NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - January 10, 2011) - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will host its 19th annual Latin Music Awards on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Miami Beach, FL. The black tie gala will honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed songs in Latin Music of 2010.
One of the many highlights of the invitation-only dinner and awards ceremony will be the presentation of the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award to singer/songwriter Alejandro Sanz in recognition of his unique contributions to Latin music. Past recipients of this award include Armando Manzanero, Antonio Aguilar, Celia Cruz, Ricardo Montaner, Ednita Nazario, Franco de Vita, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón and Ricardo Arjona.
During the awards ceremony, ASCAP will recognize the Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, Independent Publisher of the Year and Latin Song of the Year. Awards will also be presented in the following categories: Pop, Tropical, Regional Mexican, Urban, and Television.
Alejandro Sanz is one of the most successful Latin artists worldwide, selling over 22 million records throughout his acclaimed career, becoming the only Spanish artist to garner 18 Latin Grammys and two Grammy Awards. He has released eleven albums, which have all achieved Platinum status.
Sanz began his musical career in the 90s in his native Spain, where he released his debut album Viviendo Deprisa, which reached multi-platinum status making it the biggest selling album of that year. Two chart-topping albums followed: Si Tu Me Miras and Alejandro Sanz 3. In 1997, he achieved worldwide recognition with his fourth and critically-acclaimed studio album Mas. Four equally successful albums followed: El Alma al aire, No Es Lo Mismo, El Tren De Los Momentos, and his latest, Paraiso Express.
The Spanish singer/songwriter received the 2010 Vision Award from The White House at the 24th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards, which took place in Washington D.C. The prestigious award was given to Sanz in honor of his philanthropic contributions to improve education for children, as well as end poverty. Throughout his career he has made important collaborations with international artists, including Shakira, Calle 13, Joaquin Sabina, The Corrs and Alicia Keys.
Members of the press may apply for credentials at www.ascap.com/press/pressroom/latinmusicawards/.
About ASCAP
Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 400,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations so that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com