Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
In Memoriam: Rodney Holmes, 1966–2026
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
The 2005 winners of the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) have been announced. Winners were chosen from almost 15,000 entries from 82 countries. ISC entrants competed for more than $150,000 in cash and merchandise to be shared by 50 winners in 16 categories.
“Monk,” by Abram Wilson, won first place in the jazz category. The song by Wilson, an accomplished trumpeter, vocalist, composer, arranger, producer, and educator, is from his debut album, Jazz Warrior, a MOBO Award and BBC Jazz Award nominated collection.
Harvey S took home second place honors for “S,” while third place went to Kerry Politzer for “Rhodes Rage.” A complete list of Jazz winners can be found at www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.htm.
Last year’s judges included Loretta Lynn, Sonny Rollins, John Scofield, Macy Gray, Joss Stone, Darryl McDaniels and LeAnn Rimes among others; while sponsors included Epiphone, ASCAP, and Berklee College of Music.
ISC is now accepting entries for 2006. The overall grand prize has been increased to include a $25,000 cash prize –- the largest cash grand prize of any songwriting competition.
Details: songwritingcompetition.com
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
Jul 22, 2026 12:37 PM
Drummer Rodney Holmes, a powerful presence behind the kit who emerged as an in-demand player on the New York scene…
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