Billy McLaughlin Receives Emmy Award Nomination

White Bear Lake, MN, May 11, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Music composer, guitarist and speaker Billy McLaughlin has been nominated for an Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Pacific Southwest Chapter (NATAS PSW). The nomination is in the category Musical Composition/Arrangement for McLaughlin’s performance of “Billy McLaughlin: Starry Night with Orchestra Nova,” which first appeared on KPBS San Diego and is being televised on public broadcasting stations nationwide including Twin Cities Public Television. “Starry Night” director Donn Johnson, KPBS San Diego, was also nominated for an Emmy award in the category of Director-Post Production. Winners will be announced at the 39th annual NATAS PSW Emmy Awards ceremony, which will take place Saturday, June 15, at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev. Information regarding the event is available at http://nataspsw.org.

McLaughlin is recognized internationally for his award-winning music and inspirational message. In 1999, after having been named to Billboards Top Ten Chart, McLaughlin vanished from sight as his career crumbled due to a little-known neuromuscular disorder, focal dystonia, which destroyed the use of his fret-playing hand. After suffering several years without a cure, he embarked on an unlikely attempt to regain his career and succeeded in relearning his instrument, one note at a time, with the opposite hand. Since his comeback, organizations from around the world have asked McLaughlin to share his story. He inspires audiences to action as he demonstrates that it is possible to move forward, even when dealing with unexpected and extraordinary challenges. His soon-to-be-published book, “Road to Reinvention,” will be available fall 2013.

Additionally, McLaughlin brings awareness to the work performed by the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation where he serves as public ambassador. He is also the recipient of the American Academy of Neurology's Public Leadership Award, whose previous winners included Paul Allen, Julie Andrews, Leon Fleischer, Michael J. Fox and Cuba Gooding Jr.

For more information regarding Billy McLaughlin, his concert series including “Starry Night,” as well as keynote speaking and booking opportunities, visit McLaughlin’s website: www.billymclaughlin.com or email office manager Hannah Day at Hannah@billymclaughlin.com.