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RZA, producer and the mastermind behind the influential hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, will be presented with the TEC Innovation Award at The NAMM Show’s 2024 TEC Awards on Jan. 27 in Anaheim, Calif. The award honors individuals who have set the highest standards of excellence in the creative application of recording technology.
The award was formerly known as the NAMM TEC Les Paul Innovation Award, in honor of the legendary guitarist, songwriter and inventor who died in 2009. RZA will be the first recipient who is known primarily for hip-hop. Previous recipients include Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Stevie Wonder, best known for R&B, and Herbie Hancock, best known for jazz and R&B.
“RZA’s formidable body of work and talent is unquestionable,” John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO, said in a statement. “His legacy of accomplishments and lasting power on music inspires many music makers beyond hip-hop and he deserves this high recognition.”
RZA (Robert Diggs) is a trailblazer in culture and in hip-hop, having created the group’s widely-imitated core sound consisting of stark, booming beats, and chilling samples heavily drawing from vintage soul records as well as kung fu movies.
The Staten Island group debuted in 1993 with Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Rolling Stone ranked it No. 27 on its 2020 update of its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, with the magazine noting, “Their raw, hectic debut launched rap’s greatest franchise and reasserted New York’s hip-hop dominance the early Nineties.” In 2022, the album was inducted into the National Recording Registry overseen by the Library of Congress.
The group’s second album, Wu-Tang Forever, entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 in 1997 and received a Grammy nomination for best rap album.
RZA scored Jim Jarmusch’s 1999 film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and organized and orchestrated Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol. 1 and Kill Bill Vol. 2 (the latter, in tandem with Robert Rodriguez). RZA is among the stars of the 2023 comedy film Problemista, which premiered at SXSW. He is also an executive producer for, and directed several episodes of Wu-Tang: An American Saga, the original Hulu series honoring his group.
Now in its 39th year and presented by NAMM, the TEC Awards recognizes the best in professional audio and sound production and takes place as a part of The NAMM Show, the world’s largest music trade show. All finalists will be celebrated at a reception being held on the campus of the Anaheim Convention Center on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 27.
The NAMM Show will include live music, including a performance by emerging female hip-hop artist Blimes, and sessions such as Innovate and Elevate: Exploring DJ Technology with DJ Hapa, as well as signature events such as the Parnelli Awards and She Rocks Awards.
Learn more about the TEC Awards here and purchase tickets here.
Here’s the full list of previous recipients of the NAMM Innovation Award, when it was called the NAMM TEC Les Paul Innovation Award:
1991: Bob Ludwig
1992: Bob Clearmountain
1993: Peter Gabriel
1994: Herbie Hancock
1995: Alan Parsons
1996: Brian Wilson
1997: Stevie Wonder
1998: Neil Young
1999: Sting
2000: Paul McCartney
2001: Steely Dan
2002: Robbie Robertson
2003: Bruce Springsteen
2004: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis
2005: David Byrne
2006: Steve Miller
2007: Al Kooper
2008: Ray Benson
2011: Lindsey Buckingham
2012: Steve Vai
2013: Pete Townshend
2014: Todd Rundgren
2015: Slash
2016: Don Was
2017: Joe Perry
2018: Jackson Browne
2019: Peter Frampton
2020: Joni Mitchell
2022: Carol Kaye
Electronic violinist, dancer and artist Lindsey Stirling; classically trained pianist-turned-touring keyboardist Bonnie McIntosh; and veteran music journalist Melinda Newman, Billboard’s executive editor for the West Coast and Nashville, have been added to the list of 2024 She Rocks Awards honorees.
Other newly-added honorees are Holly G, writer and founder of the Black Opry and Black Opry Records; Jamie Deering, CEO of Deering Banjo Company; and Lindsay Love-Bivens, artist and community relations manager for Taylor Guitars.
These trailblazers join previously-announced honorees Debbie Gibson, Laura Karpman, Britt Lightning, Kelsy Karter and Sylvia Massy.
The 12th annual live awards show will take place on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Anaheim Convention Center Ballroom in Anaheim, Calif. The show will be co-hosted by Susanna Hoffs, co-founder and frontwoman for The Bangles, solo artist and author, and AIJIA, artist, songwriter, vocal producer and performer.
For the opening act, PRS Guitars international touring artist Jimena Fosado will perform with her trio, which features Melanie Jo on drums and Lex Wolfe on bass.
The She Rocks Awards is the premier event during the NAMM Show, bringing together music and audio industry professionals, artists, fans and the media. The celebratory evening includes live music, awards and speeches, dinner, a silent auction, gift bags and more. The She Rocks Awards is open to the public. Find out more and purchase tickets at sherocksawards.com.
The She Rocks Awards will be live-streamed by AXS TV, Spin magazine and NAMM. Learn more about the She Rocks Awards and get tickets at sherocksawards.com.
The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) presents the annual event. Founded in 2012, the WiMN unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries. Music industry veteran Laura B. Whitmore founded the organization. For more information, visit www.TheWiMN.com.
Former teen star Debbie Gibson, film and TV composer Laura Karpman, producer Sylvia Massy, guitarist Britt Lightning and frontwoman Kelsy Karter are the first honorees announced for the 2024 She Rocks Awards. The event is set to take place on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at the Anaheim Convention Center Ballroom in Anaheim, Calif.
Susanna Hoffs, who was honored at the She Rocks Awards in 2015, will co-host the 12th annual live awards show, which is presented by the Women’s International Music Network. Tickets to the show, which is now an official NAMM-sponsored event, are on sale now.
The She Rocks Awards is the premier event during the NAMM Show, bringing together industry professionals, artists, fans and the media. The annual event honors women who are groundbreakers and innovators and have displayed leadership within the music and audio industries. Past honorees include The Go-Go’s, Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson, Lzzy Hale, Gloria Gaynor, Linda Perry, Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar, Judy Collins, The B-52s, Colbie Caillat, Chaka Khan, Ronnie Spector, Orianthi and The Bangles.
The event includes live music, awards and speeches, dinner, a silent auction, gift bags and more. Tickets to the event are now on sale. The She Rocks Awards is open to the public; a NAMM Show badge is required to attend the She Rocks Awards. Find out more and purchase tickets at sherocksawards.com.
Founded in 2012 by music industry veteran Laura B. Whitmore, the Women’s International Music Network unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries.
Here’s a quick look at this year’s honorees:
Debbie Gibson
NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants) will be the presenting sponsor of the 2024 She Rocks Awards, the Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) announced on Wednesday (Sept. 6). Taking place on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, the event will be held in the Ballroom at the Anaheim Convention Center during the NAMM show.
The She Rocks Awards has become a premier event during the NAMM Show, bringing together industry professionals, artists, fans, and the media to celebrate the contributions of women from across the music and audio industries. 2024 will mark the event’s 12th anniversary.
“We’ve always aligned the She Rocks Awards to happen during NAMM. Now we are delighted to have NAMM support us as a partner to encourage participation in this meaningful event,” Laura B. Whitmore, founder of the She Rocks Awards and the WiMN, said in a statement.
“Our partnership with the WiMN continues to elevate and promote the tremendous achievements by so many incredible women in the music industry,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “The NAMM Show will continue to provide critical platforms such as the She Rock Awards to highlight and celebrate incredible women who shape our industry’s future. Along with Women of NAMM and the WiMN, we have great potential to grow our show on a yearly basis.”
This evening includes live music, awards and speeches, dinner, a silent auction, gift bags and more. Tickets are now on sale. This event is open to the public; however, a 2024 NAMM show badge is required to attend the She Rocks Awards. Find out more and purchase tickets at sherocksawards.com.
Past honorees of the She Rocks Awards include Go-Go’s, Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson, Lzzy Hale, Gloria Gaynor, Judy Collins, Linda Perry, Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar, The B-52s, Colbie Caillat, Sheila E, Chaka Khan, Noelle Scaggs (Fitzs & the Tantrums), Ronnie Spector, Orianthi and The Bangles.
The 2024 She Rocks Awards is sponsored by NAMM (presenting), Sweetwater, PRS Guitars, Positive Grid, Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp Foundation, Reverb.com, Fishman, Shure, Berklee Online, M.A.C Cosmetics, Exploration.io, 108 Rock Star Guitars, Roland, Taylor Guitars, Earthquaker Devices, dw Drums, Cuccio, DiGiCo, Seymour Duncan, Monster Energy, Guitar Girl Magazine, Music Connection, AXS TV and more. For information regarding She Rocks Awards sponsorship opportunities, contact info@thewimn.com
Learn more about the She Rocks Awards and get tickets at sherocksawards.com.
The 2024 NAMM Show will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center Jan. 25-28, 2024 with online registration at registration@namm.org.
Founded in 2012, the WiMN unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries. The organization produces and hosts events such as the WiMN She Rocks Showcase series, the She Rocks Awards, and a variety of workshops and panels throughout the year. For more information, visit www.TheWiMN.com.
NAMM is a not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of 15,000 global member companies and individual professionals. For more information, visit www.namm.org.
Judy Collins, Shelly Peiken, Noelle Scaggs and more were honored at the 2023 She Rocks Awards, which were held at The Ranch in Anaheim, Calif. on Thursday (April 13).
The 11th annual event, sponsored by The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), honored the accomplishments of a diverse group of women representing all facets of the music industry.
The event kicked off with a set from Toronto-based band The Beaches. The all-woman quartet won their second Juno Award, rock album of the year, last year for Sisters Not Twins (The Professional Lovers Album).
Laura Whitmore, founder of the Women’s International Music Network and She Rocks co-producer, welcomed those in attendance.
The night proceeded with Legend Award honoree Collins, who quoted Mae West in her acceptance speech and lead the audience in an a cappella rendition of her 1971 hit “Amazing Grace.” Collins has a 59-year span of Grammy nominations. She was nominated for best folk recording in 1964 for her third studio album, Judy Collins #3, and was nominated again last year for best folk album for Spellbound, her 55th album. She won a 1968 Grammy for her hit rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”
Dreaming Out Loud honoree Peiken encouraged the crowd “to not be afraid to grow up.” Peiken is a two-time Grammy nominee, for co-writing Meredith Brooks’ 1997 smash “Bitch” and for best spoken word album for Confessions of a Serial Songwriter.
“I’m just finding my time at this point in my career,” Peiken said. “And there are many more adventures ahead. It’s truly an honor to be in the company of giants past, present and future.”
Powerhouse honoree Scaggs of Fitz & the Tantrums spoke of her inspiration for starting the organization Diversify the Stage (DTS). “I wanted young people to feel like they had a place in the industry,” said Scaggs. “It’s incredible to see our community standing up in ways I never got to see growing up; women are in greater positions of power to build new ways of thinking and actions that are truly moving the needle and bringing confidence to young people who may have felt they didn’t have a place here, or that the glass ceiling could never be broken. It’s important that young people see their reflections in this industry, to have people who share their identities, who have a familiar journey, this is what the DTS mission is, ensuring no human will ever feel dis-included in this space, because they see their reflections, in front and behind the scenes.”
Champion Award honoree, Stacey Ryan, COO of the School of Rock, spoke about the work needed to elevate more women into executive positions, and the importance of organizations like the Women’s International Music Network for mentoring young, up-and-coming women in the music industry. Her award acceptance was followed by an all-female School of Rock Band performing En Vogue’s 1992 smash “Free Your Mind.”
The night culminated with a performance from guitarist Gretchen Menn, She Rocks Inspire Award recipient, who led her band in an original song followed by a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s 1972 classic “Rock and Roll” with fellow Zepparella member Holly West on bass and lead vocals helmed by guest Laura Clapp.
Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries. The organization produces the She Rocks podcast, the LIVE: Front & Center web series, WiMN She Rocks Spotlight Showcase Series and the She Rocks Awards, and is founded by music industry veteran Laura B. Whitmore. For more information, go here.
Here’s a complete list of 2023 She Rocks Awards honorees:
Legend Award: Judy Collins, singer/songwriter icon; Grammy-winner and two-time Grammy Hall of Fame inductee
Powerhouse Award: Noelle Scaggs, co-frontperson for Fitz and the Tantrums and founder of Diversify the Stage
Dreaming Out Loud Award: Shelly Peiken, Grammy-nominated songwriter
Tone Setter Award: Mary Spender – guitarist, singer, songwriter and YouTube star
Mad Skills Award: Michelle Bell – vp of creative for Roc Nation
Vision Award: Lisa S. Johnson, photographer and author of 108 Rock Star Guitars and Immortal Axes
Groundbreaker Award: Katherine Wing, vp of marketing for Roland, drummer
Champion Award: Stacey Ryan, chief operating officer for School of Rock
Excellence Award: Helen Culleton, chief operating officer for Audiotonix
Inspire Award: Gretchen Menn, guitarist and founding member of Zepparella
Heart and Soul: Brad Tolinski, former Guitar World editor and author
John Fogerty will be presented with the National Association of Music Merchants’ (NAMM) prestigious Music for Life Award at the 2023 NAMM Show, the organization revealed on Monday (March 20).
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The Grammy-winning composer and musician will receive the entertainment technology industry’s highest honor on April 13 in Anaheim, California, in recognition to his lifelong contributions to music and his commitment to inspiring music makers worldwide. With the award, Fogerty will join a list of iconic past recipients including Quincy Jones, Garth Brooks, Melissa Etheridge, Jason Mraz, Graham Nash, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Yoko Ono, Henry Mancini, Bob Weir and Nancy Wilson. Most recently, Kenny Loggins was presented with the award in 2022.
“John Fogerty is a living example of inspiration and character, as a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and artistic visionary,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond in a press statement. “When I was 10, my dad brought home the Creedence Clearwater Revival album Green River and said, ‘Play like this.’ That moment started my own musical journey, and I imagine many walking The NAMM Show floor can say the same thing. Honoring him with the Music for Life Award will be a personal highlight for me and a huge privilege for all NAMM members.”
The exciting news comes following an already great year for Fogerty, who gained worldwide control of his Creedence Clearwater Revival publishing rights in January after a half-century struggle. The treasure trove includes such rock classics as “Proud Mary,” “Down on the Corner,” Fortunate Son,” “Bad Moon Rising” “Up Around the Bend” and “Green River.”
Fogerty and his band will also be hitting the road this year for The Celebration Tour, where he’ll be joined by his sons Shane and Tyler, as well as their band, Hearty Har.
Registration is open for the 2023 NAMM Show. Sign up here.
Chuck D, the leader and founder of Public Enemy, will receive NAMM’s inaugural Impact Music & Culture Award at the 2023 NAMM Show, which is being held April 13-15 in Anaheim, Calif.
The rapper will be on hand to accept the award, which will be presented at the TEC Experience on Thursday, April 13 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. PT. The award will be presented by Brian Hardgroove, Public Enemy’s bassist and bandleader and founder of Resonant Alien.
“TEC honors the pioneers, the innovators, those who have moved us forward, and the products and technologies which have advanced music-making,” TEC committee member Tony Baraz said in a statement. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we recognize the impact that pioneers like Chuck D and others have had on music, music products, the music industry, and culture as a whole.”
Public Enemy was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2020.
NAMM’s Impact & Culture Award was conceived by Hardgroove as an opportunity to recognize individuals who move culture through the power of music.
The recognition comes as part of The NAMM Show’s Hip-Hop@50 celebration, a curated slate of sessions and events throughout the conference. Also planned is a music video montage of the history of hip-hop from music/video mashup creator, producer, and director Mike Relm and a performance by Resonant Alien, the new band featuring Hardgroove and DJ Johnny Juice of Public Enemy.
Additional Hip-Hop@50 events planned during the 2023 NAMM Show include a Friday, April 14 session from 5-8 p.m.: “Chuck D on Hip-Hop at 50, Hosted by Brian Hardgroove,” presented by Black to the Future and showcasing an historical look at the American music and cultural phenomenon.
On Saturday, April 15 from 3-5 p.m., the Yamaha Grand Plaza stage will come alive with the MIDI@40 celebration showcasing a performance by Resonant Alien. The performance will recognize the impact that hip-hop and MIDI — as an underlying, enabling technology — have had in breaking down barriers. MIDI drum machines, sequencers, synths, and turntables are at the heart of many of the iconic records that made hip-hop the cultural phenomenon that it is today. Learn more about MIDI@40 and Hip-Hop@50 events here.
Additionally, awards will be given to TEC Experience finalists in 21 technical achievement and one studio design project categories. View the complete list of finalists here.
The NAMM TEC Experience is a communal reception that gathers the crossroads of the industry to applaud the achievements of the researchers and developers, product designers, marketers, and innovators behind the innovations in pro audio.
The TEC Experience, MIDI@40 and Hip-Hop@50 join the return of industry events, including the Parnelli Awards and the She Rocks Awards, as well as other event gatherings and networking opportunities, including the Top 100 Dealer, Pro Audio Pool Party, Women of NAMM and NAMM Young Professionals receptions, and more. View the schedule here.
Registration for the 2023 NAMM Show is now open here.
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