Other top award winners were songwriters Amund Bjørklund and Espen Lind (both members of Norwegian performing right society TONO and represented in the U.S. by BMI), along with Ne-Yo, who received the prestigious Robert S. Musel Award for Song of the Year for Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable.” The song is published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd./Stellar Songs Ltd.; the song and songwriters also received the BMI Urban Song of the Year prize earlier this year.

Modest Mouse’s “Dashboard” earned BMI’s College Song of the Year crown for tallying the most performances on American college radio. The infectious lead single off the band’s We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank album, “Dashboard” was co-written by Johnny Marr (PRS), Tom "King Sour" Peloso and Joe Plummer and published by Chrysalis Music.

The BMI Dance Award went to Ian Dench and Amanda Ghost (PRS) for “Beautiful Liar,” recorded by genre-bending combo Beyoncé and Shakira. “Beautiful Liar” was published by Bucks Music Group Ltd. (PRS), EMI Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS) and Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS).

Prestigious “Million-Air” certificates were also presented throughout the evening in recognition of those songs that have achieved more than three million U.S. radio and television performances — the equivalent of more than 17 years of continuous airplay. The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” co-penned by Sir Mick Jagger (PRS) and Keith Richards (PRS), and Eric Clapton’s (PRS) “Layla,” co-written by Clapton and Jim Gordon, both topped the list with seven million performances each, while John Lennon’s (PRS) self-penned “Imagine” was recognized for six million performances. Five-million performance honorees included “Higher Love” co-penned by Steve Winwood (PRS) and Will Jennings; Graham Lyle’s (PRS) “What’s Love Got To Do With It”; and “You Really Got Me,” composed by BMI Icon Ray Davies (PRS). BMI Icon Steve Winwood also composed two more songs in the list: “Gimme Some Loving” (4 million) co-written by Muff Winwood and Spencer Davies (both PRS), and “Valerie” (3 million) which was also co-written by Will Jennings.

Additional award-winners whose compositions soared past the three million performance mark included Shania Twain (PRS), Graham Gouldman (PRS), The Bee Gees’ Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb (all PRS), Sir Paul McCartney (PRS), Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, Roxette’s Per Gessle (STIM), Mats Persson (STIM), Paul Herman (PRS), Mort Shuman (SACEM), Wally Badarou (SACEM), Stig Anderson (STIM), and ABBA’s Benny Andersson (STIM) and Björn Ulvaeus (BUMA).

In addition to winning Dance Song of the Year, “Beautiful Liar” garnered BMI Pop and Urban Awards for writers Ian Dench and Amanda Ghost (both PRS); Dench and Ghost also scored Pop Awards for Jordin Sparks’ “Tattoo,” and College Song of the Year “Dashboard” garnered Pop Awards for its creative hive. Kanye West’s “Stronger,” co-written by West, Thomas Bangalter (PRS), Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo (PRS) and Michael Dean, earned awards in both Pop and Urban categories as well, as did Song of the Year “Irreplaceable.” Iconic rocker Pete Townsend (PRS) garnered three awards in the TV Music Awards field, while KT Tunstall (PRS) and Julieta Venegas (SGAE) each secured two awards in the Pop and Latin fields, respectively. Composers Rupert Gregson-Williams and George Fenton (both PRS), also earned two awards each: Gregson-Williams in the Film category and Fenton in Film and Emmy Award-winning divisions.

A complete list of award winners is available here.

The artists and songwriters named BMI Icons have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Hank Williams, Jr., who will be saluted with an all-star musical tribute that evening, joins an elite list of past honorees that includes country music legends Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Whisperin’ Bill Anderson, Charlie Daniels and Loretta Lynn, along with multi-genre nobility the Bee Gees, Isaac Hayes, Ray Davies, James Brown, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Steve Winwood and more.

Hank Williams, Jr.’s career has profiled the aspirations, trials and carousals of the everyman in an unabashedly proud and instantly recognizable voice. Nicknamed “Bocephus” by his legendary father Hank Williams, the younger Williams’ waggish songs and roguish persona have unified through their celebration of rebellion. A sly songwriter and robust vocalist capable of conveying startling emotion and making deceptively ordinary characters shine, he boasts a catalog that includes honky tonk classics “All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down,” “Country Boy Can Survive,” “Born to Boogie,” “Dixie On My Mind,” “Family Tradition,” “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound” and “Texas Women.” Each composition represents a candid piece of Williams himself: He wrote every song on that list alone. In addition to 10 no. 1 singles, he found mainstream success on the pop charts and through penning and performing the multiple Emmy award-winning theme to Monday Night Football; six of Williams’ albums reached platinum status, while 20 were certified gold and 13 reached the no. 1 spot on the charts. Today, a diverse slew of artists spanning hard rap/rocker Kid Rock to contemporary honky tonker Gretchen Wilson embrace Williams’ prolific legacy, citing him as a definitive influence.

Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Nashville Writer/Publisher VP Jody Williams, the 56th Annual Country Awards will recognize the songwriters and publishers of the top BMI country songs played on American radio and television during the previous year. BMI will also bestow prestigious honors on the Country Songwriter of the Year, Country Publisher of the Year and Most Performed Country Song of the Year, also known as the Robert J. Burton Award.

The Icon designation is given to BMI songwriters who have bestowed “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Bryan Ferry joins an elite list of past honorees that includes multi-genre nobility Peter Gabriel, Ray Davies, Van Morrison, the Bee Gees, Isaac Hayes, Dolly Parton, James Brown, Willie Nelson, Hall & Oates, Paul Simon, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Steve Winwood and more.

From work in the early 1970s with progressive glam rock legends Roxy Music to his innovative solo work, Bryan Ferry redefined pop culture as a delicate balance of street savvy and refined luxury. An unparalleled ability to slip from svelte snarling to moody crooning to dramatic staccato and back again makes his vocals instantly recognizable. As a songwriter, his own wealth of work including Roxy Music’s international hit “Love is the Drug,” ”Slave to Love,” “Kiss & Tell,” “Angel Eyes,” “More Than This,” “This Is Tomorrow” and “Don’t Stop the Dance” often sift through layered themes of romance, isolation and loneliness. In addition to his influential compositions, Ferry’s intelligent interpretations of songs penned by others are dizzyingly original and witty, evidenced most recently in his 2007 release Dylanesque. A synergist of genres and aesthetics, Ferry’s impact on music and neighboring realms of visual art and fashion remains splendidly incalculable. As provocative as he is discerning, Bryan Ferry is the quintessential critic and purveyor of sheer beauty.

Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Executive Director, Writer/Publisher Relations, Europe & Asia Brandon Bakshi, the BMI London Awards will also present the Robert S. Musel Award to the writer and publisher of the most performed song of the year. BMI will also bestow “Million-Air” certificates on writers and publishers whose songs have achieved over three million U.S. radio and television performances — the equivalent of more than 17 years of continuous airplay.

The Icon designation is given to BMI songwriters and artists who have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” The Jacksons will be saluted with an all-star musical tribute during the ceremony, and join an elite group that includes James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, The Bee Gees, Willie Nelson and Carlos Santana, to name a few.

One of pop music’s most influential quintets, The Jacksons blazed a trail for r&b and pop music, creating a sound and musical image that is emulated to this day. Hailing from Gary, Indiana, and formed in 1966, the Jackson brothers — Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, Michael and, joining in 1976, younger brother Randy — were a true American success story, transcending race and redefining the sound of pop and r&b music. They were the first group to have their first four singles hit #1, and they remain one of the most globally influential pop and r&b groups in music. The Jackson 5 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. In addition to being premier recording and performing artists, the Jacksons wrote multiple hits, including the ’80s “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground),” “2300 Jackson Street,” “Can You Feel It,” and “State of Shock.”

As the Associated Press noted, so far, all the brothers, with the exception of Michael, have confirmed their attendance at the event and there have been rumblings of a possible Jacksons reunion for years.

In addition to the Icon presentation, BMI will recognize the year’s top urban songs, crowning the Urban Songwriter, Song, Producer and Publisher of the Year award winners.

View List of Award Winning Songs

BMI held its 56th Annual Pop Awards tonight, May 20, honoring Daryl Hall and John Oates as BMI Icons. Famed songwriter and producer Polow Da Don earned the coveted Songwriter of the Year crown, Hinder's ubiquitous "Lips of an Angel" garnered Song of the Year honors and Publisher of the Year went to EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. Held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, the invitation-only ceremony was hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Vice President/General Manager, Los Angeles, Barbara Cane and also recognized the writers and publishers of the past year's 50 most-performed pop songs from BMI's extensive catalog of more than 6.5 million compositions.

The evening's capstone took the form of a musical tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates, who were named BMI Icons in recognition of their "unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers." With this award, they join an elite list of previous BMI Icons that includes the Bee Gees, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Paul Simon, James Brown, Brian Wilson, Isaac Hayes, Dolly Parton and Carlos Santana.

The effervescent popularity of Daryl Hall and John Oates's magical collaborations springs from the duo's devout passion for Philly soul and buoyant pop harmonies. Warmly accessible and expertly polished, Daryl Hall and John Oates's smooth production utilizes undeniable hooks and innate contemporary lyrical sensibility. The resulting eight no. 1 singles, three double-platinum and two platinum albums catapulted the pair into pop superstardom; in 1987, Daryl Hall and John Oates became the best-selling rock duo of all time. Skilled songwriters, they are both members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, together boasting 24 BMI Pop Awards and a catalog studded with 14 BMI Million-Air award songs, including "She's Gone," "Everytime You Go Away," "Kiss On My List," "Maneater" and "Sara Smile." They have prompted a surge of interest and homage from a diverse bevy of new artists, who cite the pair as definitive influences. Restless creators, Daryl Hall and John Oates have spent much of the last decade touring throughout the world.

Polow Da Don's resounding claim to the BMI Songwriter of the Year title stems from penning four songs among the year's top 50: the Pussycat Dolls' "Buttons," featuring Snoop Dogg; Fergie's "London Bridge" and "Glamorous," featuring Ludacris; and "Runaway Love," recorded by Ludacris and featuring Mary J. Blige. Fergie's emphatic shout, "Polow!" in "London Bridge" embedded Da Don's first name in the pop culture psyche, while his hit-making expertise catapulted him to behind-the-scenes impresario. Polow Da Don's first BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year win arrives on the shoulders of his first four BMI Awards, underscoring his unparalleled breakout success in 2007.

Hinder's "Lips of an Angel" garnered Song of the Year bragging rights thanks to generating the most airplay of any tune on BMI's most-performed pop song list during the designated award period. Co-written and recorded by BMI songwriters and Hinder band members Blower, Cody Hanson, Mark King, Michael Rodden and Austin Winkler, along with producer Brian Howes (SOCAN), the wistful tune climbed to the no. 1 slot of Billboard's Pop 100, Hot Digital Songs and Top 40 Mainstream charts, achieving broad crossover success. Country artist Jack Ingram's recording of the song also resonated, reaching the top 20 tier of Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart. Published by EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. and Hinder Music Co., "Lips of an Angel" also earned the Internet Song of the Year win as the most performed song on the Internet during the award period.

EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. claimed its BMI Pop Publisher of the Year crown with a staggering 14 award songs and highest percentage of copyright ownership among the year's top 50. In addition to publishing Song of the Year "Lips of an Angel," EMI-Blackwood's catalog includes award-winners "Money Maker" (Ludacris feat. Pharrell), "Break It Off" (Rihanna feat. Sean Paul), "Glamorous" (Fergie feat. Ludacris), "Hurt" (Christina Aguilera), "Nothing Left to Lose" (Mat Kearney), "The Riddle" (Five for Fighting) and "U + Ur Hand" (Pink).

Nickelback also enjoyed a big night as members Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake and Dan Adair (all SOCAN) each took home three BMI Pop Awards; songwriters earning two awards each included Christina Aguilera; Hinder's Blower, Cody Hanson, Michael Rodden, Mark King and Austin Winkler; Snoop Dogg, Chris Daughtry; Sean Garrett; Three Days Grace's Adam Gontier, Barry Stock, Brad Walst and Neil Sanderson (all SOCAN); Brian Howes (SOCAN); Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman and Andrew Hurley; Ne-Yo; Pink; and will.i.am.

Publishing companies Universal Music Publishing Group (Irving Music/Songs of Universal, Inc./Universal Music-Careers/Universal Music-Z Songs), Sony/ATV Songs LLC, Warner/Chappell Music Group (Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Unichappell Music, Inc.), Songs of Windswept Pacific, Cherry River Music Co., Chicago X Softcore Songs, Hinder Music Co., Hitco Music, My Own Chit Publishing, Pink Inside Publishing, Super Sayin' Publishing, Surface Pretty Deep Ugly Music, Team S Dot Publishing, will.i.am music, inc. and Xtina Music each garnered multiple awards.

The BMI Foundation's 11th Annual John Lennon Scholarship was presented to burgeoning jazz/pop songwriter Travis Knapp for his song "Before You Go."  A recent graduate of Ithaca College where he studied music and anthropology, Knapp is currently recording his sophomore collection of original music. Established in 1997 by Yoko Ono in conjunction with the BMI Foundation and matched by generous donations from Gibson Musical Instruments, the prestigious John Lennon Scholarship program recognizes and fosters auspicious young songwriters between the ages of 15 and 24.

BMI Icons are selected because of their “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” As BMI Icons, Daryl Hall & John Oates will join elite ranks that include the Bee Gees, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Paul Simon, Merle Haggard, Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson, James Brown, Ray Davies, Carlos Santana and Dolly Parton.

The effervescent popularity of Daryl Hall and John Oates’s magical collaborations springs from the duo’s devout passion for Philly soul and buoyant pop harmonies. Warmly accessible and expertly polished, Daryl Hall & John Oates’s smooth production utilizes undeniable hooks and innate contemporary lyrical sensibility. The resulting eight no. 1 singles, three double-platinum and two platinum albums catapulted the pair into pop superstardom; in 1987, Daryl Hall & John Oates became the #1 selling duo in pop music, according to the RIAA. Skilled songwriters, Daryl Hall & John Oates are both members of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, together boasting 24 BMI Pop Awards and a catalog studded with 14 BMI Million-Air award songs, including “She’s Gone,” “Everytime You Go Away,” “Kiss On My List,” “Maneater” and “Sara Smile.” They have prompted a surge of interest and homage from a diverse bevy of new artists, who cite the pair as definitive influences. Restless creators, Daryl Hall & John Oates have spent much of the last decade touring throughout the world.

In addition to the Icon, BMI will recognize Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year during the evening, along with the recipient of the BMI Foundation’s John Lennon Scholarship. Pop Award winners from previous years include Maroon 5, R. Kelly, Nickelback, 3 Doors Down, Pharrell Williams, Michelle Branch, Lil Jon, the Foo Fighters, Linkin Park and Sheryl Crow.

The black-tie, invitation-only gala will be held at the London’s Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane.

The Icon designation is given to BMI songwriters who have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Gabriel joins an elite list of past honorees that includes multi-genre nobility like Ray Davies, Van Morrison, the Bee Gees, Isaac Hayes, Dolly Parton, James Brown, Paul Simon, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Steve Winwood and more.

Gabriel’s achievements, whether musical, visual or humanitarian, are the work of a true visionary. The co-founder of rock band Genesis, Gabriel left the group in 1975 to begin a critically acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning solo career. Thus far, he has released 11 albums featuring self-penned gems and BMI million-performance songs including “Big Time,” “Solsbury Hill,” “Sledgehammer” and “In Your Eyes,” and composed soundtracks for numerous films, including Martin Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ. Amongst other bold endeavors, Gabriel founded Real World companies in 1987, housing his recording, publishing, film and multi-media ventures under one progressive roof. An early participant in Human Rights Now! and recipient of the Nobel Peace Laureates’ “Man of Peace” Award, Peter Gabriel founded world human rights advocacy supergroup TheElders.org in July 2007, with Richard Branson and Nelson Mandela.

Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Senior Executive, BMI Europe Brandon Bakshi, the BMI London Awards will also present the Robert S. Musel Award to the writer and publisher of the most performed song of the year. BMI will bestow “Million-Air” certificates on writers and publishers whose songs have achieved over three million U.S. radio and television performances — the equivalent of more than 17 years of continuous airplay.

The Icon designation is given to BMI songwriters and artists who have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Nelson, who will be saluted with an all-star musical tribute that evening, joins an elite list of past honorees that includes country music stalwarts Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Whisperin’ Bill Anderson, Charlie Daniels and Loretta Lynn, along with multi-genre nobility like the Bee Gees, Isaac Hayes, Ray Davies, James Brown, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Steve Winwood and more.

A romantic aesthete, Willie Nelson makes all that he touches beautiful. As a BMI Icon, Nelson will perhaps be recognized most for his songwriting, which has long enraptured the entire world. His love of the offbeat and heedlessness of conventional time signatures have made Nelson an innovative and inimitable guitarist. As a singer, his deft phrasing and naked sincerity are irresistible. The Texas native’s “Crazy,” “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground,” “Funny How Time Slips Away,” “On the Road Again” and “Good Hearted Woman” merely skim the surface of a catalog stacked with unvarnished classics. Famous for his ceaseless touring, Nelson is an untiring philanthropist and humanitarian, most visibly through Willie-coined events like Farm Aid.

Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Nashville Writer/Publisher VP Jody Williams, the 55th Annual Country Awards will recognize the songwriters and publishers of the top BMI country songs played on American radio and television during the previous year. In addition to the Icon presentation to Nelson, BMI will bestow prestigious honors on the Country Songwriter of the Year, Country Publisher of the Year and Most Performed Country Song of the Year, also know as the Robert J. Burton Award.

BMI staged its 55th Annual Pop Awards on May 15, honoring the Bee Gees as Pop Icons; Kara DioGuardi and Sean Garrett as Songwriters of the Year; “Because of You” as Song of the Year; and Warner/Chappell Music as Publisher of the Year. Hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Vice President/General Manager, Los Angeles, Barbara Cane and held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, the black-tie, invitation-only dinner recognized the writers and publishers of the past year’s 50 most performed pop songs from BMI’s catalog of more than 6.5 million compositions.

BMI Pop Awards Song List

A highlight of the ceremony was the musical tribute to legendary singing trio the Bee Gees. The brothers Gibb were honored as BMI Icons for their “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Accepting the awards were Barry and Robin Gibb, and Yvonne Gibb, wife of the late Maurice Gibb. The tribute saw American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee perform “Immortality,” Bebe Winans singing a medley of “Nights on Broadway” and “How Deep Is Your Love” and Kelly Rowland performing “Emotion.” The musical partnership of Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb has produced some of the most timeless songs ever written, including “Night Fever,” “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” “Staying Alive,” “I Started a Joke,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Jive Talkin,” “You Should Be Dancing” and “Run To Me.” The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees signature three-part harmony has endured for more than four decades, and with this award they join an elite list of previous BMI Icons that includes Crosby, Stills & Nash, Paul Simon, James Brown, Brian Wilson, Isaac Hayes, Dolly Parton and Carlos Santana.

Kara DioGuardi and Sean Garrett tied for the coveted BMI Songwriter of the Year title, placing three songs each in the most performed list of 50. The trio of tracks earning DioGuardi her first Songwriter of the Year Crystal includes “Real Thing” (Bo Bice),“Walk Away” (Kelly Clarkson) and “I’m Feeling You” (Santana featuring The Wreckers). Tonight marked her seventh BMI award; she received a BMI Latin Award in March. Garrett picked up his first Pop Songwriter of the Year Crystal for penning “Run It!” (Chris Brown), “Check On It” (Beyoncé featuring Slim Thug) and “Grillz” (Nelly featuring Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp). Garrett now holds 12 BMI Awards in both the Pop and Urban categories, including being named one of the BMI Top 10 Urban Producers at last year’s honors.

“Because of You,” co-written by BMI songwriters Ben Moody and David Hodges, along with Kelly Clarkson, and published by 12:06 Publishing, Smellslikemetal Publishing, EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. and Dwight Frye Music, Inc., was named BMI Pop Song of the Year for scoring the most airplay of any song on the most-performed list during the award period. “Because of You” earned the trio a huge top ten Billboard Hot 100 hit and the #1 spot on Top 40 radio, where it spent six weeks at the peak position, and was included on Clarkson’s second release, Breakaway.

Warner/Chappell Music (Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. & Unichappell Music, Inc) claimed its BMI Pop Publisher of the Year prize with 11 songs on the top 50 list and the highest percentage of copyright ownership of this year’s awards. Warner/Chappell Music CEO Dave Johnson accepted the company’s 13th BMI Pop Publisher of the Year Crystal.

BMI also recognized the performance achievements of two other songs: “Miss Murder,” which earned Most Performed Song on College Radio kudos for AFI’s Hunter Burgan, Adam Carson, Davey Havok, Jade Puget and Ex Noctem Nacimur Music (publishers); and “You’re Beautiful,” BMI’s Internet Song of the Year award for songwriters James Blunt (PRS), Amanda Ghost (PRS), Sacha Skarbek (PRS), and David Platz Music, Inc., EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc., Universal-Songs of PolyGram International, Inc., for tallying the most hits on BMI-licensed web sites during the award period.

Taking home two BMI Pop Awards each were Fall Out Boy’s Andrew Hurley, Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman and Pete Wentz; Mariah Carey; Ne-Yo; and Nickelback members Daniel Adair, Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger and Ryan Peake (all SOCAN). Publishing companies EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing (Irving Music/Songs of Universal, Inc./Universal-Songs of Polygram International, Inc.), BMG Music Group (Killer Tracks/Zomba Songs), Sony/ATV Songs LLC, K’Stuff Publishing, Chicago X Softcore Songs, Rye Songs, and Super Sayin’ Publishing were each cited for multiple award-winning songs.

The BMI Foundation’s 10th Annual John Lennon Scholarship was presented to 21-year-old Berklee College of Music student Emily Shackelton. A native of Northern Minnesota, she was awarded a $10,000 scholarship for her song “Goodbye” by the Foundation. Established in 1997 by Yoko Ono in conjunction with the BMI Foundation and matched by generous donations from Gibson Musical Instruments, the John Lennon Scholarship program recognizes the talent of young songwriters between the ages of 15 and 24.

High-resolution photos will be available on May 16 at press.bmi.com. To request access, please contact mediarelations@bmi.com.