Los Angeles, CA - May 6, 2014 - The Music Business Association (Music Biz), formerly the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) has announced that Dee Snider, singer, songwriter for Twisted Sister, actor, author, and native Long Islander will receive The Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award at the association's annual convention in Los Angeles on May 8th. The Music Business Association conference at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel will bring together representatives from all facets of the music industry including retailers, record labels, artists, managers, startups, and more to discuss key issues such as licensing and royalty payments, launching a music startup, and more. The Music Biz 2014 Conference offers a unique opportunity for everyone interested in music to unite, working together to shape the future of the industry.
The Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award named for the late singer, songwriter and social activist is presented to a music industry leader that exemplifies the philanthropic legacy left behind by Chapin who died on July 16, 1981 at the height of his music career. A fellow Long Islander, Dee Snider has aligned himself with several national and local charities in an effort to call attention to the plight of people in need. The heavy metal artist best known for his work with Twisted Sister has used his celebrity status to raise monies for the March of Dimes as the celebrity chair of his "Bikers for Babies" motorcycle run which raised more than a million dollars during the ten years that Snider led the ride. In 2013, Snider paid a visit to Long Island Cares, Inc. the regional food bank that was founded by Harry Chapin in 1980. Since his visit, Snider has become involved in raising awareness about the issue of hunger and now will be hosting his second annual "Ride to Fight Hunger on Long Island" in September to once again benefit Long Island Cares, Inc. "I don't do charitable work for awards or accolades, but truly appreciate the acknowledgement of my efforts. And when being recognized shines additional light on the plight of the less fortunate, even better," said Snider.
"We're very excited that Dee Snider is being recognized for his charitable work by the music business industry," said Paule Pachter, Executive Director of Long Island Cares, Inc. "When I learned that Sandy Chapin (Harry Chapin's widow) was going to nominate him to receive the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award from Music Biz, I was very proud because Dee is a very special person who really does care about Long Island and the people in our region who find themselves struggling each day to maintain their quality of life. His work with children and families impacted by birth defects, or disabilities, and now his work on behalf of people impacted by hunger comes from his heart. Underneath the heavy metal persona is this wonderful family man who is simply dedicated to helping worthy causes and we're so proud of the relationship we have with him."
In addition to touring with Twisted Sister, Dee Snider has been featured on several television shows including the "Celebrity Apprentice" and "Wife Swap." He hosts his own radio show, stars in various stage productions and continues to make countless public appearances throughout the United States and Europe. Dee Snider, celebrity, family man and humanitarian remains loyal to his fans who continue to flock to see him on stage or off.
About Long Island Cares, Inc.
Long Island Cares, Inc. - The Harry Chapin Food Bank is Long Island's first food bank: serving the hungry on Long Island since, 1980. Long Island Cares brings together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry on Long Island and provides emergency food where and when it is needed, and sponsors a wide variety of innovate direct service programs that help families achieve self-sufficiency. The organization was founded by the late singer, Grammy Award winning songwriter and social activist Harry Chapin in response to the growing issue of hunger on Long Island. It is continued today by his wife and partner Sandy Chapin, a dedicated Board of Directors and talented staff working out of their 35,000 square foot facility in Hauppauge and their storefront hunger assistance centers in Freeport and Lindenhurst. Long Island Cares is a member agency of the Food Bank Association of New York State and Feeding America. Long Island Cares, Inc. is recognized by the NYS Department of Health and the USDA as the regional food bank for Long Island.