SOCAN presented country singer-songwriter Madeline Merlo with a No. 1 Song Award, for co-writing “Champagne Night,” which topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart in a version performed by Lady A, for three weeks, starting on Jan. 9, 2021.
Co-written with SOCAN members Patricia Conroy and Dave “Dwave” Thompson, “Champagne Night” found its big break via the nationally televised U.S. songwriting competition Songland. When Merlo sang it to the members of Lady A, and several professional songwriters, they loved it; worked on it with her; and Lady A then recorded and released it as a single. The song ended up completely changing Merlo’s life .
Since current health regulations prevented SOCAN from presenting the No. 1 Song Award plaques in person, SOCAN A&R Representative Melissa Cameron-Passley bestowed them via Zoom instead.
In addition to Cameron-Passley, Merlo, Conroy, and Thompson, those celebrating at the presentation were:
- Gary Furniss, David Quilico, Janet Baker, and Mishelle Pack of Sony Music Publishing Canada;
- publishers Stephanie Cox of Kobalt Music Publishing; Mark Friedman of Deluge Music; John Ozier of Reservoir Media Management; and James Campbell of Slaight Music Publishing;
- Jennifer Brown (interim CEO) and Peter Fera of SOCAN; and
- Beth Brinker and Kelly Haygood of ASCAP Nashville.
SOCAN congratulates the entire team on this great achievement!