Over 700 music and entertainment luminaries gathered at the 19th Annual ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards held on Monday, June 26th 2006 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA to celebrate some of today's most popular music as awards were presented to the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAP songs on the 2005 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap, Reggae and Gospel charts.
ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 240,000 composer, lyricist and music publisher members. ASCAP also represents the repertories created by the international affiliates of 70 foreign performing rights organizations. ASCAP is the only American Performing Rights Organization owned and governed by its writer and publisher members. www.ascap.com.
With five award-winning songs apiece, 50 Cent and Jermaine "JD" Dupri shared the coveted Songwriter of the Year honors.
ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Jermaine "JD" Dupri and ASCAP Executive VP and Director of Membership Todd Brabec
EMI Music Publishing picked up the Publisher of the Year title.
EMI Music Publishing collected the ASCAP Publisher of the Year award.
Soundtrack Song of the Year honors went to Amerie's "1 Thing" from the movie Hitch; Sean Paul was named Reggae Artist of the Year; "Candy Shop" was named Ringtone of the Year and awards for the Top Rap, R&B/Hip-Hop and Gospel Songs of the Year went to "How We Do," "Let Me Love You" and "Heaven," respectively. Co-hosted by multi-platinum award-winning superstar, Ciara, and ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman, the evening was highlighted with the presentation of very special awards to LL Cool J and Bill Withers for their outstanding contributions to music.
Show co-host by Ciara, Missy Elliott honored with three awards.
ASCAP Golden Note Award honoree LL Cool J, ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award honoree Bill Withers, and ASCAP Senior Vice President, Membership Group - Rhythm & Soul Jeanie Weems.
Kori Withers joined Marilyn Bergman onstage to present the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award to Bill Withers in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a songwriter and artist whose beautiful and heartfelt songs have enriched generations. A special musical tribute to the R&B veteran included live performances by Verve Records recording artist Ledisi, Blackground Records recording artist Tank and Kajmere Sound recording artist Sy Smith.
Marilyn Bergman and Executive VP of Warner Music Group Kevin Liles co-presented the ASCAP Golden Note Award to LL Cool J in recognition of his enduring contributions to hip-hop music, both as a songwriter and artist, which have earned him an extraordinary place in American popular music worldwide. As part of the tribute to the legendary rapper, DJ Scratch brought the audience to their feet by spinning a medley of LL's hits. Scratch produced several tracks on the chart-topping album G.O.A.T., in addition to "Shut Em Down," the soundtrack to Any Given Sunday featuring LL Cool J.
DJ Scratch
The ASCAP Golden Note Award is given to songwriters and composers who have achieved extraordinary milestones. Past recipients include Garth Brooks, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Jose Feliciano, Alan Jackson, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, Tom Petty, Michael W. Smith, Mark Snow and Stevie Wonder, among others.
ASCAP's Jeanie Weems and Top Gospel Song of the Year honorees Joi, Erica, Tina and Warryn Campbell
In addition to DJ Scratch, Ledisi, Tank and Sy Smith, the evening also featured a special performance by Top Gospel Song of the Year honorees Mary Mary, who performed their winning song "Heaven."
Mary Mary's Tina and Erica Campbell perform their Top Gospel Award-Winning Song "Heaven"
Among the honorees and notables in attendance, you could see LL Cool J, Bill Withers, Jermaine "JD" Dupri, Ciara, Amerie, Johnta Austin, Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, Mary Mary, Missy Elliott, Manuel Seal, Adonis, Antonio Dixon, Big Boi, Big Jim Wright, Bun-B, Carl Thomas, Chante Moore, Charles "Chuck" Jackson, Clarence Avant, David Banner, DJ Scratch, Dre & Vidal, Focus..., Goapele, Harvey Mason, Jr. & Damon Thomas (The Underdogs), J. Moss, James Fortune, Jaron 'The Kid Slim' Alston, Jeremy Allen, Jimmy Jam, Kenny Lattimore, Kevin Liles, La Marquis Jefferson, Lamont Dozier, Ledisi, Lo, Lyfe, Mathew Knowles, MC Lyte, Michael Bearden, Polow, Q, Ricky Bell & Ralph Tresvant of New Edition, Robert 'EST' Waller, Swizz Beatz, Sy Smith, Tab Nkhereanye, Tank, Teraike 'Chris Styles' Crawford, Terry Lewis, The Game, and The Soul Seekers, among others.
Destiny's Child Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland collected two awards for "Cater 2 U" and "Soldier"
This night was a wonderful time for everyone to celebrate the best artists in the country. Congratulations to all of them.
Published on Jun 27, 2006
