Mary J. Blige

R&B singer Mary J. Blige will be honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) during its 20th Anniversary Rhythm & Soul Music Awards on June 25, 2007, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Blige will be presented with the ASCAP Voice of Music Award during the invitation-only event, which will also honor ASCAP's top songwriters and publishers of 2006.

The ASCAP Voice of Music Award is given to recognize artists and songwriters whose music illuminates people's lives through song. Previous recipients include Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Diane Warren and Jimmy Webb, among others.

"To many, Mary J. Blige is not only the 'Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,' but also a guiding light," said Marilyn Bergman, ASCAP President and Chairman. "Through all of her struggles, she was determined to find and maintain her own musical voice, and by doing so, she has become one of the most successful R&B/hip-hop writer/performers in the country and has paved the way for many others who have followed her path. The ASCAP Voice of Music Award is an honor that she richly deserves."

The 2007 ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards will also include a special presentation to ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year. Past recipients of this top honor include many of today's most celebrated talents, such as 50 Cent, Kandi Burruss, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Dr. Dre, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Alicia Keys and Timbaland. In addition to honoring the top songwriters and publishers of 2006, special awards will be presented in the following categories: Publisher of the Year, Top Soundtrack Song of the Year, Top Reggae Artist of the Year, Top Ringtone of the Year, Top R&B/ Hip-Hop Song, Top Rap Song and Top Gospel Song. The evening will also feature performances by several award-winning songwriter/performers.