John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting to Perform at Songwriters Hall of Fame Ceremony; Ondrasik to be Honored With Father of the Year Award

Columbia Records recording artist John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting will perform his previously unheard song "SLICE" at the 40th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, honoring Grammy and Academy Award winning composer Steven Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Wicked). "SLICE", a new song co-written by Ondrasik and Schwartz, will be appearing on Ondrasik's upcoming Five For Fighting album, due for release later this year. This year's Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards inductees also include Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora; Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati (The Young Rascals); Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Galt MacDermot, James Rado and Gerome Ragni (deceased). The induction and awards dinner is scheduled for Thursday, June 18 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

John Ondrasik will also receive a special Fatherhood Award™ at National Fatherhood Initiative's 2009 Military Fatherhood Award™ Ceremony on June 9 in Washington, D.C. Ondrasik will be awarded for his ongoing support of our nation's military service members and their families and for his dedication to his own wife and children.

In addition to receiving his award, Ondrasik will perform two of his songs at the event - "Freedom Never Cries" and "I Just Love You." Ondrasik has dedicated himself to supporting military service members and their families. He has performed on USO tours in Cuba, Hawaii, Guam, and Japan. Ondrasik also conceived and produced "For the Troops," a CD compilation series of superstar recording artists that is available for free to every active service member in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Additionally, Ondrasik has joined General David Petraeus, Jon Stewart, and others in contributing to the inspiring book 5 Principles For A Successful Life: From Our Family to Yours by Newt Gingrich and Jackie Gingrich Cushman. To help illustrate the significance of these principles, Newt and Jackie asked many leaders in the worlds of politics, business, and entertainment to share their personal stories, of which Ondrasik happily wrote about his experiences regarding Principle Two: Work Hard. 5 Principles For A Successful Life: From Our Family to Yours, published by Crown Forum, is in stores now.

  View John Ondrasik reading an excerpt here:
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtQKVSmLOkU

  http://www.fiveforfighting.com/

  http://www.columbiarecords.com/

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SOURCE: Columbia Records

CONTACT: Arbell Camron, Columbia Records, +1-212-833-4206,
arbell.camron@sonymusic.com

Web Site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/