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Sara Evans People Magazine 50 Most Beautiful, Sara Evans Country Music Artist

Sara Evans People Magazine 50 Most Beautiful, Sara Evans Country Music Artist.

Growing up on a farm in New Franklin, Missouri, a young girl could only dream of one day receiving the distinction of being named a "Beauty" by an international magazine. Sara Evans, country radio's most-played female artist of 2004, joins an elite group today upon the announcement that the award-winning multi-platinum songwriter and singer has been selected as one of People's 50 Most Beautiful. Sara Evans is the only Country artist on the annual list.

"I am very excited to have been chosen," enthused Sara Evans. "It's a dream come true. I love this issue and look forward to reading it every year…especially this year!"

Others appearing on this year's list include cover girl Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Hilary Swank, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Maria Sharapova, David Beckham, Eva Longoria and Heidi Klum. The highly anticipated publication arrived on newsstands last Friday.

In addition to putting the finishing touches on her forthcoming RCA album due out in the summer, Sara Evans was featured on Todayas the show takes over Nashville's Bicentennial Mall on Thursday, April 28.

The CMA award-winner has also just begun performing concerts with superstar Alan Jackson in arenas across the country. She recently concluded a near-sellout tour with Brad Paisley, with whom Sara Evans won a Dove award this month for their collaboration on 'New Again,' a track on The Passion of the Christ – Songs album.

The ACM Album of the Year and Top Female Vocalist nominee is also gearing up for her performance on the CBS telecast of the 40th annual awards show from Las Vegas on May 17. The woman Billboard calls "country's next female superstar" will perform her new single, "A Real Fine Place to Start," which has just arrived at country radio stations.

Sara Evans "Restless" CD (2003): ORDER IT NOW.

Paul Simon will have a special BMI Award, Paul Simon To Be Honored As BMI Icon At 53rd Annual BMI Pop Awards In Los Angeles

Paul Simon will have a special BMI Award, Paul Simon To Be Honored As BMI Icon At 53rd Annual BMI Pop Awards In Los Angeles.

Paul Simon, legendary singer/songwriter, will be honored as a BMI Icon at the performing rights organization's 53rd Annual Pop Awards Tuesday, May 17 in Los Angeles, it was announced today. Simon will receive the accolade at the black-tie dinner hosted by BMI's President & CEO Del Bryant and co-hosted by BMI's Vice President and General Manager, Los Angeles, Barbara Cane. The awards dinner honors the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed songs of the past 12 months.

The Icon designation is given to a creator who has been "a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers". Simon, a multiple Grammy winner and a double inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of Simon and Garfunkel and as a solo artist), joins a distinguished list of previous BMI Icons including James Brown, Chuck Berry, Brian Wilson, Van Morrison, Little Richard and Dolly Parton, among others. Carlos Santana will be honored as an Icon at the BMI Latin Awards on Thursday, April 21 in Las Vegas.

The BMI Pop Awards recognize the songwriters and publishers of the most performed Pop songs on U.S. radio and television from the company's repertoire of approximately 4.5 million musical works from around the world. The Pop Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year will be announced during the evening as well as the winner of the John Lennon Scholarship Award. Pop Awards winners from previous years have included 3 Doors Down, Lauren Christy and Scott Spock of The Matrix, Evanescence, Michelle Branch, the Foo Fighters, Gregg Alexander, R. Kelly, Pharrell Williams, Dallas Austin, Linkin Park, Vanessa Carlton and Sheryl Crow.

Paul Simon "You're the One - In Concert from Paris, 2000" live DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

2005 CMT Music Awards results, 2005 Country Music Awards 2005

2005 CMT Music Awards results, 2005 Country Music Awards 2005.
Keith Urban Wins Video of the Year
Loretta Lynn Accepts Johnny Cash Video Visionary Award
Trisha Yearwood Debuts New Music with Surprise Performance

Winners of the 2005 CMT MUSIC AWARDS were announced tonight on CMT's live telecast from Nashville. Hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, the 2005 CMT Music Awards not only revealed the winners in nine categories, but it also featured country icon Loretta Lynn accepting the Johnny Cash Visionary Award, a surprise appearance by Trisha Yearwood, her first live TV performance in nearly three years, and many other memorable moments and performances. A complete list of winners appears below.

In the biggest surprise of the evening, Trisha Yearwood thrilled fans that have been eagerly awaiting new music from the superstar. She surprised them with a heart wrenching performance of her latest single, "Georgia Rain."
Trisha Yearwood's unannounced debut of her new power ballad brought the audience to its feet as fans welcomed the star to the CMT stage with overwhelming excitement. Her appearance on the 2005 CMT Music Awards marks Yearwood's first live television performance in nearly three years. Yearwood's single hits radio later this month and her latest album, "Jasper County," releases Sept. 13.

Musical icon Loretta Lynn faced an arena-wide standing ovation as she accepted the Johnny Cash Visionary Award from presenters and admirers Gretchen Wilson, Martina McBride and Reba McEntire. Lynn was also honored by friends and family in a moving pre-taped tribute, featuring Elvis Costello, Crystal Gayle, Faith Hill, Sissy Spacek, Keith Urban and Wynonna.

Other highlights of the two-and-a-half hour live telecast include Gretchen Wilson's duet with powerhouse rockers Heart, "Crazy On You." The three women rocked the house with the song originally made famous by Heart. Jeff Foxworthy expertly hosted the live event with his trademark banter and his hysterical show open with Shania Twain and Billy Currington, spoofing Twain's hit video, "Party For Two." The original cast of "Dukes of Hazzard," Catherine Bach, ("Daisy Duke"), John Schneider ("Bo Duke"), Tom Wopat ("Luke Duke"), James Best ("Rosco P. Coltrane"), Ben Jones ("Cooter") and Sonny Shroyer ("Enos") joined together for a television reunion. Big & Rich closed the show with a rousing musical number featuring the cast of their video "Save a Horse (Ride A Cowboy)" set to the dance re-mix of their hit song.

Host Jeff Foxworthy was joined by NASCAR star Kyle Busch, Deana Carter, Jeff Daniels ("Because of Winn Dixie," "Terms of Endearment"), Drea de Matteo ("Joey," "The Sopranos"), Bill Engvall ("Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie"), Gina Gershon ("Face/Off"), Dennis Hopper ("Apocalypse Now," "Easy Rider"), Shooter Jennings, Larry the Cable Guy ("Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie"), Andie MacDowell ("Beauty Shop"), Montgomery Gentry, Joe Nichols, Julie Roberts, Rick Schroder, ("NYPD Blue"), William Shatner ("Boston Legal"), Van Zant, NASCAR star Brian Vickers, Lee Ann Womack and the Warren Brothers, all of whom were presenters on the telecast.

Other show stopping performances included Dierks Bentley ("I've Gotta Lot Of Leavin' To Do"), Kenny Chesney ("Keg in the Closet"), Alan Jackson ("Talkin' Song Repair Blues"), Toby Keith ("Honky Tonk U"), Reba McEntire ("My Sister"), Brad Paisley ("Mud On The Tires") and Keith Urban ("Making Memories of Us").

Below is a complete list of winners:

CMT MUSIC AWARDS BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist's major label debut album; Awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)
-- Gretchen Wilson - "Redneck Woman"

CMT MUSIC AWARDS COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; Awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)
-- Brad Paisley featuring Alison Krauss - "Whiskey Lullaby"

CMT MUSIC AWARDS GROUP/DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group or duo; Awarded to the artists
-- Rascal Flatts - "Feels Like Today"

CMT MUSIC AWARDS FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; Awarded to the artist
-- Gretchen Wilson - "When I Think About Cheatin'"

CMT MUSIC AWARDS MOST INSPIRING VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Video that celebrates the human condition in a positive and optimistic way; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration)
-- Tim McGraw - "Live Like You Were Dying"

CMT MUSIC AWARDS HOTTEST VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Sexiest video; Awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration)
-- Toby Keith - "Whiskey Girl"

CMT MUSIC AWARDS MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; Awarded to the artist
-- Kenny Chesney - "I Go Back"

CMT MUSIC AWARDS VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Video with the best direction (video that best captures the mood, tempo, and intensity of the song); Awarded to the video director for work on a specific video and accepted by the director and the artist
-- Rick Schroder - Brad Paisley featuring Alison Krauss - "Whiskey Lullaby"

CMT MUSIC AWARDS VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; Awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration). Final four nominees announced on live telecast; final voting held online during the live telecast.
-- Keith Urban - "Days Go By"

Keith Urban "Video Hits" DVD (2004): ORDER IT NOW.

Keith Urban "Be Here" CD (2004): ORDER IT NOW.

CMT Music Awards, Country Music Awards

CMT Music Awards, Country Music Awards... CMT Announces More Stars Appearing on the 2005 CMT Music Awards.

Today CMT adds even more stars to the extraordinary line-up of celebrities who will appear on country music's only fan voted awards show, the 2005 CMT Music Awards, telecast live from Nashville on Monday, April 11 at 8:00-10:30 PM, ET.* Making appearances will be Andie MacDowell ("Beauty Shop"), Clint Black, Billy Currington, Blake Shelton, and Rick Schroder ("NYPD Blue"), who is also nominated for "Video Director of the Year."

In addition to host Jeff Foxworthy, other celebrity appearances will include NASCAR star Kyle Busch, Deana Carter, Jeff Daniels ("Because of Winn Dixie," "Terms of Endearment"), Drea de Matteo ("Joey," "The Sopranos"), Bill Engvall ("Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie"), Gina Gershon ("Face/Off"), Dennis Hopper ("Apocalypse Now," "Easy Rider"), Shooter Jennings, Larry the Cable Guy ("Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie"), Montgomery Gentry, Joe Nichols, LeAnn Rimes, Julie Roberts, William Shatner ("Boston Legal"), Shania Twain, Van Zant, NASCAR star Brian Vickers, Lee Ann Womack and the Warren Brothers. Also, CMT will reunite original "Dukes of Hazzard" cast members Catherine Bach, ("Daisy Duke"), John Schneider ("Bo Duke"), Tom Wopat ("Luke Duke"), James Best ("Rosco P. Coltrane"), Ben Jones ("Cooter") and Sonny Shroyer ("Enos") on the 2005 CMT Music Awards.

Live musical performances include Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Heart, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Big & Rich, Keith Urban and Gretchen Wilson, and more.

Gretchen Wilson, Martina McBride and Reba McEntire will present country icon Loretta Lynn with the prestigious Johnny Cash Visionary Award. Lynn will be honored by friends and family in a moving tribute featuring appearances by Elvis Costello, Crystal Gayle, Faith Hill, Sissy Spacek, Keith Urban and Wynonna.

CMT, America's No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches more than 77.1 million households in the United States.

*EDITORS: The 2005 CMT Music Awards premieres LIVE on Monday, April 11 at 8:00 PM, Eastern and 7:00 PM, Central; and at 9:00 PM, Mountain and 8:00 PM, Pacific (tape delayed) on CMT.

Shania Twain "Up - Live in Chicago" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards feat. Marc Jordan, Warren Hill, Chris Smith, The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards: April 10th

The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards feat. Marc Jordan, Warren Hill, Chris Smith, The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards: April 10th, 7:30 pm, at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts.

The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards feat. Marc Jordan, Warren Hill, Chris Smith, Carol Wesman, Rik Emmett, Brian Hughes, Alfie Zappacosta, Chris Smith, Four80East, Alexander Zonjic... And George Benson willbe on hand to receive his lifetime achievement award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will henceforth be named the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award, and will be presented in future years to musical pioneers in the Smooth Jazz format.

Smooth Jazz - the genre is new to Canada but the music has been serenading the world for decades. The Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards were designed by Mary Kirk (Wave 94.7FM) and John Beaudin (www.smoothjazznow.com) as a vehicle to promote smooth jazz music and its artists. Today, the Canadian Smooth Jazz music scene is alive and vibrant with the outstanding talents of Diana Krall, Michael Buble, Rik Emmett, Marc Jordan and Alfie Zappacosta to name a very few.

This awards show is made possible through the generosity of its sponsors: Wave 94.7FM, www.smoothjazznow.com, BMO Bank of Montreal/BMO Financial Group, Mercedes-Benz Oakville Autohaus, Hyatt Park Toronto, Barbados Tourism Authority, Marville Travel, EMI Music Canada & Universal Music Group.

Be a part of the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, 130 Navy Street, Oakville on Sunday, April 10, 2005 at 7:30PM.

George Benson "Absolutely Live" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.

Dukes Of Hazzard original cast members at 2005 CMT Music Awards, Dukes Of Hazzard members at 2005 CMT Music Awards

Dukes Of Hazzard original cast members at 2005 CMT Music Awards, Dukes Of Hazzard members at 2005 CMT Music Awards.

CMT reunites original "Dukes of Hazzard" cast members Catherine Bach, ("Daisy Duke"), John Schneider ("Bo Duke"), Tom Wopat ("Luke Duke"), James Best ("Rosco P.Coltrane"), Ben Jones ("Cooter") and Sonny Shroyer ("Enos") on the 2005 CMT Music Awards.
Country music's only fan-voted awards show, the 2005 CMT Music Awards hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, will be telecast live from Nashville on Monday, April 11 at 8:00- 10:30 PM, ET.* The original "Dukes of Hazzard" series is a current CMT hit telecast weeknights to a tremendous viewer following.

The cast of the "Dukes of Hazzard" joins previously announced appearances including NASCAR star Kyle Busch, Deana Carter, Jeff Daniels ("Because of Winn Dixie," "Terms of Endearment"), Drea de Matteo ("Joey," "The Sopranos"), Bill Engvall ("Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie"), Gina Gershon ("Face/Off"), Dennis Hopper ("Apocalypse Now," "Easy Rider"), Shooter Jennings, Larry the Cable Guy ("Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie"), Montgomery Gentry, Joe Nichols, LeAnn Rimes, Julie Roberts, William Shatner ("Boston Legal"), Shania Twain, Van Zant, NASCAR star Brian Vickers, Lee Ann Womack and the Warren Brothers.

Live musical performances include Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Heart, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Big & Rich, Keith Urban and Gretchen Wilson, and more.

Gretchen Wilson, Martina McBride and Reba McEntire will present country icon Loretta Lynn with the prestigious Johnny Cash Visionary Award. Lynn will be honored by friends and family in a moving tribute featuring appearances by Elvis Costello, Crystal Gayle, Faith Hill, Sissy Spacek, Keith Urban and Wynonna.

Fans may vote online at CMT.com through Friday, April 8 to determine the CMT Music Awards winners.

*The 2005 CMT Music Awards premieres Live on Monday, April 11 at 8:00 PM, Eastern and 7:00 PM, Central; and at 9:00 PM, Mountain and 8:00 PM, Pacific (tape delayed).

"The Dukes of Hazzard - The Complete First and Second Seasons" DVDs: ORDER IT NOW.

Les Paul's 90th Birthday with a new CD out feat. Eric Clapton, Sting, Jeff Beck, Joss Stone..., Les Paul's 90th Birthday

Les Paul's 90th Birthday with a new CD out feat. Eric Clapton, Sting, Jeff Beck, Joss Stone..., Les Paul's 90th Birthday.

American guitar legend Les Paul will turn 90 years old on Thursday, June 9. To celebrate the world-renowned electric guitar innovator and performer's 90th year, Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing is joining other Les Paul admirers to put on quite a celebration, including new CD releases, two new books, and a host of special events fit for the father of the electric guitar.

Les Paul, who continues to perform weekly at New York's Iridium Jazz Club, is currently in the studio recording a new album of all-star collaborations with many of music's best-known artists, including Eric Clapton, Sting, Peter Frampton, Johnny Rzeznik, Jeff Beck, Joss Stone, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Joan Osborne, Richie Sambora, and many more to be announced.

The to-be-titled CD is planned for release this summer by Capitol/EMI Music Catalog Marketing. On June 7, Capitol/EMM will reissue "Les Paul with Mary Ford: The Best of The Capitol Masters" (90th Birthday Edition), a collection of Les Paul's finest Capitol recordings, with new artwork, 3 bonus tracks and a new package essay written by Les Paul. On his birthday, Les Paul will receive the Songwriters' Hall of Fame's Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award, and on June 19, he will perform as a Spotlight Artist with special guests at New York's JVC Jazz Festival.

Les Paul, born June 9, 1915 in Waukesha, Wisconsin, is not just one of the world's finest guitarists of all time, but is also a Rock & Roll Hall Of Famer, five-time Grammy Award winner, the inventor of the solid body electric guitar, and the pioneer of numerous enduring studio techniques, including multi-track recording and the use of reverb.
His signature Les Paul line of Gibson guitars debuted in 1952 and quickly grew into a family of four models, the Junior, Special, Standard and Custom, all of which became Gibson classics. Gibson's Les Paul guitars, including new custom models from Jimmy Page and Joe Perry, are universally hailed as the best and are the top choice for many of the world's premier players.

Two new Les Paul books will be published in the coming months: "The Les Paul Legacy" by Rob Lawrence is due this summer from Hal Leonard Publishing. "Les Paul In His Own Words", a limited edition autobiography with each numbered copy signed by Les Paul, is scheduled for a June 9 release by Russ Cochran Publishing.

On June 9, the evening of Les Paul's 90th birthday, he will be honored with the Songwriters' Hall Of Fame Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award. The honors will be bestowed at the organization's 2005 awards dinner at New York's Marriott Marquis Hotel. On June 19, Les Paul will perform with special guests at New York's Carnegie Hall as a Spotlight Artist of the JVC Jazz Festival.

Les Paul continues to play weekly shows at New York's Iridium Jazz Club, with 8pm and 10pm sets every Monday evening. Summer 2005 tour dates will soon be announced.

Les Paul with Mary Ford "The Best of The Capitol Masters" (90th Birthday Edition) album tracklisting:
1. Les Paul & Mary Ford - Dialog & In The Mood (bonus track)
2. Les Paul - Lover
3. Les Paul - Nola
4. Les Paul & Mary Ford - Tennessee Waltz
5. Les Paul & Mary Ford - Mockin' Bird Hill
6. Les Paul & Mary Ford - How High The Moon
7. Les Paul & Mary Ford - The World is Waiting For The Sunrise
8. Les Paul - Whispering
9. Les Paul & Mary Ford - Just One More Chance
10. Les Paul & Mary Ford - Tiger Rag
11. Les Paul & Mary Ford - In The Good Old Summertime
12. Les Paul - Meet Mister Callaghan
13. Les Pau - Lady Of Spain
14. Les Paul & Mary Ford - My Baby's Comin' Home
15. Les Paul & Mary Ford - Bye Bye Blues
16. Les Paul & Mary Ford - I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
17. Les Paul & Mary Ford - Vaya Con Dios (May God Be With You)
18. Les Paul & Mary Ford - I Really Don't Want To Know
19. Les Paul & Mary Ford - I'm A Fool To Care
20. Les Paul & Mary Ford - Whither Thou Goest
21. Les Paul & Mary Ford - Hummingbird
22. Les Paul - Brazil (bonus track)
23. Les Paul - Case of the Missing Les Paulverizer (medley from the Les Paul & Mary Ford Radio Show: a. Avalon / b. Hawaiian War Chant / c. Where or When / d. I'll See You In My Dreams) (bonus track)

Les Paul "The Best of the Capitol Masters: Selections From "The Legend and the Legacy" Box Set" CD (1992): 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

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.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: U2, The Pretenders, Buddy Guy, Percy Sledge and The O'Jays, 20th Annual "2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony"

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: U2, The Pretenders, Buddy Guy, Percy Sledge and The O'Jays, 20th Annual "2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony".

Witness Once In A Lifetime Performances and Moving Tributes From Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, B.B. King, Justin Timberlake, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Ice-T and Steven Van Zandt.

Premiering Exclusively on VH1 Saturday, March 19 at 9 pm*

The sounds of legendary Irish rockers U2, modern rock pioneers The Pretenders, blues guitarist Buddy Guy, the Golden Voice of Soul, Percy Sledge and R&B veterans the O'Jays filled the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Monday, March 14 as these legendary artists took their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fans can watch the historic celebration on VH1, Saturday, March 19 at 9PM* on the "2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony."

Some of the night's electrifying performances included an O'Jays medley of their hits "Back Stabbers, "For the Love of Money" and "Love Train," followed by The Pretenders two song set including "My City Was Gone" with inductor Neil Young on guitar and "Precious." Blues legend B.B. King and Eric Clapton inducted Buddy Guy who began with a solo performance of "Damn Right I Got the Blues," then collaborated with his inductors on "Let Me Love You, Baby."

Following the trio was Percy Sledge with a moving performance of "When A Man Loves A Woman." The evening concluded with an exhilarating performance of U2 hits, "Until The End of the World," "Pride (In the Name of Love)," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," in which inductor Bruce Springsteen took the stage with the band, and "Vertigo." To mark the 20th anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, two of its first members, Bo Diddley and Jerry Lee Lewis each took to the stage for a rousing performance of one of their classics.

* all times ET/PT

An encore presentation of the "2005 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony" will air on VH1 at 11:30pm the same day, with additional airings on Sunday, March 20 at 12PM* and 9PM*, Monday, March 21 at 1PM*, Tuesday, March 22 at 8PM*, and Wednesday, March 23 at 11AM* and 1AM*.

VH1.com will offer in depth insight and expansive information about this year's inductees along with bios, photos, radio streams, videos, and more!

Buddy Guy "Damn Right, I've Got The Blues" CD (expanded new edition): ORDER IT NOW.

Neil Young will be honored by ASCAP at 22nd Annual Pop Music Awards on May 16th in Los Angeles, Neil Young honored

Neil Young will be honored by ASCAP at 22nd Annual Pop Music Awards on May 16th in Los Angeles, Neil Young honored.

ASCAP has announced today that it will honor Neil Young with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award during the 22nd Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards gala. The invitation-only awards dinner will take place on 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.

The ASCAP Founders Award 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 Elvis Costello, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Paul McCartney, Tom Waits, Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, and Stevie Wonder, to name a few.

With nearly fifty albums to his credit, Neil Young has proved to be one of the most prominent and influential artists of his time. Throughout his career, Neil Young has touched on many different genres of music and vocal styles. From folk and country to rock, from his days with Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and throughout his solo career and his many collaborations, Young has delivered his prolific songwriting talents and unique sound to decades of discerning music listeners. He continues to be a major voice and influence in music today.

A 1995 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Neil Young has been writing, recording and performing songs for more than 30 years creating such hits as "Heart of Gold," "Cinnamon Girl," "Hey Hey, My My," "Ohio," "Down by the River," "Harvest Moon" and "Rockin in the Free World."

"Neil's music has sent powerful messages to generations and his work is as meaningful today as it was when his career began in the '60's," quotes ASCAP President & Chairman, Marilyn Bergman. "How proud we are to celebrate Neil Young's career at our Pop Music Awards gala by presenting him with the ASCAP Founders Award."

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.

Neil Young "Silver & Gold" DVD: ORDER IT NOW.