The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor Lionel Richie at its 25th Annual Pop Music Awards on April 9th at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Richie will be presented with the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, which is presented to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. The invitation-only gala will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed pop songs of 2007. Commenting on Richie, ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman said, “As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Pop Awards, we are especially proud to spotlight the achievements of ASCAP member Lionel Richie. He is an iconic music creator whose enduring and instantly recognizable songs say, ‘America’ around the world.” Lionel Richie, a native of Tuskegee, Alabama, joined a rhythm & blues band called the Commodores as a saxophonist. During the late 1970s and early 80s, Richie’s original songs would bring the Commodores success after success on both the Pop and R&B charts with such hits as “Easy,” “Still,” “Three Times a Lady” and “Sail On.” His best-selling albums, “Lionel Richie,” “Can’t Slow Down” and “Dancing on the Ceiling” were filled with chart-topping hits written by Richie, including “You Are,” “Truly,” “All Night Long (All Night),” “Hello,” “Penny Lover,” “Running with the Night,” “Dancing on the Ceiling” and “Ballerina Girl.” Richie also co-wrote, with Michael Jackson, the USA for Africa anthem, “We Are the World.” Richie is a three-time ASCAP Pop Songwriter of the Year honoree. He earned the coveted prize at the very first Pop Music Awards in 1984, and again in 1985 and 1986. Steve Miller, one of the most beloved rock & roll stars of the past four decades, will also be honored with Richie. Previous ASCAP Golden Note Award honorees include Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, LL Cool J and George Michael, among others. The songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed pop songs of 2007 will be honored at the awards ceremony. Top awards will be given to ‘Songwriter of the Year,’ ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Publisher of the Year,’ in addition to the presentation of the ‘ASCAP Vanguard Award,’ which recognizes the impact of musical genres which help shape the future of American music. The 25th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards is part of ASCAP’s “I Create Music Week” — an entire week of events being held in Los Angeles to celebrate the voice of the music creator. More details to be announced.
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