THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 22, 1994 TAG: 9409200133
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
Norfolk resident Tom Emmi, a local songwriter and cable television marketing executive, recently won two awards from Billboard Magazine as part of its fifth annual International Songwriting Contest.
Emmi entered three songs and one music video in the pop and country categories of the contest, which received entries from all over the world.
He received two certificate of achievement awards, one for one of his songs and another for his music video direction.
His winning song is ``We Can Endure,'' a pop ballad he wrote in 1993. His winning video is entitled ``Love Dance,'' a jazz video featuring pianist Bob Thompson with Itchiban Records in Atlanta.
The New York native hopes the awards will continue to open new doors for him in the recording industry. ``It helps attract attention if your songs have won awards within the industry. Being recognized by Billboard Magazine is wonderful,'' says Emmi. ``Many people consider Billboard to be the bible of the music industry,'' he added.
Name: Thomas Emmi.
Nickname: Tom.
What brought you to Norfolk: To work on my master's degree in communications (television and radio).
Birthplace: Syracuse, N.Y.
Birthdate: Oct. 5, 1956.
Occupation: Cable television marketing executive.
Marital status: Married.
Children: None.
Last book read: ``Life Is a Contact Sport'' by Ken Kragen.
Favorite movie: ``The Breakfast Club.''
Favorite magazine: MAD.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Barry Diller - A man with relentless vision and energy. A mover and shaker in the entertainment business.
Biggest accomplishment: Having independently produced film and video productions shown and distributed nationally. Winning an international songwriting award from Billboard Magazine.
Most embarrassing moment: It involves a naked lady and a shopping cart, but the details are too embarrassing to print.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To be a father.
Perfect way to spend the day: With a tall, cool glass of pink lemonade, a grand piano, and the Sunday New York Times.
Favorite vacation spot: San Francisco.
Pet peeve: The meaningless banter between local news anchors (too much style, not enough substance).
First job: Newspaper delivery boy.
Worst job: Newspaper delivery boy.
Hobbies: Songwriting, college basketball.
Favorite restaurant: Prive in New York City.
What do you like most about Norfolk? The weather.
What do you like least about Norfolk? The non-progressive mindset of the arts community. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
New York native Tom Emmi hopes his Billboard awards will open new
doors for him in the recording industry.
by CNB