Today's Songwriting News
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Limerick City, Ireland
Fontaines Top UK Album Chart
Fontaines D.C. has achieved the third-largest opening week for an album in the United Kingdom this year, securing the Number 1 position on the Official Albums Chart with their latest release, "Dopamine Chamber".
Released to widespread critical acclaim, the record marks the acclaimed Dublin-born, London-based post-punk band's second career leader on the UK albums tally. This milestone follows a high-profile cycle of new releases dominating the British music landscape, underscoring the group's continued commercial and artistic momentum across the region.
Dónal Lunny, Irish Folk Legend, Dead At 79
The Iirsh folk musician and producer Dónal Lunny, who founded such popular Irish bands as Emmet Spiceland, Planxty, The Bothy Band, Moving Hearts, Coolfin, Mozaik, LAPD, and Usher's Island, has died.
The recipient of the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, Dónal was born in Tullamore, Ireland on the 10th of March 1947. While attending the National College of Art & Design college in Dublin, he formed his first band Emmet Folk which under the name Emmet Spiceland, would score a Number 1 hit in Ireland with "Mary From Dungloe". Some years later, he prdouced a single for Skid Row (featuring 17-year-old Gary Moore), before going on to play on or produce albums for such acts as Kate Bush, Mary Black, Paul Brady, Elvis Costello, Indigo Girls, The Waterboys, Fairground Attraction and Eddi Reader, Sinéad O'Connor, Clannad, Maurice Lennon, Baaba Maal, and Five Guys Named Moe. He also had a son, Shane, with singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor.
Dónal Lunny died on the 23rd of October 2026 in Dublin, Ireland, at the age of 79, from cancer.
Catherine Ringer, French Singer-Songwriter, Dead At 68
Catherine Ringer, the French singer, songwriter, composer, actress, and co-founder of the pop rock group Les Rita Mitsouko, has died.
Born on the 18th of October 1957 in Suresnes, France, Catherine scored a number of Top 40 hits in France, including "Qu’est-Ce Que T’es Belle", (featuring Marc Lavoine), "Eso Es El Amor", "Doux Daddy", "Parle Plus Bas" (featuring Mauro Gioia)", "Les Bohémiens", "L'Adèle", "Quel Est Ton Nom", and "Pardon".
In 1979, she met Fred Chichin with whom she founded Les Rita Mitsouko, and she continued to lead the band after his death in 2007.
She also appeared in 27 movies.
Catherine Ringer died in Paris on the 14th of September 2026, at the age of 68, from cancer.
Raye Wins The 2026 Mercury Prize
British singer-songwriter Raye has been crowned the winner of the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second studio album, "This Music May Contain Hope". The annual accolade, celebrating the most outstanding album produced by a British or Irish artist, was presented during a live ceremony broadcast from the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.
After narrowly missing out on the award during a previous nomination cycle, the London-born artist secured unanimous praise from the judging committee for her intricate composition techniques and emotionally transparent lyricism, which explores complex contemporary themes.
Following the presentation of the trophy by broadcaster Sian Eleri, Raye delivered a live performance of her critically acclaimed track, "I Hate The Way I Look Today," accompanied by a full brass and big band ensemble. The recognition marks a monumental milestone for independent songwriting, validating a body of work heavily anchored in vulnerability and sonic innovation. Industry analysts suggest that this victory further solidifies her status as one of the definitive creative voices of modern popular music.
Despite Major Trauma, Randy Travis Is On His Way Back
A major archival milestone has developed for country music traditionalists with the release of a new single, "I Know Where I'll Be," from the revered vocalist Randy Travis. The track serves as a prominent preview for his upcoming studio album, "Same Old Way", which is scheduled for distribution on November 13, 2026, through Warner Records Nashville. Travis, whose performing career was severely altered following a debilitating stroke in 2013, compiled the 12-track project using previously unreleased vocal recordings preserved for years in storage. The restoration and curation of these master tapes were overseen by his longtime producer and close associate, Kyle Lenning, marking a highly emotional comeback for the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee.
Music Publishers Accuse Australia of Legalising Theft
The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP), which represents approximately 90 percent of the global commercial music publishing market, has fiercely condemned a newly drafted artificial intelligence copyright policy by the Australian government. In a formal intervention reported by the Australian Financial Review, the Brussels-based organisation accused the administration of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of creating a framework that would essentially "legitimise larceny" by allowing AI developers to train their models on copyrighted musical works without explicit permission or fair compensation. This aggressive pushback sets up a high-stakes, direct confrontation between Canberra policymakers and the world’s most dominant music catalog administrators, including publishing giants tied to Sony, Universal, and Warner Chappell.
technologies. Songwriters and publishers argue that the unauthorised ingestion of their lyrical melodies and harmonic structures threatens the financial foundational rights of human creators.
John Anderson, Country Singer & Songwriter, Dead At 71
Singer-songwriter John Anderson, whose fifty-year career produced forty hit singles including five Number Ones - "Wild and Blue", "Swingin'", "Black Sheep", "Straight Tequila Night", and "Money in the Bank" - has died suddenly.
Born in Apopka, Florida, John Anderson started out as a rock singer with Living End but moved to Nasahville in 1971 having discovered the music of Merle Haggard and George Jones. Signed initially as a songwriter with publisher Al Gallico, John scored a minor success as a vocalist with his first single "I've Got a Feelin' (Somebody's Been Stealin')", before breaking into the Top 40 with "The Girl At The End Of The Bar".
Hits such as "Your Lying Blue Eyes", "She Just Started Liking Cheatin' Songs", "1959", "Chicken Truck", "I'm Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I'm Gonna Be a Diamond Someday)" "Wild & Blue", "When It Comes to You", "Seminole Wind", "Let Go of the Stone", "Solid Ground", "I've Got It Made", "I Wish I Could Have Been There" and "Would You Catch A Falling Star?" (a number of which he co-wrote), brought him to national attention, before a series of illnesses, one of which left him almost totally deaf for several years, slowed down his career.
John Anderson died suddenly on the 21st of October 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, at the age of 71, from undisclosed causes.
More Royalties For Songwriters As New Cinemas Deal Approved
The UK Copyright Tribunal has ruled in favour of PRS for Music by approving significant changes to PRS’s licence for music used in cinemas. The updated tariff, including an increased royalty rate, will make the licensing process more straightforward for cinema operators while delivering enhanced value for songwriters, composers and rightsholders.
Throughout the proceedings, PRS for Music argued that the previous tariff (last negotiated over twenty years ago) no longer reflected the realities of today’s cinema industry. Both sides agreed that music plays an important role in the cinema experience, and the Tribunal accepted that films – and therefore cinemas – are using more music now than they were in 2005 and so approved an increase in the royalty rate.
The Copyright Tribunal also agreed with PRS for Music that there should be a simplified tariff system based solely on customer admissions, replacing the previous dual-tariff system (which also permitted cinemas to pay on a percentage of ticket revenue basis).
The increased royalty rates will apply to relevant music use dating back to 1 July 2024 and will be increased at the start of each year in line with inflation. PRS for Music will be working closely with the UK Cinema Association in the coming weeks to support their members in the transition to the new terms and make relevant adjustments to interim royalty payments made during the reference.
Orbital To Hit Dublin, Limerick And Belfast
Electronic music duo Orbital has announced a 2027 Irish tour, featuring performances in Dublin, Limerick, and Belfast, with pre-sale tickets becoming available to the public on October 21, 2026.
The English sibling electronic act will perform at Dublin's 3Olympia Theatre on April 8, 2027, followed by a date at Dolans in Limerick on April 9, 2027, and a final Irish stop at the Limelight 1 in Belfast on April 10, 2027. This tour supports their upcoming eleventh studio album,"Other", which is scheduled for official release on March 19, 2027, via London Records. .
Manchester Promises £2 Million To Local Musicians
Manchester mayor Bev Craig has pledged £2 million in funding to support local musical artists and expand rehearsal and production spaces across Greater Manchester.
Announced during the creative industries conference at MediaCity in Salford, the investment aims to develop independent and diverse talent regardless of genre. City officials state that the initiative seeks to broaden Manchester's cultural identity beyond its legacy guitar acts as the region strengthens its domestic and international music infrastructure.
Sam Fender Announces Biggest Tour Ever
British singer-songwriter Sam Fender has announced his largest stadium tour ever, featuring high-profile arena dates including London's Wembley Stadium.
The massive run will kick off with two homecoming shows at Newcastle's St James' Park on June 3rd and June 5th, 2027.
The schedule includes major stops at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium, Manchester's Etihad Stadium, and Dublin's Marlay Park.
Indie rock band Wunderhorse will join the entire run as the main support act.
Miranda Lambert Does It Again!
Singer-songwriter Miranda Lambert has sustained her 21-year historical chart trajectory with the successful debut of her latest studio album, "Crisco". Released via a collaborative production effort with Jesse Frasure, the record entered the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at number four, generating 24,000 equivalent album units within its initial tracking week. The commercial reception of "Crisco" effectively extends Lambert’s career record to 11 consecutive top-10 country albums — a streak that began with her landmark 2005 debut album, "Kerosene".
Taylor Swift Keeps Top Position On UK and US Charts
Taylor Swift has solidified her dominant commercial standing as her latest single, "Patient Zero," maintains its number-one placement on both the United Kingdom Official Singles Chart and the United States Billboard Hot 100. The track serves as the lead promotional single from the Encore deluxe iteration of her studio album, "The Life of a Showgirl". The single's commercial longevity is supported by robust digital consumption metrics, following an extensive promotional campaign that included a music video premiere at the MTV Video Music Awards and a subsequent high-profile live debut at the Academy Museum Gala. This milestone marks her third consecutive week atop the principal charts, underscoring the ongoing economic and cultural scale of her contemporary discography.
U2 Announces 2027 World Tour And Sixteenth Studio Album
U2 has formally disclosed plans for an extensive international stadium itinerary titled "The Greatest Show on Earth World Tour," scheduled to commence in 2027. The stadium campaign is organized to support their upcoming sixteenth studio album, "Carnaval De Luz". As one of the highest-grossing live acts in music history, the announcement marks the group's return to large-scale global touring after a period of specialized performance engagements. The orchestration of the tour represents a significant logistical undertaking within the live entertainment industry, arriving alongside the publication of a fresh promotional single designed to establish the sonic framework for their forthcoming record.
The Netherlands Amends Stance On Eurovision Song Contest
The Dutch public broadcasting system, NPO, has officially confirmed that the Netherlands will participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, effectively terminating a previously instituted broadcast boycott. The geopolitical tensions surrounding the international song competition had initially prompted a withdrawal from several European broadcasters who objected to specific state participations amid ongoing military conflicts in the Middle East. The structural resolution was achieved after the NPO assumed direct administrative and operational responsibility for the national entry from its subsidiary broadcaster, AvroTros. This policy shift marks a pivotal realignment within the European Broadcasting Union's flagship event, balancing internal organizational pressure against broader cultural diplomacy initiatives.
Warner Chappell Solidifies Pact With My Chemical Romance
Warner Chappell Music has executed a comprehensive global administration agreement with American rock band My Chemical Romance. The contract broadens the pre-existing long-term relationship between the theatrical rock act and Warner Music Group, which already encompasses their active recording contract with Warner Records and an expansive international merchandising infrastructure. My Chemical Romance, pioneers of the mid-2000s alternative rock movement, retain a highly lucrative catalog of intellectual property that continues to generate significant streaming and physical revenue. Industry analysts view the consolidation of their publishing rights as a strategic maneuver by Warner Chappell to maximize the monetization of legacy alternative catalogs through synchronous licensing and international distribution.On 12th August 2024, in New York City, USA,
Legendary Album "Recorded In Shed"!
The multi-platinum album "Twelve Stops And Home" by The Feeling which to date has sold over one million copies, was actually recorded in a garden shed - according to Dan Gillespie Sells.
Speaking on BBC Radio Sussex, he said:"It was an outhouse. There were brick walls but it was essentially a shed. We borrowed some microphones, Kevin had built a small computer and we recorded the first album like that, basically just hanging out together."
The album's title referenced the twelve stops on the Piccadilly line from Leicester Square to Bounds Green where Dan Gillespie Sells lived.
It went on to spawn three top ten singles - "Sewn", "Fill My Little World" and "Never Be Lonely", while the band, which still boasts the origianl lineup of Dan Gillespie Sells, Richard Jones, Kevin Jeremiah, Ciaran Jeremiah and Paul Stewart, is this year celebrating the 20th anniversary of that first album.
Jamie T Scores Second Number 1 In The UK
Jamie T has officially secured his second consecutive Number 1 album on the Official Albums Chart Top 100 with his latest project, "Ghosts (100 Days of Morning)".
Coming four years after his previous chart-topping release, "The Theory Of Whatever", the South London singer-songwriter's new record claimed the top position ahead of strong competition from Chase & Status who reach Number 2 with its eighth studio album "Generic Everything".
U.S. Music Heritage Sites Initiative Becomes Law
United States President Donald Trump has officially signed the American Music Tourism Act into law, a legislative measure designed to elevate the status of music heritage within the nation’s travel and hospitality sectors. The new mandate amends the preexisting Visit America Act and formally tasks the United States Department of Commerce with compiling and promoting domestic cultural sites.
Under the direction of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism, the federal government will now be legally required to identify domestic locations and marquee events integral to the history and contemporary development of the American music scene. This strategic initiative seeks to maximize economic growth by intentionally marketing these culturally significant landmarks to both domestic travelers and international tourists.
Interscope May Sue Summer Walker
Interscope Records has filed a lawsuit claiming singer-songwriter Summer Walker will owe $50 million if she walks away from her record contract after attempting to terminate it under a California labor law.
UK Music Industry Battles AI Copyright Plans
Over 1,000 prominent UK musicians are campaigning against government proposals that could allow artificial intelligence firms to train their models using copyrighted music and performers' voices without consent. The issue is that tech companies could be granted text-and-data mining exceptions, replicating artist voices and styles without compensation or permission.
Jack White Criticises Trump Over Los Angeles Statements
The American singer, guitarist, and songwriter best known as the co-founder of the famous rock duo The White Stripes, has criticised Donald Trump, calling him the "worst American of all time". His comments follow Trump's controversial political statements about Los Angeles and San Diego.
Taylor Swift Solidifies Her Dominance Worldwide
Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has fortified her commercial dominance on the global pop charts as her latest single, "Patient Zero," secured a consecutive week at the summit of the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marks a historic milestone for the artist, making "Patient Zero" her tenth distinct song to achieve a double-digit weekly reign at number one. Swift is now only the fourth musical act in recorded chart history to accumulate that specific volume of enduring chart-toppers. The song's sustained commercial momentum underscores the singer's unparalleled global market retention and continued relevance amidst an influx of major autumn pop releases.
Basht Hits Irish Charts With "Poor Advice"
The Dublin-based alternative rock quartet Basht has achieved a notable milestone on the national charts, securing the seventh position on the official Irish Top Ten albums chart with their debut studio record, "Poor Advice".
Published through independent channels, the album has further attained the summit of the independent Irish chart, marking a significant commercial and critical advance for the group within the domestic contemporary music landscape. The accomplishment places the ensemble alongside prominent international and local releases during a highly competitive week for record distributions across the country.
Troye Sivan Launches "She's The Best"
Australian singer-songwriter Troye Sivan is celebrating the rollout of his brand-new album, "She’s the Best", which officially dropped on October 9th. Music critics have widely praised the project, calling Sivan a strange, singular pop force who deserves multi-platinum status. Sivan, who initially found fame on YouTube before transitioning to a successful music career, has become a core figure in modern queer pop. "She's the Best" represents his latest sonic evolution, packed with synth-heavy dance-pop anthems and deeply intimate lyricism that are already generating massive streaming numbers.
Joni Mitchell Takes American Citizenship
Veteran singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell has taken out American citizenship having moved to the country from Canada in 1964. The singer who is now 82, announced the news on her Instagram account, with the phrase "A journey that began 62 years ago."
Joni Mitchell holds eleven Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. Rolling Stone named her "one of the greatest songwriters ever" and AllMusic, has stated "Joni Mitchell may stand as the most important and influential female recording artist of the late 20th century."
Acclaimed Composer George Fenton Dies Suddenly
The English film and television composer George Fenton, whose scores for such classic movies as "Gandhi", "Cry Freedom", "Dangerous Liaisons", "Groundhog Day", "The Fisher King", "Dangerous Beauty", "You've Got Mail", "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Hitch" won him numerous awards including five Grammy nominations, died suddenly at his home in London on the 10th October 2026, at the age of 76.
Born George Richard Ian Howe in Bromley, Kent on the 19th October 1949, George started playing guitar at the age of eight, although his initial ambition was to become an actor, and at the age of 19, he was appearing in Alan Bennett's first hit play "Forty Years On".
Subsequently, George was offered a place at the Central School of Speech and Drama but by then had signed a record contract with MCA Records. In 1969, his cover of the Beatles' "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" reached Number 1 in Sweden. However in 1974, he was invited to become composer and musical director for Peter Gill's production of "Twelfth Night" being presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, and from then on, worked mainly as a theatre, television and movie composer.
Duane Davis To Appeal Sentence In Tupac Shakur Case
Former South Side Compton Crips gang leader Duane "Keffe D" Davis who had been sentenced to 40 years behind bars in the case involving the murder of rapper-songwriter Tupac Shakur, is to appeal the verdict. Speaking to "The Hollywood Reporter", the 63-year-old said, "I ain’t worried. I’m getting out on an appeal. We already filed it before the trial even started".
Following a four-hour deliberation, the jury brought in a guilty verdict of murder with a deadly weapon in relation to the death of Tupac, who was fatally shot thirty years ago on September 7th 1996, in a drive-by incident after attending Mike Tyson's heavyweight boxing match against Bruce Seldon at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
While travelling some hours later to a performance at Club 662 on East Flamingo Road, the car carrying Tupac and the CEO of Death Row Records Suge Knight was ambushed. Tupac was shot several times and died from his injuries on September 13th.
The Return Of The Temperance Movement
Indie rock band The Temperance Movement have charted in the UK with their first new album in eight years following an acrimonious split. The group has reunited after breaking up due to past struggles with alcohol and drugs and band members have spoken candidly about valuing this fresh opportunity to make music together.
Rosalía Triumphs On Her American Network Debut
Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalía raised the bar for international pop with her highly praised performances on her recent "Saturday Night Live" appearance. She delivered stunning live versions of "Reliquia" and "Magnolias," both standout tracks from her newly released and critically acclaimed album, "Lux". Rosalía has spent the last several years cementing herself as a global pop icon by seamlessly blending traditional Spanish flamenco with modern pop, reggaeton, and electronic beats. Her latest television appearance marks a major milestone in her promotional era for Lux, drawing massive praise from both fans and critics for her vocal precision and avant-garde staging.
RAYE Sells Out Royal Albert Show
British pop-soul singer-songwriter RAYE has already sold out a massive, one-off headline show at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall, scheduled for October 23rd. Titled "This Symphony May Contain Hope," the special performance will feature orchestral arrangements of songs from her album "This Music May Contain Hope". This milestone comes on the heels of RAYE's historic, record-breaking run at the Brit Awards and her continuous rise as an independent pop power-house, following her highly publicised split from her former major record label several years ago.
ISA Hall Of Famer Rory Bourke, Dead At 84
Rory Bourke, the International Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame member who penned such classic hits as "The Most Beautiful Girl In The World" recorded by Charlie Rich, "A Little Good News" recorded by Anne Murray, "You Look So Good in Love" recorded by George Strait, "I Know a Heartache When I See One" recorded by Jennifer Warnes, and "Come Next Monday" recorded by K. T. Oslin, has died in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 84.
Dolly Parton's Musical Announces Cast
Legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton is dominating country music headlines as the official Broadway cast has been announced for the upcoming New York run of the highly anticipated theatrical production, "Dolly Parton's Musical". The announcement coincided with localised "Dolly Parton Day" celebrations featuring parades and book drives. Parton, a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and one of the most prolific songwriters of all time, had spent decades expanding her empire from Nashville to Hollywood and Broadway. This new musical is set to bring her signature storytelling and timeless catalogue to a whole new theater-going audience this season.
Declan O'Rourke Releases Eighth Studio Album
Irish singer-songwriter Declan O'Rourke has just released his eighth studio album, "Oceanic", marking his first major product since he celebrated 20 years of his debut record "Since Kyabram" with a sell-out series of shows earlier this year.
New York Times Experiments With AI In Songwriting
The New York Times has just published a hands-on experiment exploring the boundary between human artistry and artificial intelligence titled "An A.I. Songwriting Experiment: Humans Against the Machine".
Led by reporter and occasional songwriter Matt Richtel, a team of four professional musicians locked themselves in a recording studio for a weekend to write and record fresh music entirely from scratch. Their goal was to see if human creative friction, spontaneous studio collaboration, and raw emotion could yield a song that listeners preferred over one generated instantly by a machine.
Ed Sheeran Updates Loop Tour Lineup
Following the removal of rapper Macklemore over comments regarding Gaza, Ed Sheeran has tapped former The Fray star Isaac Slade and American Idol contestant Brooks Rosser as new opening acts for his Loop Tour.
Czech Television Pulls Out Of 2027 Eurovision
The Czech Republic will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. Czech Television said in a statement: "In light of the ongoing budget adjustments, Czech Television has decided not to participate in the 2027 edition. We assess each edition of the competition separately, and therefore do not want to speculate at this point about when Czech Television will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest again."
Ella Langley Returns After Cancelled Concert
Rising singer-songwriter Ella Langley has faced a whirlwind couple of days, addressing a serious security scare after being forced to abruptly cancel a concert due to a bomb threat. Langley, who has since safely returned to the stage, reassured fans and expressed her gratitude to local authorities for handling the situation swiftly. Despite the frightening setback, Langley's career is hitting historic highs as her country smash "Choosin' Texas" recently set an all-time high on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as breaking records as one of the longest-running country hits of all time.
Taylor Swift Upends The Music Charts
Taylor Swift has completely upended the music charts following the surprise announcement and release of her project, "The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore". Her new single, "Patient Zero," had debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, officially ending the historic 24-week streak at the top spot held by country artist Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas". Swift simultaneously claimed multiple spots in the top five, including "Cleveland!" at No. 3 and "Babylon" at Number 4.
Oasis Blocks Multi-Million Pound Vault Auction
Britpop icons Oasis have taken swift legal action to halt an unauthorised auction of archival music. The collection contains 63 concert recordings and over 100 hours of rare 1990s rehearsal material. Valued between £1.2 million and £1.6 million, the band's legal team stepped in to prevent the items from going under the hammer.
Brian May Signals The End Of Queen Touring
In a bittersweet update for rock fans, Queen guitarist Brian May has announced that the legendary rock band will likely never hit the road again. May reflected on the band's touring legacy, stating plainly that "50 years is enough".
Macklemore's Benefit Shows Sell Out Instantly
Following his departure from Ed Sheeran's stadium tour, rapper Macklemore announced a brief "Free Palestine" benefit tour. Shows scheduled for Dublin, Paris, and London sold out immediately upon release. 100% of the proceeds are being donated to humanitarian organizations supporting Palestinian aid.
Duncan Sheik Dead At 56
Duncan Sheik, the New York singer-songwriter, who earned a Grammy nomination for his hit "Barely Breathing" before winning Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations for the musical "Spring Awakening", has died in New York from cardiac arrest.
He was 56, and was being treated for an undisclosed illness at the time of his death.
Take That Announces Comeback Album
British pop mainstays Take That have officially announced their next studio album, titled "Dreamers". Frontman Gary Barlow shared his excitement over the project, which is expected to trigger a major tour cycle later next year.
Mighty Sparrow Dead At 91
Mighty Sparrow, the Trinidadian singer-songwriter whose real name was Slinger Francisco and who was widely recognised as the "Calypso King of the World", has died.
Born in Grenada, his family moved to Trinidad when he was a child. After some initial succes in Trinidad, he moved for a period to London where he recorded for Trojan Records,
During a recording career spanning 65 years, he scored such hits as "Jack Palance", "No Doctor No", "Sailor Man" and "Crawford", while releasing more than 60 studio albums on such labels as RCA, Warner Bros and Trojan, as well as numerous compilation and live LPs between 1956 and 2021.
Mighty Sparrow died in hospital in Queens, New York City, USA. He was 91.
Ian Hunter Honoured By Home Town
A blue plaque honouring the singer-songwriter Ian Hunter, has been unveiled at the house in which he was born on York Street, Oswestry.
Ian Hunter, who founded the rock band Mott The Hoople, wrote a number of the band's hits, including "All the Way from Memphis","The Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll", "Roll Away the Stone", "Honaloochie Boogie" and "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" (originally released as his debut solo single, but which later became a massive hit for Great White in 1989).
He also penned "Ships", a semi-autobiographical song about his relationship with his father which Barry Manilow turned into a top ten hit in the USA, as well as “Cleveland Rocks”, the theme tune of the TV series "The Drew Carey Show".
Ian, who now lives in the New Milford area of Connecticut, was unable to attend the ceremony, but said: "I am both surprised and honoured. I'm still a Shropshire lad at heart. I'm eternally grateful for your love and your support - it's been 50 odd years, and when you're 87, you do need a little support."
Neil Henderson Dead At 73
Neil Henderson, the Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist for both The Bay City Rollers and Middle Of The Road, has died in Glasgow, at the age of 73 following a short illness.
Neil penned a number of songs for Middle of The Road, including their hits "Rockin' Soul" and "Everybody Loves a Winner".
Ireland To Shun Eurovision Yet Again
Irish broadcaster RTÉ has confirmed its decision to abstain from both broadcasting and participating in the Eurovision Song Contest of 2027. This will be the second consecutive year in which the broadcaster has opted not to engage in the competition.
In 2026, RTÉ withdrew from the Eurovision contest held in Vienna, following the confirmation by the European Broadcasting Union that the Israeli public broadcaster KAN would be permitted to take part in the event.
In a formal statement, RTÉ articulated its stance, asserting: "RTÉ feels that Ireland's participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk."
Furthermore, RTÉ expressed its profound concern regarding "the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory".
In a response to the decision, Martin Green CBE, Director Eurovision Song Contest said:
“We regret that RTÉ will not be participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, but we fully respect their decision and recognise the huge contribution they have made to the Contest. They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed.
The Eurovision Song Contest is at its best when broadcasters and their artists from different countries come together to share music, celebrate creativity and create connections between audiences. That power to bring people together is at the heart of what makes the Contest so special, and is even more important now in an increasingly difficult and divided world.
All broadcasters decide on an annual basis to participate in the following year's Contest. We will remain in dialogue with RTÉ and hope to welcome them back to the Contest in the future.”
Morris Ballen Dead At 88
Morris Ballen, who operated the southeastern Pennsylvania company Disc Makers since 1959, has died at his home in Philadelphia at the age of 88.
The firm he created supplied songwriters and bands with everything they could need to put their music before the general public, including short runs of vinyl records, cassettes and CDs as well as a top-quality graphic design service and free bar codes.
EBU Report Lauds Eurovision
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest Brand Impact Report, published this week, demonstrates the massive economic, digital and musical reach of the event well beyond the three Live Shows each year.
The Brand Impact Report contains some extraordinary numbers.
• 583 million streams of 2026’s songs.
• 2.1 billion digital views.
• 148 countries voting.
• 87,000 ticket holders from 86 countries.
• 22 languages on one stage.
• 583 million streams.
For artists and songwriters, the Eurovision Song Contest is a lot more than just three minutes on stage.
• The 35 songs from the Class of 2026 generated 583 million global streams across audio and video platforms between their release and the first week of August.
• 16 of this year's songs passed 10 million streams each. And most listening happens long after the Live Shows.
• 85% of streams of Eurovision songs take place outside the three-week period around the Contest.
• Across the 190 Eurovision songs released between 2021 and 2025, there have now been 15 billion global streams.
Some of those songs have travelled an extraordinarily long way from their Contest debut. Rosa Linn's "Snap" has reached 3.5 billion, and Loreen's "Tattoo" has passed 2.2 billion. And 2026's winner, Bulgaria's "Bangaranga", had 21% more listeners than JJ’s "Wasted Love" and reached number one on Apple Music in 12 markets.
Brexit Costs UK Music £208 Million
The UK is estimated to have lost £208 million and 2,490 jobs within the touring sector, according to research published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).
The Economic Benefits of Touring and the Impact of EU Exit report, underpinned by PRS for Music data and supplemented by interviews and evidence from across the creator economy spotlights the economic and cultural impact of Brexit red tape on touring for performers, crews, promoters, venues and local economies in both the UK and EU. This includes live music touring, orchestra, theatre, dance, and visual arts.
The research finds that the decline in touring by UK musicians across Europe is estimated to have resulted in losses of £1.04 billion in EU member state economies. The impact was highest in Germany largely driven by a lower number of stadium and arena tours, with smaller and mid-scale tours disproportionately affected in Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland.
John Mottram, Chief Strategy, Communications and Public Affairs Officer at PRS for Music, said:
“Behind these figures are real people — songwriters and composers who are being held back by costly red tape, missing out on chances to connect with new audiences, progress their careers and earn a living from performances across Europe.
“We now call on the UK Government to redouble its efforts and deliver on its manifesto commitment to make it easier for UK artists to tour in the EU. This would help creators earn a living, bring real value back into the economy and create thousands of jobs across the touring industry.”
© Jim Liddane
ISA • International Songwriters Association (1967)
internationalsongwriters@gmail.com
The Small Print
This International Songwriters Association 1967 site is a non-profit non-commercial re-creation of portions of the full site originally published by the International Songwriters Association Limited, and will introduce you to the world of songwriting. It will explain music business terms and help you understand the business concepts that you should be familiar with, thus enabling you to ask more pertinent questions when you meet with your accountant/CPA or solicitor/lawyer.
However, although this website includes general information about legal issues and legal developments as well as accounting issues and accounting developments, it is not meant to be a replacement for professional advice. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal/accounting developments.
Every effort has been made to make this site as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information provided is on an "as is" basis and the author(s) and the publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information contained on this site. No steps should be taken without first seeking competent legal and/or accounting advice
Some pictures on this site are library images supplied by (amongst others) the ISA International Songwriters Association (1967), International Songwriters Association Limited, Dreamstime Library Inc, BMI (Broadcast Music Inc), ASCAP (American Society Of Songwriters, Authors and Publishers), PRS (Performing Rights Society), PPS (Professional Photographic Services), RTE (Radio Telefis Eireann) TV3, and various Public Relations organisations. Other pictures have been supplied by the songwriters, performers, or music business executives interviewed or mentioned throughout this website, while certain pictures are commercial stock footage of businesses and office environments generally, rather than specific images of the ISA, its personnel, facilities or members.
In any event, all images are and remain the property of the individual owners unless indicated to the contrary.
