Yamaha Artists Prove They Are Golden

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 16, 2008) — Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc. is proud to announce Yamaha artists Jamie Cullum, Michael Stevens and James Newton Howard have been nominated for Golden Globes.

For the second year in a row, British singer/pianist Cullum has scored a nomination for Best Original Song for a collaboration with actor/filmmaker Clint Eastwood. The Grammy nominated jazz/pop artist is joined by Yamaha artist/composer Michael Stevens for their song "Gran Torino," from the motion picture of the same name. The film, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, will see a nationwide release Jan. 9, 2009. The song features lyrics written by Stevens and Kyle Eastwood, while the music was a collaboration between Cullum, Stevens, Clint and Kyle Eastwood.

Cullum's performance of the title-track will be available for exclusive download from iTunes beginning Dec. 23. Cullum is a worldwide star noted for his raw energy, engaging live performances, and cross-over genre appeal. Last year Cullum was nominated for the heartfelt ballad he co-wrote with Eastwood for the film Grace is Gone.

Composer James Newton Howard received a nod for Best Original Score for the film Defiance, a World War II drama directed by Edward Zwick due out Jan. 16, 2009. One of the most recognized composers for film, Howard has been nominated more than 15 times for his compositions. In May 2008 he was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music.

Golden Globe Awards are American awards for motion pictures and television programs, given out each year during a formal dinner. Run by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the ceremony is run as a fundraiser for entertainment-related charities. The 66th annual awards ceremony will take place Jan. 11, 2009 in Los Angeles with a live telecast airing on NBC at 8 p.m. EST.

Yamaha Artists Prove They Are Golden
— Cullum, Stevens and Howard Grab Golden Globe Nominations —