Local jazz legend Byron Yasui wins ASCAP award

University of Hawaii professor emeritus of music composition and theory Byron Yasui has been named the recipient of an American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) award in the Concert Music division. This prestigious award recognizes the unique value of an artist’s catalog of original work. ASCAP collected nearly $1 billion in licensing fees in 2008, distributing more than $800 million in royalties to its members.

Yasui had taught at UH since 1972 before retiring in August of this year. He is a legend in the Hawaii jazz world. He’s also had two orchestral works premier at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Widely revered in Hawaii as an artist and an educator, Byron Yasui has been recognized by his peers nationally with the ASCAP award.