Coco Jones, Amanda Jones, Autumn Rowe Honored at 2024 ASCAP Event
The music industry is preparing to celebrate three remarkable trailblazers at the 16th annual ASCAP Women Behind the Music event, set to take place on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. Hosted by the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul team, this prestigious event will honor Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Coco Jones, Emmy-winning composer Amanda Jones, and Grammy-winning songwriter and advocate Autumn Rowe. These honorees join the ranks of a distinguished group of past recipients, showcasing their immense contributions and inspiring the next generation of women in music.
Coco Jones: The Multi-Talented Powerhouse
Coco Jones’ journey into the music and entertainment industry is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, with a singer mother and an NFL player father, she was immersed in both music and discipline from an early age. Jones began recording music at nine years old and soon found herself exploring acting, securing a recurring role on Disney’s So Random!. Her breakthrough came with her portrayal of Hilary Banks in the acclaimed reboot Bel-Air on Peacock and her appearance in Vampires vs. the Bronx on Netflix.
Jones’ career took a significant leap in 2022 when she signed with High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings and released her critically acclaimed EP, What I Didn’t Tell You. The lead single, “ICU,” captured audiences with its emotional depth and earned platinum certification. The song soared to #1 on Billboard’s R&B Airplay chart and secured Jones multiple Best New Artist accolades at the BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, and NAACP Image Awards. Her meteoric rise culminated in a 2024 Grammy Award win for Best R&B Performance for “ICU,” solidifying her position as one of the industry’s most promising stars.
As Jones steps into this new chapter, she continues to captivate with her distinctive sound and compelling storytelling. Her recognition at the ASCAP Women Behind the Music event acknowledges her multifaceted talent and her ability to resonate with audiences through her music and performances.
Amanda Jones: A Visionary Composer Redefining Soundtracks
Amanda Jones stands out as a pioneering force among a new wave of film and television composers. Her groundbreaking work led her to become the first African-American female nominated in the Primetime Emmy score category. In 2023, Jones secured her first Emmy win, solidifying her place as an influential voice in the world of composition.
Jones’ diverse portfolio showcases her versatility and innovative approach to music. Her notable credits include Apple TV+’s Home series, where her composition for the “Maine” episode earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series or Special (Original Dramatic Score). Her work on this series also led to a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition and Direction in 2023.
Continuing her trailblazing journey, Jones has composed for projects such as #1 On the Call Sheet starring Halle Berry and Angela Bassett, Jodie featuring Tracee Ellis Ross, Tyler Perry’s Mea Culpa for Netflix, and the celebrated series A Black Lady Sketch Show on HBO. Her expertise has also extended to productions for BET’s Twenties and the National Geographic/Disney+ docu-series Supernatural Planet. Jones’s recognition at the ASCAP event underscores her role as a transformative figure in modern composition, inspiring upcoming composers to redefine what’s possible in the industry.
Autumn Rowe: Champion of Songwriters and Advocate for Change
Autumn Rowe’s extensive career as a songwriter and advocate has made her a pivotal figure in the music community. Born and raised in the South Bronx, Rowe’s journey began with a passion for music that blossomed into a career collaborating with some of the industry’s most iconic artists. Her impressive songwriting portfolio includes working with Dua Lipa, Diana Ross, Ava Max, Leona Lewis, and Lukas Graham. However, it was her contributions to Jon Batiste’s 2022 Grammy-winning album We Are that propelled her to the spotlight, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Album.
Rowe’s impact goes beyond songwriting—she is an unwavering advocate for songwriter rights and women in the industry. Her advocacy work includes lobbying at the Grammys On The Hill Awards and playing a pivotal role as a key witness in the recent Copyright Royalty Board trial. Recognized for her dedication, she was appointed as a Spotify Equal Songwriter Ambassador. Rowe has also launched impactful initiatives like her joint venture publishing company with Spirit Music Group and the mentorship program “Ask the Insider” in partnership with BMG and SONA, aimed at connecting industry veterans with mentees.
Honoring the Pioneers
The 2024 ASCAP Women Behind the Music event promises to be a memorable evening celebrating the accomplishments of Jones, Jones, and Rowe—three women who have redefined the music landscape through their art, leadership, and advocacy. Their stories are a testament to resilience, talent, and the pursuit of excellence. ASCAP Senior Vice President of Membership and ASCAP Foundation Executive Director, Nicole George-Middleton, summed it up perfectly: “We are so proud to recognize the women who have made such a profound impact through their leadership and art, and we hope to empower the next generation to do the same.”
Attendees will also enjoy the musical talents of DJ Niyah, adding an extra layer of excitement to an evening dedicated to honoring the past, present, and future of women in the music industry.
Amanda Jones stands out as a pioneering force among a new wave of film and television composers, an industry that has grown exponentially in recent years, alongside composing for online games. Her groundbreaking work led her to become the first African-American female nominated in the Primetime Emmy score category. In 2023, Jones secured her first Emmy win, solidifying her place as an influential voice in the world of composition.
