Bermudian singer-songwriter Billy Byron has added yet another prize to his growing list of awards, this time as a finalist in the children?s section of the 2004 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for the composition,?The Texas Campfire Song?, which he wrote in conjunction with fellow songwriter Sammy Lee Smith.

The award, only recently announced, marks the third time Mr. Byron (born Francis Watlington) has been a winning finalist in the Lennon Contest, the two previous awards being for his compositions, ?Stop that Cat? and ?Yellow Bicycle?.

This link with the late John Lennon is particularly meaningful to the entertainer because years ago, while employed by a Front Street store, he apparently missed by moments the celebrated Beatle during a shopping expedition for his wife, Yoko. Months later, John Lennon was dead.

Bermuda-born and raised, Mr. Byron?s association with music stretches back to his childhood when he learned to play piano, guitar, harmonica, bugle and drums.

Later, he studied at the North Shore Community College in the US, before returning home to become a professional entertainer/singer-songwriter and band leader, performing in hotels, pubs and other locales.

Mr. Byron, who holds degrees in psychology and occupational therapy, now lives in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts where his health service company, People Love Music, presents therapeutic music for seniors. He has also created motivational sing-along cassettes for the mentally handicapped.

As a professional musician, Mr. Byron ? a distant cousin of actor Michael Douglas ? continues to perform in Cambridge, and elsewhere, and is a frequent and successful entrant in songwriting contests.

His CDs include ?Bermuda Island Spirit? and ?American Campfires Live? as well as the children?s album, ?The Yellow Bicycle Live!? A Christmas single, ?On Christmas Eve?, was played at The Hour of Power?s Crystal Cathedral to an audience of 20,000. Mr. Byron has also created a motivational music tape, ?Hello Everybody?, which is used for therapeutic intervention by human service professionals. Further CD releases are imminent.

Further information related to Mr. Byron and his music can be found at the following websites: www.bostonsongwriters.org/page4.htm , www.songramp.com/BillyByron , www.coolsongs.us/nsai , www.jlsc.com/winners/2004/finalists.php Mr. Byron?s e-mail address is: bermudabillybyronhotmail.com