Dennis Scott Receives ASCAP Foundation’s Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award

Two-time Grammy winner Dennis Scott is the 15th recipient of The ASCAP Foundation’s Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award. Honoring the best in children’s music since 2010, the award is presented by the family of Joe Raposo, one of the co-creators of Sesame Street and the show’s longtime musical director.

“I feel honored to be among the composers who have received this award,” Scott said in a statement. “It means even more to me to be associated with the legendary Joe Raposo – who paved the way for all of us who love working in family entertainment.”

Scott began his career as a child actor. His songs have been performed by such diverse artists as Faith Hill, Ray Charles, Sugarland, Alison Krauss, The Muppets, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Trisha Yearwood, Elmo, Charlie Daniels Band, Shari Lewis, Crystal Gayle, Roberta Flack and Ricky Skaggs.

Scott’s two Grammys are for best recording for children for Sesame Country in 1982 and best musical album for children for Songs from the Neighborhood – The Music of Mister Rogers in 2006.

Raposo was also a two-time Grammy winner for best recording for children, for The Electric Company and Sesame Street Live. Raposo’s songs were covered by such major stars as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand and the Carpenters, who took his song “Sing” to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. Raposo died on Feb. 5, 1989 of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, three days before his 52nd birthday.

Only songwriters who have not yet been signed to a major publishing label or record deal are eligible for this award. In addition, they must be an ASCAP member or unaffiliated.