Though their words keep the music industry -- not to mention performers -- in business and society in check, writers are rarely recognized for their labors. But, for at least some writers of songs, prose and poetry, last week was a week to remember. Thursday night, top Latin songwriters from around the country gathered in San Antonio to be honored by BMI, the American performing rights organization that is responsible for distributing performance royalties (radio, television, live and recorded performances) to writers and copyright holders of more than 3 million songs.

The black-tie (and in this case, black cowboy hat) gala-dinner held at the Plaza San Antonio Hotel honored composers of the most performed Latin songs during the past year. This is the third year that a ceremony honoring top Latin composers has been organized and the...