Memorable additions to musical comedy canon include 'The Chanukah Song,' 'The Thanksgiving Song,' 'Lunchlady Land' and 'Red Hooded Sweatshirt
Announced today, March 4, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor movie star, songwriter and comedy powerhouse Adam Sandler with The ASCAP Founders Award at the 37th annual 2020 Pop Music Awards. This invitation-only event celebrates the ASCAP writers and publishers of the most-performed music of the past year, and takes place on April 28 in Los Angeles. The night will be filled with music, laughter and of course, Hollywood magic.
“Adam is a giant of comedy, and so many of his most hilarious onscreen moments are based in music and song,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “From Opera Man to ‘The Chanukah Song’ to ‘Grow Old with You,’ Adam’s genius ability to seamlessly blend comedy and music helps us all appreciate the wonders and absurdities of life and love. ASCAP is honored to recognize Adam Sandler for his singular contributions to the comedy music canon.”
“Music has always been a perfect partner to comedy and together they have tremendous power to lift people up,” said ASCAP Executive Vice President, Membership, John Titta. “Adam is a master of both art forms and that’s why I’m so excited that he will be the first music and comedy songwriter to receive the ASCAP Founders Award.”
Sandler has been an ASCAP member for 28 years and has over 250 ASCAP-registered works, including amusing ballads and playful sing-a-longs, from his well-known SNL classics like “The Thanksgiving Song,” “Lunchlady Land” and “Red Hooded Sweatshirt.” His newer songs like his touching tribute to Chris Farley in his 2019 Netflix special 100% Fresh, include Sandler sending the audience into laughter. He has released six albums, received four Grammy nominations, with two going double-platinum, They’re All Gonna Laugh at You! and What the Hell Happened to Me? Sandlers work demonstrates his incredible wit, comic timing and effortless ability to connect with his audience. His songs are featured in several of his hit Hollywood films including The Wedding Singer (“Grow Old with You”), 50 First Dates (“Forgetful Lucy”), The Meyerowitz Stories (“Genius Girl”) and Eight Crazy Nights.
Not only is Sandler a prolific comedic actor and songwriter, he’s also a writer and producer, and his films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide, include the box-office hits like Grown Ups, Big Daddy and The Wedding Singer. His films on Netflix have accumulated over 2 billion hours and his latest, Murder Mystery, was the most popular title on Netflix for 2019. A24’s Uncut Gems was his most recent critical and award-winning success.
The ASCAP Founders Award is presented to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Each is a musical innovator with a unique style of creative genius that will enrich generations to come. Previous recipients include Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Patti Smith, Stephen Schwartz, Roscoe Mitchell, Randy Travis, Notorious B.I.G., Sean Combs, Dr. Dre, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Annie Lenox, Carly Simon, Jeff Lynne, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS.
