Ricardo Montaner, Luis Fonsi & Omar Alfanno To Be Honored At 17th Annual ASCAP Latin Music Awards On March 3, 2009

NEW YORK, NY. (Top40 Charts/ ASCAP) - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will host its 17th annual Latin Music Awards at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Tuesday, March 3, 2009. The black tie gala will honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed songs in Latin Music of 2008.

One of the many highlights of the invitation-only dinner and awards ceremony will be the presentation of the ASCAP Latin Heritage Award to Ricardo Montaner in recognition of his unique and enduring contributions to Latin music. Past recipients include Antonio Aguilar, Celia Cruz, Ednita Nazario, Franco de Vita, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tanon and Ricardo Arjona.

That evening, the performing rights organization will also present singer/songwriter Luis Fonsi with ASCAP's Voice of Music Award. This Award is presented to songwriters and artists whose music gives voice to the spirit of a generation. Previous honorees include Mary J. Blige, Jimmy Webb, Kenny Chesney, Amy Grant, George Strait, Diane Warren and Garth Brooks.

Songwriter/producer Omar Alfanno will be honored with the ASCAP Golden Note Award, which is presented to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Garth Brooks, Joan Sebastian, Jose Feliciano, Quincy Jones, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty and Victor Manuelle are among ASCAP's Golden Note Award winners' circle.

During the awards ceremony, ASCAP will also recognize the Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, and Latin Song of the Year, and awards will be presented in the following categories: Pop, Tropical, Regional Mexican, Rock, Urban and Television. Members of the press may apply for credentials at https://www.ascap.com/press/pressroom/latinmusicawards/