LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ BMI LA) Global music rights leader Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) honored the songwriters and music publishers behind the year's most-performed songs tonight at the organization's 60th annual Pop Awards, held at the Beverly
Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.
"unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers."
Carole King received the BMI Icon Award recognizing her "unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers."
Ester Dean, Benny Blanco and
Pitbull all earned the coveted BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year title by contributing five songs each to the year's most performed list.
"
Firework" clinched BMI Pop Song of the Year honors for Dean and co-writer
Sandy Vee, as well as publishers Dat Damn Dean
Music and peermusic III, Ltd.
Universal
Music Publishing Group claimed the prestigious BMI Pop Publisher of the Year crystal.
The tribute to King featured Haley Reinhart, who delivered an inspiring performance of "
Beautiful";
Colbie Caillat offering a soulful rendition of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"; and
Peter Noone of
Herman's Hermits capping off the tribute with "I'm into Something Good."
As a BMI Icon, King joins an elite list that includes
David Foster, John Fogerty, Kris Kristofferson, the Jacksons, the Bee Gees, Crosby,
Stills & Nash, Paul Simon, Merle Haggard, Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson,
James Brown,
Carlos Santana, Dolly Parton, and others.
The 60th annual BMI Pop Awards were hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant, along with
Barbara Cane, BMI Vice President/General Manager, Los Angeles, and Phil Graham, BMI Senior Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations. For a complete list of 2012 winners, visit www.bmi.com.
