Jason Ma Wins 2021 ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Lyric Award

Jason Ma (⾺智培) is a son of an immigrant family and a grateful descendant of a long line of those who were able to persist, overcome, and succeed on their way to becoming Americans. In addition to writing, he is an actor who has performed extensively on Broadway and off-Broadway stages, in regional theaters, and in many international venues.

Jason is the recipient of the 2017 ASCAP Foundation Cole Porter Award for his work as a composer/lyricist, and he wrote the music, book, and lyrics for GOLD MOUNTAIN, which received its world premiere production this fall, presented by the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Jason is currently working on music and lyrics for BROKEN GROUND, a new musical commissioned by Village Theatre, where it is currently in development.

Daniel Mertzlufft is a NY-based composer and arranger most known for his viral sensations The Thanksgiving Musical on The Late Late Show with James Corden, as well as his arrangement of “Remy The Ratatouille” by Emily Jacobson that launched the TikTok Ratatouille musical movement. Daniel also served as music supervisor, composer, and arranger for Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical, a live-streamed concert that raised over $2 million for The Actor’s Fund.

Daniel also wrote “The Meaning Of Pride (Be True To You)” for Nickelodeon’s Pride 2021 collection performed by drag queen and activist Nina Queen. His other original works include: Breathe, Dot and the Kangaroo, commissioned by MTI Australaisa and iTheatrics, House Rules: A New Musical based on the New York Times Best Selling novel by Jodi Picoult. Additionally, Daniel is a member of the advanced class of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.

The ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Lyric Award is presented to a promising lyricist who demonstrates talent and intelligent and sensitive use of language. It is funded by bequested royalties from Harold Adamson, who co-wrote the famous American sitcom theme “I Love Lucy (And She Loves Me),” among other songs.