ASCAP To Honor Kenny Rogers At 45th Annual Country Music Awards Celebration

NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ ASCAP) - Multiple Grammy Award-winning recording artist Kenny Rogers will be honored with the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award during the 45th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards ceremony, set for October 15th in Nashville's legendary Ryman Auditorium. The invitation-only gala will also salute the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed country songs of the past year. A party honoring the night's winners will follow the awards ceremony.

The ASCAP Golden Note Award is presented to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Previous recipients of this special recognition include Garth Brooks, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Alan Jackson, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Tom Petty, Andre Previn, Michael W. Smith, Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones, among others.

Commenting on the award to Rogers, ASCAP President & Chairman Marilyn Bergman said, "Kenny is an artist who has recorded one classic after another, time and time again. His distinctively easy way with a lyric enhances each song's emotional impact. We are delighted to honor him with the ASCAP Golden Note Award, which he so richly deserves."

Houston-born Rogers has been a major recording and concert star for four decades, topping the country and pop charts repeatedly. A one-time member of the folk-pop group, the New Christy Minstrels, Rogers scored his first major hit fronting the First Edition with "I Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)." Over the years, Rogers enjoyed numerous smash hits, including "Lucille," "The Gambler," "You Decorated My Life," "Lady," "Islands in the Stream" (with Dolly Parton), "We've Got Tonight" and the self-penned "Love Will Turn You Around," among many others.

The gala event will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed country songs of the year. Special awards will be given to "Songwriter of the Year," "Songwriter/Artist of the Year," "Song of the Year" and "Publisher of the Year."