Photo of Ruth Lyon performing on stage at the Danny Awards. She is a white woman with long curly hair, wearing a light colored dress, while sitting in a wheelchair and singing into a microphone on a stand
Photo of Jude Kofie performing on a grand piano at The Danny Awards. Jude, an African-American adolescent, is wearing glasses and a grey suit.
Photo of a man with one arm and short hair playing the trumpet on stage at the 2024 Danny Awards.
Erin performs a song in American Sign Language

The Danny AwardsHonoring musicians with disabilities

Danny Award recipient James Ian sings on stage with his original music video playing in the background

About the showA stage for world-class artists

Every year we select exceptional musicians from around the globe to perform at the Danny Awards, showcasing the skill, passion, and creativity that thrives in our community. Special thanks to our Lead Sponsor René Plessner for his invaluable support.

12:00 Midnight ET, August 15th!

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Enter by midnight ET on Friday, August 15th for a chance to perform live in NYC on October 25, 2025 at the 5th Annual Danny Awards.

Submit an entry
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How it works

What to expect when you enter

Submit a video of you or your group/band performing an original song or a cover.

Meet the judges

Alex Alexander

Drummer, Percussionist, Producer, Composer

Headshot of Alex Alexander

David Boxenbaum

Music and Private Equity Executive, Co-Founder of Octone Records, Owner of Newport Media Advisors and NMA Productions

Photo of a smiling middle-aged bald man with rectangular-framed glasses

Alyson Cambridge

Singer, Model, Producer, Actor

Headshot of Alyson Cambridge

Nick Cucci

Senior Executive Director, Recording Academy New York Chapter

Headshot of Nick Cucci

George Dennehy

Singer/Songwriter and Just Call Me By My Name Artist

Photo of George playing guitar on stage. He is a caucasian man with brown hair and og average build without arms, playing guitar with his feet.

Dina Fanai

Artist, Songwriter, Producer

Headshot of Dina Fanai

Richard Gottehrer

Songwriter, Producer, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer of The Orchard, Owner of Instant Records

Headshot of Richard Gottehrer

James Ian

Just Call Me By My Name Recording Artist & 2022 Danny Award Winner

Photo of James Ian standing on stage holding a microphone on a stand. He is wearing a camo-patterened button-down shirt, and has his hair tied up in a bun.

Bob Kinkel

Co-Creator & Producer of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Headshot of Bob Kinkel
Lead Sponsor René Plessner gives a speech at the Danny Awards

Our sponsorsLead Sponsor

Much gratitude to our long-time friend and Lead Sponsor of The Danny Awards since inception, René Plessner. Thank you for your commitment to both Daniel’s Music and The Danny Awards. Your kindness, thoughtfulness and unwavering support is truly appreciated. Your generosity has helped create the opportunity to celebrate the musical talents of individuals with disabilities. We are honored to call you our friend. Thank you to all of our sponsors for your generosity and support in cultivating a mutual understanding, appreciation and respect for individuals of all abilities through music.

Become a Sponsor

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact our Director of Strategic Partnerships & Special Events, Carla Sullivan, at carla@danielsmusic.org.

FAQs

When is the Danny Awards show?

Must musicians have a disability to enter the Danny Awards?

Can musicians submit multiple entries?

How are award recipients selected?

When will musicians be notified if they're receiving an award?

Do award recipients receive a prize?

Do award recipients have to perform live in New York City for the Danny Awards?

Make an impact by supporting the Danny Awards

Every donation helps us share talent with the world, give musicians the recognition they deserve, and challenge society to think differently about disability.

Ways to give