The Black Crowes & Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Summer Tour 2005, The Black Crowes & Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Tour together.

As The Black Crowes get ready to take the stage on Friday night for the third of seven sold-out shows at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom, news emerged that they'll be touring this summer with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The major summer trek with Tom Petty begins June 8 in Florida, and wraps July 30 in upstate New York, with tickets going on sale soon. This news comes on the heels of the seven sold-out shows in New York City-their first official shows since the group took a hiatus after their last concert 10/31/01-as well as the announcement of headlining and festival dates that run from April 21 through May 29.

Headlining & Festival dates
Tue 3/22 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
Wed 3/23 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
Fri 3/25 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
Sat 3/26 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
Sun 3/27 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
Tue 3/29 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
Wed 3/30 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
Thu 4/21 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theatre
Fri 4/22 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest.
Sat 4/23 Gulfport, MS Gulfport Grand Casino
Mon 4/25 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
Tue 4/26 Charleston, SC The Plex
Wed 4/27 Raleigh, NC Disco Rodeo
Fri 4/29 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Sat 4/30 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Sun 5/1 Memphis, TN Beale Street Music Festival
Thu 5/5 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
Fri 5/6 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
Thu 5/7 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
Tue 5/10 Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre
Wed 5/11 Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre
Fri 5/13 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino
Sat 5/14 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino
Mon 5/16 Montreal, CAN Metropolis
Tue 5/17 Toronto, CAN Kool Haus
Sun 5/22 Pensacola, FL Pensacola Springfest
Tue 5/24 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution
Wed 5/25 Orlando, FL House of Blues
Sat 5/28 Little Rock, AR Riverfest
Sun 5/29 Montgomery, AL Montgomery Jubilee
Sat 6/11 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music Festival

With Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers:
Wed 6/8 Ft. Myers, FL Germain Amph
Fri 6/10 Tampa, FL Ford Amph
Tue 6/14 Cinncinati, OH Riverbend Music Center
Wed 6/15 Pittsburgh, PA Post-Gazette Pavilion
Fri 6/17 Camden, NJ Tweeter Waterfront
Sat 6/18 Mansfield, MA Tweeter Center
Tue 6/21 Wantagh, NY Tommy Hilfiger @ Jones Beach Th.
Wed 6/22 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Ctr
Fri 6/24 Hartford, CT The Meadows
Sat 6/25 Darien Center, NY Darien Lakes Amph
Tue 6/28 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
Thu 6/30 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center
Fri 7/1 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amph-Summerfest
Fri 7/15 Tinley Park, IL Tweeter Center
Sat 7/16 Cadott, WI RockFest
Wed 7/20 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theater
Wed 7/27 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
Sat 7/30 Saratoga Springs, NY SPAC

Tom Petty "Soundstage" new live DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Michel Camilo World Tour, Michel Camilo tour.

Last year, Michel Camilo was looking forward to having things slow down for a while. Then he won a Grammy and in January released his first-ever solo recording to astounding critical acclaim "Solo" album (on Telarc). "Now I don't know when it's going to let up," said the Latin jazz piano virtuoso and composer. "I'm not complaining though. I'm thrilled to have so many opportunities to share my music with fans all over the world."

Michel Camilo launches his World Tour on April 5th with a series of dates at New York's jazz shrine, the Blue Note. It is a schedule packed with a diversity of venues, musical collaborators and genres. "Some weeks we'll be playing intimate jazz clubs for a couple of hundred people, and other weeks we will be playing huge festivals," said Michel Camilo.

Critical raves for Camilo's latest Telarc release "Solo" have been building for months. Downbeat magazine called it "exhilarating," and Dave Gelly from London's The Observer wrote, "[Solo] is a revelation."

For an artist who likes to "mix things up," 2005 is shaping up to be an exciting challenge. The year began with three sold-out performances in Spain with Michel Camilo performing the music of George Gershwin with the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. "It's wonderful to be swimming in all these different worlds ... solo, duo, trio, big band and symphony," Michel Camilo said. "To go from the intimacy of a solo performance to the explosiveness of the big band to the technical challenge of symphony performances is a thrill for me. All of my sounds will be there, compressed into one year."

Highlights will include concerts in Zurich, Istanbul and Vienna, performances with his 17-piece big band in the Canary Islands, festival appearances in Holland and Germany, and a special concert at the Hollywood Bowl, where Michel Camilo will be performing his own "Concerto for Piano & Orchestra" with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Leonard Slatkin. Camilo will also be performing at the recently opened Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York on June 17th, as part of the JVC Jazz Festival.

The complete Michel Camilo tour listing is at his official website.

Michel Camilo "Solo" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

James Taylor Summer Tour 2005, James Taylor Tour 2005 now announced.

Here are the dates for James Taylor tour this summer, 30-City U.S. Summer Tour Planned.

Band as follows: Steve Gadd (drums), Jimmy Johnson (bass), Michael Landau (guitar), Luis Conte (percussion), Larry Goldings (keyboards), Andrea Zonn (fiddle) and Arnold McCuller and Kate Markowitz on backing vocals.

- June:
June 17 Hartford, CT Ctnow.com Meadows Music Theater
June 18 Hershey, PA Hershey Park Stadium
June 23 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre
June 25 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
June 28 & 29 Mansfield, MA Tweeter Center

- July:
July 1 Wantagh, NY Tommy Hilfiger at Jones Beach Theater
July 4 & 5 Lenox, MA Tanglewood
July 8 Camden, NJ Tweeter Center at the Waterfront
July 9 Pittsburgh, PA Post Gazette Pavilion at Star Lake
July 22 Virginia Beach, VA Venue Unconfirmed
July 23 Bristow, VA Venue Unconfirmed
July 25 Indianapolis, IN Venue Unconfirmed
July 27 Columbus, OH Germain Amphitheater
July 29 Raleigh, NC Venue Unconfirmed
July 30 Charlotte, NC Venue Unconfirmed
July 31 Antioch, TN Starwood Amphitheater

- August:
August 12 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
August 13 Detroit, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
August 15 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheatre
August 19 Denver, CO Coors Amphitheatre
August 30 St. Paul, MN Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Date Unknown Cleveland, OH Venue Unconfirmed

James Taylor "Live at the Beacon Theatre" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Nikka Costa "Can'Tneverdidnothin" album, Nikka Costa new album out May 24, 2005 (on Virgin Records).

Virgin Recording Artist Nikka Costa is set to release "Can'tneverdidnothin'" album, the long awaited follow-up to 2001's critically acclaimed "Everybody Got Their Something". Written and co-produced by Nikka Costa, "Can'tneverdidnothin'" covers a wide range of material including rock, funk, soul and sultry ballads. Named after a memorable motivational phrase she grew up hearing from her Southern-born mother, can'tneverdidnothin' will be released May 24, 2005 on Virgin Records.

Having released records internationally as a young girl and later as a teenager, Nikka Costa made her breakthrough with "Everybody Got Their Something." On that acclaimed album, Nikka Costa tapped into the power of Soul music that meant so much to her growing up, and found a sexy, joyful groove. With "Can'tneverdidnothin'," Costa once again finds her groove.

The 11 tracks include: "can'tneverdidnothin'," the album's rocking yet ultra-funky title track; the infectious first single "Till I Get To You," "I Gotta Know," a stately piano-based love song; and "Fatherless Child," a moving tribute to her father.

Nikka Costa is also set to join Lenny Kravitz on the "Electric Church: One Night Only!" tour. The exclusive theater tour hits 27 cities nationwide beginning April 5th.

In addition, Nikka Costa has announced the following solo club shows:
April 1 The Galaxy Santa Ana, CA
April 2 City Limits Tucson, AZ
April 4 Sanctuary at Sunset Station San Antonio, TX
April 6 La Zona Rosa Austin, TX
April 12 The Social Orlando, FL
April 19 Fletchers Baltimore, MD
April 30 The Music Mill Indianapolis, IN
May 3 Luther's Blues Madison, WI
May 8 Blue Note Columbia, MO
May 24 Roxy Los Angeles, CA
May 25 House of Blues Anaheim, CA

Dates for Lenny Kravitz's "ELECTRIC CHURCH: ONE NIGHT ONLY!" tour are as follows:
April 5 Nokia Live Dallas, TX
April 7 Verizon Theater Houston, TX
April 9 Tabernacle Atlanta, GA
April 10 Owens Auditorium Charlotte, NC
April 13 Jackie Gleason Theater Miami, FL
April 16 Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA
April 17 Borgata Atlantic City
April 20 Constitution Hall Washington DC
April 21 Beacon Theater New York, NY
April 23 Oakdale Hartford, CT
April 24 Orpheum Boston, MA
April 26 Music Hall Cleveland, OH
April 27 Massey Toronto, Canada
April 29 State Theater Detroit, MI
May 1 Congress Chicago, IL
May 4 State Theater Minneapolis, MN
May 6 Rave Milwaukee, WI
May 7 Pagent St Louis, MO
May 9 Memorial Hall Kansas City, MO
May 11 Fillmore Denver, CO
May 13 Snitzer Portland, OR
May 14 Orpheum Vancouver, Canada
May 16 Paramount Theatre Seattle, WA
May 18 Bill Graham Civic Center San Francisco, CA
May 19 Copley Symphony San Diego, CA
May 21 The Joint Las Vegas, NV
May 22 The Wiltern Los Angeles, CA

Nikka Costa "Can'Tneverdidnothin" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Van Morrison "Magic Time", Van Morrison new album out May 17th (on Geffen Records).

Ireland's greatest pop singer/songwriter is back in action with his latest Geffen Records CD Magic Time. Self-produced, "Magic Time" features ten new Van Morrison songs as well as interpretations of three jazz classics, "'This Love Of Mine," "I'm Confessin," and "'Lonely And Blue." The album is set to arrive in stores May 17th.

"Magic Time" is Van Morrison's first new album of originals since 2003's grammy-nominated "What's Wrong With This Picture?" and is the 38th solo release of his illustrious career. The CD's 2005 release also marks the 40th anniversary of Van Morrison's first hits with the band Them.

With such songs as "Stranded," "Celtic New Year," "Gypsy In My Soul" and the title track, Van Morrison has created one of his most powerful albums in years. Other tracks on the new album include "Keep Mediocrity At Bay," "Evening Train," "Just Like Greta," "The Lion This Time," "They Sold Me Out," and "Carry On Regardless."

A 1993 inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a 2003 inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Van Morrison has been one of the most consistently admired pop musicians of the last 40 years. As a member of the 60's Irish band Them, he created indelible hits like "Gloria" and "Here Comes the Night." Early solo albums like "Astral Weeks," "Tupelo Honey," "Saint Dominic's Preview" and the immortal "Moondance" yielded hit after hit - among them "Wild Night," "Domino" and "Blue Money" - cementing Morrison's standing as a peerless innovator. Latter projects with the Chieftains brought Van back to his Irish roots, but he has always been a universally beloved pop artist. His last CD "What's Wrong with this Picture?" earned a Grammy Award nomination in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category.

Van Morrison "What's Wrong With This Picture?" CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Clay Aiken news update: Clay Aiken in Tsunami area, Clay Aiken Kids Choice, Clay Aiken to Present the "Able To Serve" Awards.

- Clay Aiken went to tsunami area in Indonesia -

Clay Aiken, UNICEF ambassador, recently toured the Indonesian province of Aceh, one of the areas hit hardest by the December 26 tsunami. "The trip was for fact-finding purposes," Clay Aiken told the Jakarta Post. "There are citizens in the U.S. who have offered their time, effort, money and resources and there are some who try to find out where their money is going and what type of work is being done."

Although media has set tsunami aside from its spotlight, the world has not yet called a halt upon the assistance given in order to rebuild the devastated countries. One of them came from Clay Aiken, the US goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. He visited the Indonesian devastated province, Aceh, on March 14-16.

"My purpose of coming here is to ensure that the aid given from the USA have been used correctly," said he during an interview in Aceh.

- Clay Aiken Kids Choice -

Clay Aiken's track "Invisible" is currently available on Nickelodeon's "Kids Choice" CD.
The Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards are broadcast April 2, 2005 on Nickelodeon.

- Clay Aiken With Youth Service America to Present the "Able To Serve" Awards -

Youth Service America and the Bubel/Clay Aiken Foundation are pleased to announce the Clay Aiken ABLE to SERVE Awards, which will provide 50 grants of up to $2,000 each to youth with disabilities for community service projects on National Youth Service Day, April 15-17, 2005. Youth Service America is partnering with four premiere national organizations that work with youth with disabilities, Best Buddies, Special Olympics, National Service Inclusion Project, and VSA arts, to distribute the grants.

The Able to Serve Awards will provide young people with disabilities the opportunity to work side-by-side with youth without disabilities to serve their communities. Award winners will be eligible for an additional grant of $1,000 for the purpose of continuing the service project beyond National Youth Service Day.

"Service, and the learning that goes with it, fosters citizenship, knowledge, and personal development in everyone, young and old, with disabilities and without," said Clay Aiken, who was appointed National Ambassador for the US Fund for UNICEF in 2004. "Our partnership with Youth Service America will bring awareness to the fact that youth with disabilities are great assets and can serve as volunteers too."

Clay Aiken, whose debut album "Measure of a Man" sold nearly 3 million copies, has long been passionate about working to help youth with disabilities. Before his success on American Idol catapulted him into stardom, Clay studied Special Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He taught and mentored a student with autism named Michael Bubel, and formed a close bond with the Bubel family. In 2003, Clay Aiken and Michael's mother Diane Bubel launched the Bubel-Aiken Foundation to create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities inclusion can bring.

"Nickelodeon Kids Choice" new CD (feat. Clay Aiken, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Alicia Keys...) ORDER IT NOW.

Stevie Wonder "So What The Fuss" new single, Stevie Wonder "A Time To Love" new album out on May 3rd, 2005.

Stevie Wonder's New Single, "So What The Fuss" Continues to Top Radio Charts: #1 Most Added Song At Crossover Radio #1 Most Added Song, Urban Radio #2 Most Added, AAA Radio Format.

Stevie Wonder continues to make a strong impression at radio this week with his first new studio single in nearly a decade, "So What The Fuss." The single is the #1 "Most Added Song" at both the Rhythm Crossover and Urban Adult Contemporary radio formats.

This week's radio trifecta follows up last week's record breaking debut on the Billboard Monitor Adult R&B chart, with the explosive single registering the highest number of debut spins (418) in the chart's history. The single also garnered the largest overall spin increase in the decade-long history of the format.

"A Time To Love," the much anticipated studio album from Stevie Wonder, has launched the across-the-board smash single, "So What The Fuss," with none other than legendary superstar Prince on guitar and En Vogue as the guest background vocalists. "A Time To Love" is scheduled to hit stores on May 3rd.

"A Time To Love is a statement within itself," Stevie Wonder has said of the new disc. "There's been a time for war, a time to imprison, a time to hurt and break down. More than ever we need a time to love."

Stevie Wonder has remained one of the truly essential artists of our lifetime. Winner of 22 Grammy awards, as well as an Academy Award, creator of more than 25 #1 Pop and R&B hits, with more than 70 million records sold, the youngest-ever Kennedy Center honoree and recipient of hundreds of awards -including the 2004 Billboard Century Award - the Michigan native emerged as the definitive artist of Motown's golden era to become one of the most prolific singer/songwriters in music history.

Stevie Wonder "A Time To Love" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Miranda Lambert "Kerosene", Miranda Lambert new album, Miranda Lambert At Number One.

Epic recording artist, Miranda Lambert has the Number One Country Record in the Nation. With first week sales of 40,390 for Kerosene, Miranda Lambert has done what only five other country artists in the history of Soundscan have ever done: earned a Number One country chart debut on their very first release. She joins an elite club consisting of Wynonna (1992), Billy Ray Cyrus (1992), LeAnn Rimes (1996), Buddy Jewell (2003) and Gretchen Wilson (2004).

Sony Nashville, Miranda Lambert's parent record label, has released the last three new acts to debut at number- one. No other music company has scored a Country number-one debut on a first album since 1996. Miranda's Kerosene sits at #18 on the Billboard Top 200 as well.

"When my manager called with the news I was driving home from the gym and I had to tell him to hang on because my truck had just died," laughs Miranda Lambert. "I had to pull over to the side of the road - I'd like to say it was just because of the shock I was feeling, but my truck really wouldn't start. It's an old beat up Ford and it's always doing that but it picked the perfect moment."

"Of course the first thing I did when I got home was call my band and they all started crying, adds Miranda. "This weekend we're doing a show in Gulfport at a Casino so we'll leave the celebration to your imagination."

"A Number One debut for a new artist is a major feat and is a testament to Miranda's solid talent as a singer, songwriter and performer. All of us at Epic are extremely proud of Miranda," says Mark Wright, Executive Vice President, A&R, Sony Music Nashville.

In addition to the sales success, Miranda Lambert is also receiving widespread critical acclaim. The news of her Number One debut comes on the heels of a sweeping media blitz that found Miranda on NBC's Today Show, on the cover of USA Today with a two-page feature spread and reviews in the pages of People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Associated Press and countless other national outlets. She'll be the focus of large upcoming features for the Associated Press, Parade, People and many of the country's top daily newspapers.

People's review (on stands now) avowed, "While she'll remind you at times of Gretchen Wilson and Dolly Parton, this worthy 21-year-old Texan is clearly her own singer." An album review by the Associated Press confirmed, "Lambert has come up with a solid album full of thoughtful words and tuneful melodies, delivered with fresh country conviction."

Entertainment Weekly called "Kerosene," "a spunky set of honky-tonk, country rock and Sheryl Crow inspired ballads," adding, "Her vocals evoke Natalie Maines and she clearly knows how to writer a killer tune." And on noting that Miranda Lambert gained her notoriety on the USA Network's Nashville Star series, The New York Times named her album "excellent" and wrote that her, " ... strong voice that hints at mischief, and Kerosene, her impressive debut, might be the best album so far from the current reality-pop boom."

Miranda Lambert wrote or co-wrote eleven of the twelve tracks on "Kerosene" including the first single, "Me and Charlie Talking" which was a top-twenty- five radio hit and has been the Number One song on the Texas Music Charts for the last eleven consecutive weeks - tying Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman." She will likely hold on for a twelfth. Her new radio single, "Bring Me Down" will go for adds on April 4.

Miranda Lambert "Kerosene" new CD: ORDER IT NOW.

Angelina Jolie World's Sexiest Woman according to FHM Readers, Angelina Jolie and Lindsay Lohan too. Hollywood's Leading Lady Tops FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005.

More than 15 million "100 Sexiest Women in the World" votes were cast around the globe, generating the most comprehensive results of all time. Not only is Angelina Jolie the #1 choice of readers of the American edition of FHM, she is also the first ever FHM global winner garnering the most votes among readers of the magazine's 28 international editions. Jolie, who has consistently appeared in the top ten for the last three years, was ranked #2 last year.

"Angelina Jolie embodies everything that our readers find incredibly sexy. Not only is she stunning, she is intelligent, outspoken and passionate in her beliefs and well-respected the world over for her tireless efforts on behalf of the world's refugee children," said Scott Gramling, FHM editor in chief.

In addition to Jolie, the sexiest women in FHM's 2005 reader poll also includes (2) actress Jennifer Garner, (3) Paris Hilton, who jumped to third place from #38 last year; (4) Academy award winner Charlize Theron; (5) Halle Berry, FHM's Sexiest Woman of 2003; (6) Alyssa Milano, a three-time FHM cover girl, and (7) Teri Hatcher, FHM's February 2005 cover girl who claims a top ten ranking after having last appeared on the list in 2001. Rounding out the top ten are (8) Pamela Anderson, who graced the cover of FHM's bestselling issue in 2004; and two new entries, (9) Scarlett Johansson and (10) Lindsay Lohan.

FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005 contains 28 new entries this year, including tennis star Maria Sharapova who debuts at #19, making her the highest ranking athlete on the list. Fox Sports's sexy Leeann Tweeden makes the largest leap up the list from #67 to #14 this year - which explains why her December 2004 FHM cover sold more issues than any FHM cover worldwide. Also climbing the list this year is FHM's August 2004 cover girl and relationship columnist Beth Ostrosky who is ranked #34 (she was #83 last year). In addition to the dozens of TV and movie stars on the list, FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005 also includes:

-- 15 recording artists, including May 2005 cover girl Mariah Carey at #15.

-- 7 athletes, including fellow Olympians Amanda Beard and Logan Tom who appeared on FHM's most talked about September 2004 cover.

-- FHM's own discovery Vida Guerra, the magazine's April 2005 cover girl and one of the most searched female celebrities on the Internet moves up from #73 last year to #26.

FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2005 (2004 ranking in brackets):
1. Angelina Jolie (2)
2. Jennifer Garner (4)
3. Paris Hilton (38)
4. Charlize Theron (8)
5. Halle Berry (3)
6. Alyssa Milano (4)
7. Teri Hatcher (last appeared at no. 55 in 2001)
8. Pamela Anderson (9)
9. Scarlett Johansson (new entry)
10. Lindsay Lohan (new entry)

"Mean Girls" DVD feat. Lindsay Lohan: ORDER IT NOW.

Jermaine Dupri to be honored at 22nd Annual Pop Music Awards on May 16th in Los Angeles, Jermaine Dupri with the ASCAP Golden Note Award.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced today that it will present Jermaine "JD" Dupri with the ASCAP Golden Note Award during the 22nd Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards gala. The invitation-only awards dinner will take place on Monday, May 16th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The event will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed songs of 2004.

In receiving the ASCAP Golden Note Award, a prestigious honor that the Society bestows on its members, Jermaine Dupri joins a select group of songwriters and composers that includes Sean "P.Diddy" Combs, Jose Feliciano, Alan Jackson, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jay-Z, Elton John, Tom Petty, Andre Previn, and Stevie Wonder.

ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman said, "We are so pleased to honor the multi-talented Jermaine Dupri with ASCAP's Golden Note Award this year. Jermaine will join a very elite group of our Golden Note-winning songwriters and we are proud to add his name to this list."

Jermaine Dupri made a name for himself in 1992 when he signed and produced the quadruple platinum teenage rappers Kriss Kross to his So So Def Record label. Throughout his career he has helped further the careers of a roster of talented artists with his platinum songwriting and production. These artists include Aaliyah, Bow Wow, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Chingy, Da Brat, Destiny's Child, Dru Hill, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Jagged Edge, Jay-Z, Elton John, Lil' Kim, Ludacris, MC Lyte, Monica, Nas, Notorious B.I.G., Run DMC, Jessica Simpson, TLC, Tyrese, Usher, and Xcape, to name a few.

Grammy and ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year winner, Jermaine Dupri has also earned platinum status for his own work as a rapper. Dupri has released a number of top hits as "The Party Continues," "Money Ain't A Thang," "Sweetheart," "Ballin' Out Of Control," and "Welcome To Atlanta." Most recently his work on Usher's multi-platinum album, Confessions, garnered Jermaine four 2005 Grammy nominations for his songwriting and production work on chart-toppers, "Confessions-Part II," "Burn" and "My Boo."

Neil Young will also be receiving top honors at the Pop Music Awards gala in May. Young will be presented with the ASCAP Founders Award, which is one of the most distinguished honors that the Society bestows, paying tribute to pioneering songwriters who have made exceptional contributions to music. Neil Young joins this select group of songwriters and composers which includes Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Garth Brooks, Elvis Costello, Quincy Jones, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, James Taylor, Tom Waits, and Stevie Wonder, to name a few.

The 2005 Pop Music Awards will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed songs of 2004. Special awards will be given to "Songwriter of the Year," "Song of the Year," 'Publisher of the Year" in addition to the presentation of the "College Vanguard Award," which recognizes the impact of new and developing musical genres that help shape the future of American music and which gain early popularity on college radio.

Jermaine Dupri "Instructions" latest CD: ORDER IT NOW.