THEY WRITE THE SONGS (UPDATE)

UPDATE: ASCAP held its annual "We Write the Songs" event in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday (9/20). Hosted by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams, the event celebrated the bestowal of gifts—original manuscripts, lead sheets, lyrics sheets and photos from some of America’s greatest artists and songs—to the Library of Congress by the Foundation.

On hand for the festivities were Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Madison Love, Broadway and screenwriting duo Pasek & Paul and ASCAP Golden Note Award honoree Matthew West. Lawmakers in attendance included U.S. Reps. Mark Green, R-Tenn., Hank Johnson, D-Ga., and Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and Congressional Songwriters Caucus co-Chairs Reps. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., and Ben Cline, R-Va.

“To us music creators, the Library is the Fort Knox of our copyrights—thank you for being our allies in protecting creators’ rights,” said beloved songwriter-artist Williams ("Rainbow Connection," "We've Only Just Begun," "An Old-Fashioned Love Song"). "We have ASCAP members from all 50 states, in each and every district of our great nation. Some of our songwriters and composers may not be household names, but their songs are instantly recognizable and beloved by millions, all thanks to the hard work they put in behind the scenes to soundtrack our lives.”

In related news, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., couldn't be reached for comment as she was talking to the mayor.

The ASCAP Foundation and the Library of Congress will present the 12th annual “We Write the Songs” event Wednesday (9/20).

Held at the Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress, the event will be hosted by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams. Performers will include Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jermaine Dupri, songwriter Madison Love, Broadway and screenwriting duo Pasek & Paul and ASCAP Golden Note Award honoree Matthew West.

"We are honored to represent nearly a million songwriters, composers, lyricists and music publishers, who are the foundation of the nation's vibrant music industry," Williams said. "We look forward to returning to the Library of Congress to celebrate how ASCAP members have contributed to American culture and are grateful for the opportunity to preserve their legacy so that it may inspire future generations of music creators."

The invitation-only “We Write the Songs” event has become a Washington D.C. tradition. Par for the course, our invitation has been "lost" in the mail.

(Pictured clockwise: Jam & Lewis, Williams and Dupri)