David Olney, Beloved Singer-Songwriter, 1948-2020

David Olney, a revered folk and Americana singer-songwriter, died after suffering an apparent heart attack on Saturday night, Jan. 18, while onstage at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. During a musical career that spanned more than four decades, Olney, 71, recorded and released more than 20 albums and had his songs covered or co-written by such other notable artists as Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Laurie Lewis, Del McCoury, and Linda Ronstadt. [To continue reading this article and to view a few videos, click on the headline.]

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Winners Named in 11th Annual Great American Song Contest

Canadian songwriter Carmel Mikol of Halifax, Nova Scotia captured first place in the contemporary acoustic/folk category of the 11th Annual Great American Song Contest. Winners in nine categories were recently named in the competition that drew more than 1,500 entries. The Cape Breton-born artist was recognized for “In My Bones,” the title track of her new album that is due out next week. [Click the headline to see an article that includes the names of all those honored in the contemporary acoustic/folk category.]

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Reed Waddle Wins New York Songwriters Circle Contest

Reed Waddle, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter and guitarist, is the grand prize winner in the fourth annual songwriting contest sponsored by The New York Songwriters Circle. A panel of 10 music industry judges selected him as the recipient of $25,000 in cash and prizes following live performances by 12 finalists, Nov. 18-19, at The Bitter End in New York City. [To read the entire article, click on the headline.]

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ASCAP New York Sessions Set for March 10

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosts what it bills as a one-day career boost for songwriters and composers in New York City on Tuesday, March 10. ASCAP New York Sessions will feature panel discussions and speakers focusing on such topics as marketing, digital distribution, airplay, recording and publishing. Technology demonstrations and studio master classes round out the day. Attendees also will have opportunities to connect with other songwriters and composers. Registration for the program is $55 for ASCAP members and $75 for non-members through March 3. The prices rise by $20 after then. For more information and to register online, visit www.ascap.com.

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NSAI Hosts Songwriters Festival and Spring Training in Nashville

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) stages its 17th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, March 31-April 4. The songwriters’ festival, which takes place at numerous venues throughout Music City USA, also coincides with NSAI Spring Training (A Songwriter’s Symposium), a two-day intensive seminar for writers of all genres and experience levels. [To read the entire article, click on the headline.]

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