Brian McKnight Presents $20,000 “Maxell Song of the Year” to Matt Cusson Who, McKnight Says, “Has an Incredible Gift”.

Cusson, Who Tours With and Has Opened for McKnight, Wins Renowned John Lennon Songwriting Contest’s Top Annual Prize

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brian McKnight presented Matt Cusson, who is currently touring with him, with the coveted Maxell Song of the Year prize from the 12th annual John Lennon Songwriting Contest. McKnight’s keyboard player, whom he has mentored, was surprised when the headliner announced Cusson’s win on stage at Morton Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas and gave him the Lennon Contest’s top prize, a $20,000 check courtesy of Maxell Corporation. McKnight said of the songwriter/performer, “Matt has an incredible gift.” Mr Kamemoto, President of Maxell, and Kurt Yanagawa, Vice President of Sales Support, were on hand for the presentation.

Cusson’s success in the Lennon Contest started when his original composition, “One Of Those Nights,” was selected as a Grand Prize winner in the Jazz category. The song then went on to receive the “Lennon Award,” making him eligible to win this year’s top prize, the $20,000 Maxell Song of the Year which also comes with an Apple Computer, Cinema Display and Logic software. All tolled, his prizes include $5,000 in studio equipment from Godin Guitars, Roland/Edirol, Audio-Technica, Propellerhead, Ableton, and Sibelius, $1,000 in Mackie, Crate and Ampeg products, a $500 Gift Certificate from MusiciansFriend.com, and 1000 Custom CDs from Discmakers.

A graduate of Berklee School of Music, Matt has toured with Christina Aguilera and has shared stages and studios with James and Livingston Taylor, Stanley Clarke, Babyface, Bebe Winans, Jon B. and Jessica Simpson, to name a few. He’s performed live on “The View” and “Live with Regis and Kelly” and won “Amateur Night” at the Apollo on three separate occasions.

Counted among Cusson’s other celebrity fans are James Taylor, “Today” host Meredith Vierra and “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson –- all of whom say the same thing -- Matt Cusson is an extraordinary musician, a remarkable singer, a gifted piano player and a star on the rise.

A total of over $275,000 in cash and prizes will be distributed this year by the year-round Lennon Contest open to both amateur and professional songwriters. The current contest, open to both amateur and professional songwriters, can be entered by visiting www.jlsc.com. The prestigious contest is made possible by an agreement with Yoko Ono Lennon.




http://www.cnbc.com/id/31829019

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/businesswire/2009/07/09/businesswire126534455.html

FINALLY!

I'm very proud to announce...

MATT CUSSON'S
CD IS NOW AVAILABLE
ON ITUNES!!!!

BE THE VERY FIRST TO GET YOUR ALBUM TODAY!!!!
Physical copies will be sold on cdbaby.com in January, as well as Amazon and
in select stores.


Happy Holidays!

Matt

A dream of mine has come true, not only am i playing keys and singing background for Brian McKnight on his World Tour that starts this week, but Brian has been kind enough to feature me during his show. Just me, B, and two pianos singing the classic "Still In Love".
ALSO, i will be the opening act for selected cities, so keep checkin up with me and hopefully we'll see you out there!
The show is AMAZING and i really hope i get to see you when we're in your area! The schedule is on my page and more and more dates are being added until fall, so keep checking back! :) Hope to see you out on the road!

Ill do my best to write some blogs to tell the stories i know ill have!

ANNOUNCING......THE OFFICIAL MATT CUSSON FAN CLUB!!

Become a member today!! Membership is $15.00.
Membership includes: Membership card, 8 X 10 autographed picture, Newsletters (sent out quarterly).
T-shirts and misc. merchandise will be available for purchase to fan members.

To join: Send check written to: "The Official Matt Cusson Fan Club", P.O. Box 124, Pylesville, Maryland, 21132
Please include Name, address, and birthday, and if there is any info you would like to share in the newsletter!

If you have any questions, you can contact: Sherri at myspace.com/sherri7 or email at mattaddiction@aol.com

Thank you for your continuous Love and Support!

Also check out Matt Cusson's new fan website at www.mattcussonfans.com