John Lennon Songwriting Contest Announces 1997 Winners

Posted on December 22, 1997

The winners of the first annual John Lennon Songwriting Contest were announced today by David Sonenberg and DASVentures Ltd. A total of 120 winners were chosen and over $200,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded.

Elton John, Joan Osborne, A Tribe Called Quest, Ashford and Simpson, Bjork, Brooks and Dunn, Jimmy Cliff, Judy Collins, Ani DiFranco, Amy Grant, Fugees, Indigo Girls, Larry Carleton, Tom Chapin, Diana King, Dave Koz, Lorrie Morgan, NAS, Raul Malo, John Popper, Raffi, Joshua Redman, Busta Rhymes, Carol Bayer Sager, Jon Secada, Michael W. Smith, Spacehog, Spin Doctors, Pam Tillis, Luther Vandross, Junior Vasquez, Hezekiah Walker, Bryan White, and CeCe Winans were among the Executive Committee members responsible for the selection of the winning songs.

In agreement with Yoko Ono and the Estate of John Lennon, the contest not only promotes the art of songwriting, but also assists in the discovery of new talent. In a show of support, Yoko Ono said, "I hope this contest will encourage, inspire and help the songwriters of the world to share their dream with us."

The twelve Grand Prize Winners will receive $2,000 in cash, $5,000 in Yamaha Project Studio Equipment and a $5,000 advance from EMI Music Publishing. This Spring, one Grand Prize Winner will be chosen by the Executive Committee to receive an additional $15,000 for the "Song of the Year," courtesy of Maxell.