the world.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 97% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.]]> 2004-03-21T17:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233974 Peer, Ralph, Peer, Ralph S., peermusic, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Rock, Foundation BMI Foundation, Inc., and Ralph Peer II, Chairman and CEO of peermusic, announced today the establishment of the peermusic Latin Scholarship for young songwriters and composers. Funded through the generosity of the peermusic companies, the new $5,000 scholarship will be awarded annually through a competition for original Latin songs and instrumental compositions.

The first contest, which is currently underway, includes students between the ages of 16 and 24 from 17 select schools in California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Puerto Rico and Texas. According to Jackson, "Peermusic has always been a leader in the field of Latin music, and we are delighted to partner with them in creating this wonderful new opportunity for young people in the Latin songwriting community."

Founded by Ralph S. Peer in 1928, peermusic is a global network of music publishing companies operating from 33 offices in 27 countries. With well over a quarter of a million titles in the company's catalogue, and songs that vary from country, blues, jazz and pop to Latin, concert and rock 'n' roll, peermusic is the largest privately owned company of its kind in the world.

The BMI Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1985 to support the creation, performance and study of music through awards, scholarships, commissions and grants. Tax-deductible donations to the Foundation come primarily from songwriters, composers and publishers, BMI employees and members of the public with a special interest in music. Because both the Foundation staff and the distinguished members of the Advisory Panel serve without compensation, over 97% of all donations and income are used for charitable grants.]]> 2004-02-23T17:00:00-05:00