Father's Day Song "The Best Of You In Me" Top Selection in 2009 UK Songwriting Contest

    KEY BISCAYNE, FL, September 18, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Listen to The Best Of You In Me

The judges for the UK Songwriting Contest announced the winners of the 2009 awards and included The Best Of You In Me as one of the top songs in the Adult Contemporary genre. Nearly 6000 songs from all over the world were considered by the distinguished list of British judges. The UK Songwriting Contest is dedicated to promoting the art of songwriting and the discovery of new talent. Award winning songwriter and recording artist Johnny Rodgers had this to say about his entry "Although we did not walk away with the top prize for our song, I am quite pleased with the recognition from the UK judges. This is special in light of baseball not really being a prominent sport in Great Britain". Johnny was referring to the song's opening lyrics that bring back memories of playing baseball while growing up ("every catch of every baseball...") - with an encouraging parent nearby.

This recognition adds yet another page to the growing compilation of The Best Of You In Me song credentials. Prior to it's formal release, the song was a first place winner of fan voting at OURSTAGE.com in the John Lennon Song Contest channel. The song is a natural for the Adult Contemporary radio market having been rated by ACMusicresearch.com as a DOUBLE PLUS meaning their test audiences really like the song. Joey Reynolds of New York's WOR radio, keeps the Johnny Rodgers Band recording in his car as one of his personal favorites - and refers to it as "that fathers day song". Hal Leonard Publishing has also commissioned a chorale arrangement for publishing due to the song's theme appropriate for family occasions like graduations, weddings, anniversaries and Mother's/Father's Day celebrations. Co-written and produced by Richard Barone (of The Bongos) the single features the Johnny Rodgers Band: Brian Glassman on bass, Danny Mallon on drums, Joe Ravo on guitars and Johnny on piano and vocals. The song appears on the recently released EP titled BOUND TOGETHER and is available at iTunes, Amazon.com, select F.Y.E. stores and at www.johnnyrodgers.com where piano/vocal sheet music is also available.

From sharing the stage with musical giants Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, smooth jazz recording artist Dave Koz and Oscar, Tony, Grammy-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, performing for Billy Joel and Judy Collins at Lincoln Center's ASCAP Foundation Awards, to making his Broadway debut in the Tony Award winning LIZA's At The Palace, 2008 Billboard World Song Contest winner (Home To Mendocino) Johnny Rodgers has exploded on the music scene like a supernova.

Described by noted Chicago Tribune music critic Howard Reich as "a first-rate singer-songwriter with robust vocals and exuberant pianism," Rodgers has been praised for his soaring, piano-driven songs that Show Business Weekly says he performs "like a combination Elton John, Billy Joel and James Taylor all rolled into one." Fresh and unique, Johnny's music is like taking a guided tour of American pop, with the driving energy of rock and roll blended with the sophistication of jazz. His songs also take side trips to places like upbeat New Orleans and Memphis soul.

Rodgers has won the MAC Award, Backstage Magazine's Bistro Award and Best One Man Show by Show Business Weekly for his New York performances, while his recordings Midday Moon & She were ranked #1 & #2 Jazz Song by OurStage.com in May and June, 2008. Johnny's songwriting abilities have earned him acclaim, winning the New York Sheet Music Society's Gerald Marks Award, the Songwriters Hall of Fame Abe Oldman Award and recently the ASCAP Foundation Jamie deRoy & friends Songwriting award.

The UK Songwriting Contest is dedicated to promoting the art of songwriting and the discovery of new talent. All entries were carefully examined by experienced industry professionals that are looking for promising writers. Leaders in the music industry follow this event closely, and past winners and finalists have been noticed by prominent members of the music community including Sir Paul McCartney and Simon Cowell.

The screening and selection committee included directors and senior executives of The BRIT Trust, The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers, The Music Aid Organisation, The World Music Foundation, The Music Aid Awards Academy, The International Song Copyright Agency, many independent producers and executives, experienced songwriters, music journalists and authors. More about the contest and it's winners at http://www.songwritingcontest.co.uk

A Breath of Fresh Air, LLC is a music management company representing Johnny Rodgers Band - Adult Contemporary POP...with pizAZZ! Songs for the sophisticated palate. For band bio and pictures visit www.johnnyrodgers.com and Electronic Press Kit.

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