November - December 2002

Ashanti and DJ Quik Host ASCAP 15th Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Celebration
Earth, Wind & Fire Honored with Heritage Award Dr. Dre and Chad Hugo Named Songwriters of the Year EMI Music Publishing Honored as Publisher of the Year	ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Heritage Award honorees Earth, Wind & Fire are pictured with ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento and ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman.

The Society hosted its 15th Annual Rhythm and Soul Music Awards on June 17th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

Awards were presented to the songwriters and publishers of the top ASCAP songs of the 2001 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap, Dance and Reggae charts. Murder Inc. recording artist Ashanti and hitmaker/producer DJ Quik served as hosts for the Awards show and celebration.

Songwriter of the Year Dr. Dre.

ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman commented on the presentation of the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Heritage Award to Earth, Wind & Fire: "The women and men we recognize are musical trend-setters. On this occasion, with so many creative people gathered together, it is fitting that we pay special tribute to the groundbreaking and legendary group, Earth, Wind & Fire. Their music is memorable, joyous and endlessly inventive. They have created a lasting body of work that transcends category and will continue to enrich generations to come." Previous recipients of the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award have been Chaka Khan and Peabo Bryson.

The Songwriter of the Year Award went to Dr. Dre and Chad Hugo. Each had three award-winning songs. Dr. Dre's winning titles were: "Family Affair," "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" and "What Would You Do?" Chad Hugo's winning titles were: "Cross the Border," Danger (Been So Long)" and "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)." Publisher of the Year honors went to EMI Music Publishing/EMI Jobete Music Publishing, with 23 award-winning songs. "Independent Women Part I" written by Samuel "Tone" Barnes and Beyoncé Knowles from the movie Charlie's Angels was honored with the Top Soundtrack Song of the Year.

EMI WINS ITS NINTH ASCAP RHYTHM AND SOUL PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR AWARD EMI Music Publishing received the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Publisher of the Year Award this year, marking the ninth consecutive year it has won. EMI also won a record-breaking twenty-six other Rhythm and Soul awards, including sixteen awards in the R&B/Hip-Hop category and six awards in the Rap Songs category. Pictured celebrating the milestone are ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento, ASCAP Board member and award winner Jimmy Jam, EMI Music Publishing CEO Martin Bandier and ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman.

On June 17th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. awards were presented to the songwriters and publishers of the top ASCAP songs of the 2001 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap, Dance and Reggae charts. The evening included live performances by some of the most successful talents in the world of "Rhythm & Soul" music including: Ashanti, DJ Quik, Mary Mary, Chanté Moore and Kenny Lattimore.

The Top Rap Song was "My Baby" written by Berry Gordy, Jr., Alphonso Mizell and Freddie Perren.

Top Dance Song went to "All For You" written by Wayne Garfield, James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, Terry Lewis and Mauro Malavasi. Bob Marley was named Top Reggae Artist.

A special highlight was the presentation by musical giant Stevie Wonder, award-winning songwriter producer Jimmy Jam and ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman of the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award to the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire in recognition of their unique and influential artistry. The audience was also treated to a musical tribute to EWF by Rachelle Farrell, Mary Mary, Rahsaan Paterson, Phil Perry and surprise performer Larry Dunn, of the original Earth, Wind & Fire band, along with the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band featuring musical director Michael Bearden. Additional guests and honorees included Musiq, George Duke, The Emotions, Tank, Angela Winbush, City High, Malcolm Jamal-Warner, Tichina Arnold, Battlecat and Warryn Campbell.

Rhythm & Soul Music Awards Photos
Complete List of Winners and More Event Coverage
Video Clips from Behind the Scenes at ASCAP's 2002 Award Shows

Playback : November - December 2002
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