ASCAP President Paul Williams Receives International Recognition

ASCAP President Paul Williams received an international award yesterday (5/21) at the 60th Annual Ivor Novello Awards presented by BASCA (the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors) in London. The award, PRS for Music Special International Award, is named after sponsor PRS for Music, the UK’s licensing and royalty company. 

Paul Williams, ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board

Inaugurated in 1956, they celebrate, honor and reward excellence in British and Irish songwriting and composing. BASCA is a not-for-profit membership organization that represents British songwriters and composers.

Williams–an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Hall of Fame songwriter–was recognized for his songwriting career achievements, which include songs like “The Rainbow Connection” (from 1979’s The Muppet Movie), “Evergreen” (from the 1976 film A Star is Born), “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays.” He recently earned a 2014 Album of the Year Grammy for co-writing two songs which he also performs, “Touch” and “Beyond,” with Daft Punk on their critically-acclaimed album Random Access Memories.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Williams. “Over the course of my career I’ve been fortunate to build relationships and work with so many gifted songwriters and artists in the UK. I’m especially gratified to be recognized by my peers in this country.”

Williams recently co-authored a book titled Gratitude and Trust.