Award winning artists Usher and Victoria Monet are being honoured by ASCAP – the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers – for their contributions to music and modern culture.
Eight time Grammy Award winner Usher has just completed a two year stint in Las Vegas and was the halftime entertainment at this year’s Super Bowl. ASCAP will be presenting Usher with the Voice of the Culture Award at the Rhythm & Soul Music Songwriters and Publishers event on June 27.
And in August he will embark on a new tour.
His album “Confessions” has been certified Diamond by the RIAA – Recording Industry Association of America – for selling 10 million copies in the U.S.
Usher said in a statement, “artistic development is a lifelong journey of experimentation that requires risk for reward, embracing unknowns, trusting your intuition, and believing in your creative vision and God given talent.”
He added, “it means the world to me that my peers, this community of passionate and distinguished songwriters, composers, and authors are inspired by my execution of the craft.”
At the same ceremony musical newcomer Victoria Monet will be presented with the Vanguard Award – an award presented to artists who are helping to shape the future of music.
Getting off to a good start, Monet earned three Grammy Awards at the 65th annual event including the award for Best New Artist.
Chairman of the board and president at ASCAP Paul Williams spoke on Monet saying, “Victoria Monét has proven herself not only as an illuminating songwriter, but also as a flourishing artist and ASCAP member who continues to break barriers. Her resilience, talent, and exemplary work ethic have helped her become a multi-award-winning singer and songwriter. “