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Jason Mraz To Receive Hal David Starlight Award At Songwriters Hall Of Fame 40th Anniversary Gala
New York, N.Y. April 14, 2009 – Hal David, Chairman/CEO of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, today announced that Jason Mraz will be the recipient of the Hal David Starlight Award, to be presented at the 2009 Songwriters Hall of Fame 40th Anniversary Awards dinner, slated for Thursday, June 18th, at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel.
Starting out as a busker in New York City, Mraz moved to the warmer climate of San Diego to hone his writing and performing skills. It was there that he received attention from Elektra Records, which released Mraz’ debut Waiting For My Rocket To Come in 2002. Producing the hit singles “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry),” which Mraz co-wrote with pop hitmakers the Matrix, “You & I Both” and “Curbside Prophet,” Waiting For My Rocket To Come received platinum certification and paved the way for Mraz’ reputation as a clever, inspired and observant songwriter. Mraz’ second release, the Grammy-nominated Mr. A-Z, debuted at #5 on the charts and featured the hit single “Wordplay.” His third album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. resulted in three Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year for “I’m Yours,” which is a warm breeze of a song about finally giving into love and life’s possibilities set to lilting island tempo. “I’m Yours” holds the distinction of being the only song to ever top the airplay charts in the U.S. in all four major pop radio formats – Top 40, Adult Alternative, Adult Contemporary and Hot Adult Contemporary - and has sold over five million copies worldwide.
Commenting on the award to Mraz, lyricist extraordinaire Hal David said, “Jason’s accomplishments as a talented songwriter make him the ideal recipient of our Starlight Award.”
The Hal David Starlight Award, created in 2004, was renamed in honor of the SHOF Chairman for his longtime support of young songwriters. Award recipients are gifted songwriters who are at an apex in their careers and are making a significant impact in the music industry via their original songs. Jason Mraz joins the prestigious company of Rob Thomas, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, John Legend and John Rzeznik as past recipients of the Hal David Starlight Award.
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent.
Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent.
Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil?
Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?