Songwriter of the Year Beyoncé Knowles Singer/songwriter Shawn Colvin, right, performed in honor of her hero James Taylor (below). Taylor also wowed the crowd with a special performance of his own.

Both legendary artists and rising rock stars illuminated the stage at ASCAP's 2002 Pop Awards, where awards were presented for lifetime achievement and for the most performed songs from the previous year. Pictured below left (l-r) are ASCAP Pied Piper Award recipient Tony Bennett, ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman and ASCAP Founders Award recipient James Taylor, and below right, Mathew Knowles, who accepted the Songwriter of the Year Award on behalf of his daughter, Beyoncé Knowles, with Beyonce's mother, Tina Knowles. PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR � WARNER/CHAPPELL Pictured, l-r, are Warner/Chappell's David Andreone, Kenny MacPherson, Greg Sowders, Ed Pierson, JB Brenner, Ira Pianko, Tim Wipperman, Barbara Quinn (in back), Les Bider, Judy Stakee, Denise Weathersby, ASCAP Board member Jay Morgenstern, Rick Shoemaker, Bob Fead, Steve Scott and ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento.

James Taylor, Tony Bennett, Beyoncé Knowles, Dido, Holly Lamar, Dirk Lance from Incubus, Desmond Child, Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora, Lenny Kravitz, Train, N'Sync, Uncle Kracker, Staind, Alicia Keys, U2, BBMak and Madonna were among those honored May 20 at the 19th annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Over 600 leading songwriters, recording artists and music industry notables gathered to salute the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed songs of the year at the gala, hosted by ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman. Richard Marx opened the show with a special performance of his award-winning song, "This I Promise You," which was a smash hit for N'Sync.

Along with honorees and performers, Tony Bennett, James Taylor, Shawn Colvin, Richard Marx and k.d. lang, other ASCAP honorees and notables attending tonight's celebration were Incubus, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, Richie Sambora, Fabrizio Moretti and Nick Valensi of The Strokes, Matt Scannell of Vertical Horizon, Crazy Town, Joe Henry, Steve Vai, Tricky, Hal David, Johnny Mandel and Alan Bergman.

The evening was highlighted with the presentation of major awards to two giants of popular music -- James Taylor and Tony Bennett.

Shawn Colvin congratulates Founders Award winner James Taylor.

James Taylor was presented with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award, which honors pioneering songwriters who have made exceptional contributions to music. As both a singer and songwriter, Taylor's unique qualities have earned him recent induction into two of pop music's most exclusive clubs �- the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is the recipient of multiple Grammy Awards and numerous Gold and Platinum Records. Among his many memorable songs are: "Fire and Rain," "Sweet Baby James," "Country Road," "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," "You're Smiling Face," "Hey Mister, That's Me Up on the Jukebox," "Copperline," "Mexico" and many others.

Shawn Colvin performed as part of ASCAP's special tribute to Taylor and was on hand to co-present this prestigious award with Marilyn Bergman.

The ASCAP Pied Piper award was presented to Tony Bennett in recognition of his consummate musical artistry and extraordinary career as the foremost interpreter of the "Great American Songbook."

Bennett is world-renowned as a singular artist, one of the most gifted of our time. He has introduced countless songs into the popular repertory, including "I Left My Heart In San Francisco," "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" "The Best Is Yet to Come" and "I Wanna Be Around," among so many others. His renditions are and will remain enduring classics. Bennett has multiple Grammy Awards to his credit including a Lifetime Achievement Award. Artist k.d. lang joined Marilyn Bergman to co-present this prestigious award to Bennett and later performed a duet with Bennett as part of ASCAP's special tribute in his honor.

Bergman commented, "ASCAP is extremely proud to honor James Taylor and Tony Bennett with these special awards. They have touched audiences the world over during their remarkable careers and they continue to influence the most popular artists of our time. They have created enduring musical legacies that will enrich generations to come".

Songwriter of the Year honors went to Beyoncé Knowles whose father, Mathew Knowles, accepted the award on her behalf. The three award-winning songs that Beyoncé wrote or co-wrote are: "Independent Women Part I," "Jumpin Jumpin" and "Survivor." Dido was honored with Song of the Year for the worldwide smash hit "Thank You."

ASCAP Pop Music Awards Publisher of the Year honors were presented by ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento to Warner/ Chappell for their 16 winning songs: "All For You," "Crazy," "Don't Tell Me," "Everything You Want," "I Knew I Loved You," "It Wasn't Me," "It's Been A While," "Let Me Blow Ya Mind," Love Don't Cost A Thing," "Music," "Outside," "Pinch Me," "Taking You Home," "Thank You," "The Way You Love Me" and "You're A God."

Songwriter Holly Lamar received special recognition for the song "Breathe" (Cal IV Entertainment, Inc.), the major hit by Faith Hill, which according to Billboard Airplay Monitor was the most-performed song on radio in 2000. Billboard's L.A. Bureau Chief Melinda Newman, co-presented the award to Lamar with ASCAP Executive Vice President Todd Brabec.

The ASCAP College Vanguard Award, to the artist whose collective body of work over the year garnered the most performances on college radio, went to The Strokes. Fabrizio Moretti and Nick Valensi of the Strokes were on hand to receive the award.

Complete List of Winners and More Event Coverage