We are proud to share the news that MCNA president, Eddie Schwartz, has been awarded the 2021 SOCAN Cultural Impact Award for his international influence as a songwriter.
In delivering this prestigious accolade to Eddie, the judges of the 32nd annual SOCAN Awards paid the following tribute:
His impact as a songwriter on the international music scene is undeniable, and his truly iconic song, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” holds a special place in music history. An anthem of empowerment and resilience, not only was the song Schwartz’s earliest hit as a songwriter for another artist, but it would see singer Pat Benatar achieve her first Billboard top 10 single. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and Eddie Schwartz will be honored with the SOCAN Cultural Impact Award.”
In addition to his leadership role at MCNA, Eddie is also president of the International Council of Music Creators (CIAM), President Emeritus of the Songwriters’ Association of Canada and a long-standing board member and ex-chair of Fair Trade Music International. In 2012 Eddie was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.
Eddie has been a life-long advocate for the rights of music creators and has an unstoppable energy for this important work. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved achievement.