News and notes

Good morning, and happy Monday!

We at Wildy's World want to take a moment to congratulate all of the recently announced finalists in the 2012 International Songwriting Competition.  The list is long and lengthy, and you can view them all here, but the nominees include Wildy's World alumni such as Gina Sicilia, Carrie Rodriguez, Thomas Calder (The Trouble With Templeton), The Trews, and TAT.

This is one of many contests out there for songwriters, but is among the most prestigious.  Anyone who has gotten this far is worthy of attention.  You'll also note that the list includes a couple of bigger names, such as Jane Siberry and Missy Higgins. 

Judges for this year's competition include Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, Kelly Clarkson, Ozzy Osbourne, Tori Amos, Lucinda Williams, Tegan and Sara, John Mayall and Massive Attack.  The music industry is well represented on the panel as well, so this year's winners could be tomorrow's stars.

In sadder news, the music industry said goodbye this weekend to The Monkees' Davy Jones as well as to legendary guitarist Ronnie Montrose.  Jones' passing at age 66 of a heart attack came as a suprise, as a recent check-up had shown him to be fit.  He leaves behind a wife, four daughters, and a legacy of bright airy songs that will keep his memory alive for generations to come.

Ronnie Montrose, the iconic 1970's rock guitarist played with a list of names that could form their own rock and roll hall of fame (Sammy Hagar, Van Morrison, Edgar Winter Group, Boz Scaggs, Gary Wright, Herbie Hancock, The Neville Brothers, and others.  His group Montrose continues to be a favorite spin on classic rock/AOR formatted stations.  Montrose is believed to have died from Prostate Cancer.

On a brighter note, former teen idol Jon Bon Jovi recently turned 50.  Hard to believe, isn't it?