The ASCAP Foundation Announces The Paul Williams “Loved The Liner Notes” Award

Paul Williams

The ASCAP Foundation will honor outstanding writing on the subject of music with the Paul Williams “Loved the Liner Notes” Award, as part of the annual Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Awards. Williams, President of The ASCAP Foundation and ASCAP, will fund the award and suggested the name because of his personal affinity for liner notes and the connection they create for the fan with the music.

“Liner notes have the remarkable power to give the music fan an instant tactile, emotional connection to the album and its music,” said Williams. “It’s a chance to ponder words, music, meanings, and appreciate all the talents that go into making a great record. There is much honor in recognizing that contribution. And with more people buying music on vinyl again, liner notes have gained renewed attention from music fans the world over. Long live the liner notes!”

The Deems Taylor/ Virgil Thomson Awards recognize books, articles and liner notes on the subject of music, selected for their excellence. They were established in 1967 to honor the memory of composer, critic and commentator Deems Taylor, who died in 1966 after a distinguished career that included six years as President of ASCAP. In 2014 the Awards were renamed to also honor the memory of Virgil Thomson (1896 – 1989), one of the leading American composers and critics of the 20th Century, and a former member of the ASCAP board of directors. The 48th ASCAP Foundation Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Awards are made possible by a generous grant from the Virgil Thomson Foundation.

Each eligible author of the two highest-rated submissions of books focusing on the pop music genre will receive $500, as will each eligible author of the two highest-rated submissions of books focusing on the concert music genre.

The eligible author of the highest-rated submission of an article focusing on the pop music genre will receive $250, as will the eligible author of the highest-rated submission of an article focusing on the concert music genre. The eligible author of the highest-rated submission of liner notes will receive $250.

Submissions for the awards are being accepted through May 31. Competition guidelines can be found at ascap.com.