George Clinton to Become BMI Icon at Urban Music Awards Slated for Sept. 10 in New York

LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ BMI Los Angeles) - Funk originator George Clinton will be named a BMI Icon at the organization's annual Urban Awards ceremony Thursday, September 10 in New York. Staged at Jazz at Lincoln Center, the event will also salute the world's premier r&b, rap and hip-hop songwriters, producers and publishers by celebrating the most-performed urban songs of the previous year from the BMI repertoire. BMI President & CEO Del Bryant will share hosting duties with Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

The Icon designation is given to BMI songwriters and artists who have had 'a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.' George Clinton will be saluted with an all-star musical tribute during the ceremony, and join an elite group that includes The Jacksons, James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, The Bee Gees, Willie Nelson and Carlos Santana, to name a few.

In addition to recognizing the year's top urban songs, BMI will crown the Urban Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year.

BMI is now accepting press credentials requests for the 2009 BMI Urban Awards. To apply, please visit www.bmi.com/press/credentials.