TOMMY CASTRO'S SONG HARD BELIEVER WINS FIRST PLACE PRIZE IN THE INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION

Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Tommy Castro, leader of Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, won first place in the Blues category of The International Songwriting Competition for his original composition (co-written with Bonnie Hayes), Hard Believer. The song is the title track from Castro's Alligator Records debut CD. The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual song contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. Castro's latest Alligator release is the red-hot, multi-artist Tommy Castro Presents The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue--Live! featuring Castro and many of his internationally famous friends, including Alligator label mates Marcia Ball, Janiva Magness, Michael "Iron Man" Burks, and Rick Estrin.

Tommy Castro & the Painkillers (previously known as The Tommy Castro Band) are bassist Randy McDonald (back with Tommy after a five-year hiatus), drummer Byron Cage and new member, keyboardist James Pace.