Biographies of John Williams and Bernard Herrmann Among Honored Works in ASCAP Foundation’s Awards for Music Writing and Broadcasts
The ASCAP Foundation has announced the winners of its 77th annual Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Awards, recognising books, articles, liner notes and broadcasts about music. The selection spans classical and pop music, including biographies of film composers John Williams and Bernard Herrmann, and reflects the breadth of music writing and media being honoured.
Tim Greiving’s biography of Williams won a book award in concert music, while Steven C. Smith’s book about Herrmann and Alfred Hitchcock received special recognition. Other honoured works include books on Ella Jenkins and Black opera, Gail Wein’s classical music podcast, Rick Beato’s YouTube series, Ruth Komanoff Underwood’s essay for a Frank Zappa box set, and a documentary about Swamp Dogg. Four ASCAP members judged the awards.
In short
- John Williams biography wins an ASCAP book award.
- Bernard Herrmann book receives special recognition.
- Winners span books, criticism, podcasts and film.
Explained simply
The ASCAP Foundation is a charitable organisation linked to ASCAP, which represents songwriters, composers and music publishers. Its annual Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Awards recognise writing and broadcasts that help audiences understand music.
John Williams and Bernard Herrmann were influential film composers: Williams is known for music in films such as Star Wars, while Herrmann worked often with director Alfred Hitchcock. Biographies and other works about them sit alongside coverage of many musical traditions, from classical music to pop, opera and film.
The awards matter because books, articles, podcasts, video series and documentaries can preserve musicians’ stories and introduce their work to new audiences. Honouring such a wide range of formats reflects how people encounter music and learn about its history.
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