New York – It was an emotional affair for some, and a night of empowerment for others as the SESAC 2009 New York Music Awards paid tribute to songwriters and publishers who have made significant contributions to contemporary music.
The ceremony, which took place on May 12 at New York’s IAC Building, honored veteran songwriter Greg Curtis, Bryan Michael Cox, Bale’wa Muhammad (of The Clutch) and the lady of the hour, Chrisette Michele, among others.
Curtis (“I Remember,” Keyshia Cole), who received the Songwriter of the Year Award, gave a very emotional acceptance speech.
“Sometimes we feel underappreciated in the music business,” he said, tears flowing as he described going through difficult times in his life and how he used those challenges as inspiration for some of his songs.
Several other awards were presented to songwriters in the urban and pop categories, including Bryan Michael Cox, Nate “Danja” Hills, Jonathan Wince and Regie Hamm, for penning “The Time Of My Life,” which was recorded by “American Idol” winner David Cook.
However, the main award of the night, the SESAC Ascension Award, was presented to Chrisette. The “Late Show’s” Paul Shaffer, who received SESAC’s Legend Award in 2008, presented it to the singer. He recalled the first time she performed on the “Late Show” with Nas.
Day 26 with Dawn Richard from Danity Kane, and SESAC’s Trevor Gale
“Dave [David Letterman] told me don’t let [Chrisette] do any other performances unless they’re solo,” he said.
Instead of delivering the usual acceptance speech, Chrisette sang “What You Do” from her new album, Epiphany.
“We spend most [of our] time behind pads and pens in the studio,” she said. “So for us, being appreciated by SESAC means so much.” –felicia j. barclay