BMI’s Del Bryant gets the 2014 Golden Mike Award

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2014-Golden-MikeMore than $200,000 was raised at the Broadcasters Foundation of America 2014 Golden Mike Award Dinner, honoring Del Bryant, President of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).  The Golden Mike Award was presented to Bryant at a black-tie fundraiser to benefit the Foundation’s mission of helping broadcasters in need.  More than 200 television, radio, and music industry executives and celebs were in attendance on Monday evening at the Plaza Hotel in NYC.


The evening was hosted by anchor and moderator of CBS News’ Face the Nation, Bob Schieffer.  Presenters for the evening were longtime personal and professional friends of Bryant’s:  Michael Bolton, performer and BMI songwriter; Jack Sander, former Chairman of the BMI Board of Directors; and Sandra Lee, internationally acclaimed culinary and home style expert and host of four highly rated programs on the Food Network and the Cooking Channel, plus HGTV.

Legendary singer, songwriter, musician, and actor Kris Kristofferson performed “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “Help Me Make It Through The Night.”  Accomplished songwriter Brenda Russell sang her Top 10 hit “Piano In The Dark,” and “Get Here.”

Dolly Parton opened a very moving video that provided a glimpse into Bryant’s amazing life — from his early years growing up as the son of songwriters Boudleaux and Felice Bryant through his incredible 42-year career at BMI where he championed the works of the some of the biggest songwriters in entertainment.

Bryant is interviewed in RBR-TVBR’s NAB Show Special Report print edition. Before the awards, he told us: “Well, I couldn’t be prouder. I am just a little bit bowled over that I am going to be receiving this award, there are so many deserving members of the broadcasting community out there. I received a call from Phil Lombardo and I said, “Phil, are you sure?  There are others that you should be considering.” Phil said, “No. And I am not going to take no for an answer.” If you know Phil Lombardo, when he says he is not going to take no for an answer, you are going to be honored.

I am flattered at the number of people in the music industry who stepped forward to be there that night and say something nice about me, and entertain on my behalf. I can’t tell you how proud I am that Kris Kristofferson, Michael Bolton, Brenda Russell, my dear friends, Sandra Lee and Jack Sander are all showing up, a host of people sending videos and that my friend Bob Schieffer, who is a BMI songwriter, will be our MC. I am so thankful for their friendship, and for the ability to work with that community. To receive this kind love back from them is truly heartwarming.

Most of all, I am extremely proud of the work the Foundation does. It is heartfelt work. I have participated in meetings where the would-be recipients are discussed. The honest concern and heartfelt respect for the jobs that these professionals in the broadcast industry have done throughout their career, and the ability to help at a time when help is so needed, has been the hallmark of this organization.  The work the Foundation does is so urgently needed, and given without the expectation of anything back from these people. I am most proud to be involved with the organization and with the work that they do.”

Bryant-Golden Mic

(L-R) Jim Thompson (President of the Broadcasters Foundation), Michael Bolton, Sandra Lee, Del Bryant (BMI President and recipient of the 2014 Golden Mike Award) with his son Thaddeus, Kris Kristofferson, Brenda Russell, Bob Schieffer, and Phil Lombardo (Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation)

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(L-R) Jim Thompson, Bob Schieffer, Del Bryant, and Phil Lombardo

(Photo Credit: Wendy Moger-Bross)