Yoko Ono to Judge Special John Lennon Songwriting Contest Honoring Legend's 70th Birthday Anniversary

NEW YORK, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The John Lennon Songwriting Contest (JLSC) is celebrating the anniversary of John Lennon's 70th Birthday on October 9, 2010, with a special tribute contest.  The JLSC is currently accepting submissions from all music genres for songs inspired by John's visions of peace, love, political activism and free expression.  One winner and two runners up will be selected by Yoko Ono and announced on November 15, 2010.  Entries will be judged on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics (when applicable).

Songwriters who submit their Lennon inspired songs between September 23, 2010 and October 29, 2010 are eligible for a chance to win the grand prize of a new electric Epiphone "Inspired By" John Lennon Casino guitar (MSRP $1665) along with a $125 GHS Strings prize pack, or one of two Sibelius and Apple iPod Shuffle prize packs as runners up.

As a bonus, all songs in this special contest will automatically be entered into the regular JLSC 2010, which is already underway, at no additional cost.  As a result, artists will be eligible for the contest's biggest prize package to date, a total of over $275,000 in cash and prizes which will be distributed by the year-round contest open to both amateur and professional songwriters.

Visit www.jlsc.com to enter The John Lennon 70th Birthday Anniversary Songwriting Contest.

About the John Lennon Songwriting Contest

Celebrating its fourteenth year, The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is dedicated to providing opportunities to both professional and amateur songwriters.  Winners in 12 categories receive awards and prizes totaling over $275,000.  The $20,000 Song of the Year is selected by a stellar Executive Committee including The Black Eyed Peas, Fergie, Bob Weir, Natasha Bedingfield, Jesse Harris, Teairra Mari, The Bacon Brothers, Ken Komisar, The Veronicas, and many more.  Sponsors of the Contest include Roland, Boss, Gibson Guitars and Epiphone, Avid, GHS Strings, Sonicbids, Mackie, Ampeg, Blackheart Amps, Propellerhead, Apple, Inc., Ableton, SAE Institute, Audio-Technica, Creative Allies, Digital Media Academy, Musician's Friend, and Disc Makers.  The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is made possible by an agreement with Yoko Ono Lennon who said "I hope this Contest will encourage, inspire and help the songwriters of the world to share their dreams with us."

SOURCE The John Lennon Songwriting Contest