SONA HOSTS WARRIOR AWARDS GALA

The 2024 SONA Warrior Awards took over L.A.’s Skirball Cultural Center on 10/6, honoring RAYE, the late Andrea Martin, BMG's Thomas Scherer, Ross Golan and BMAC's Willie “PROPHET” Stiggers for their contributions to music and advocacy.

“I was so excited to celebrate the 2024 Warrior Awards honorees in front of a packed and enthusiastic house filled with songwriters and the people who love us,” said SONA CEO Michelle Lewis.

Hosted by songwriters Shane Stevens and Bonnie McKee, the event also doubled as a fundraiser for the org, featuring a live auction with prizes such as Eagles tickets and songwriting sessions with Stevens and Lauren Christy. Proceeds support SONA’s advocacy efforts throughout the year.

RAYE kicked off the evening by accepting her award via video after being introduced by Grammy-nominated producer Michael Sabath. Martin was honored posthumously, with songwriter and ASCAP President Paul Williams introducing Epic Chairwoman/CEO Sylvia Rhone, who presented the award to Martin's family; a tribute performance by Melanie Fiona followed.

Meanwhile, Grammy winner Dave Stewart presented the award to long-time BMG executive Scherer, who was recognized for his work with BMG and songwriters like Diane Warren and Bebe Rexha, among others.

Golan, who played a key role in passing the Music Modernization Act and hosts the podcast And the Writer Is..., was presented with his award by Benny Blanco before performing "Dangerous Woman," a song he penned for Ariana Grande.

Lastly, PROPHET, co-founder, CEO and president of BMAC, was celebrated for his advocacy for racial equity in the music industry.

The fourth annual event wrapped with a performance by Siedah Garrett, who sang "Man in the Mirror," the Michael Jackson hit she co-wrote.

Seen above looking swanky as ever are (l-r) Erin McAnally, Jack Kugell, Mark A. Pariser, Dina LaPolt, Lewis, Linda Bloss-Baum, Roahn Hylton, Adam Gorgoni, Stevens, Christy, Camus Celli and Courtney Harrell.

Martin's family and Rhone

Pictured (l-r) are Siddhartha Khosla, Williams, Mike Stoller and Jimmy Jam.

(l-r) Scherer, Lewis and Stiggers.

(l-r) Stewart and Scherer.

Photo credit: Getty Images for Songwriters of North America