ATLANTA – Some of the nation’s top singers, songwriters and producers recently convened at the Woodruff Center in Atlanta for the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards and EUR associate Ivan Thomas was there on the red carpet to cover.

The star-studded event, hosted by BMI president/CEO Mike O’Neill, BMI vice president Catherine Brewton and lifestyle specialist Kenny Burns, honored and recognized the best and brightest of the year from the BMI roster in various categories.

Legendary vocalist, Patti LaBelle received the highest honor, the BMI Icon Award, for her remarkable accomplishments in music that have spanned over five decades. She joined the crème de la crème of songwriters honored for their “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers,” such as Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, James Brown, Al Green, Nile Rodgers and Snoop Dogg to name a few. Atlanta Rapper and hit-maker, Future, received an award for Songwriter of the Year, and Internet phenom Kash Doll won the BMI Award for Social Star.

Among performers for the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards were Big Boi, Rick Ross, and rising R&B star Jacquees, who performed his song “B.E.D.” Patti LaBelle was introduced to the stage after an array of her major hits were performed by today’s celebrated music artists. Gospel legend BeBe Winans sang on “On My Own,” Avery Sunshine performed “Love, Need and Want You” Tasha Cobbs-Leonard performed “You Are My Friend” and Ledisi delivered a spirited rendition of “Lady Marmalade.” LaBelle then blessed attendees with an amazing performance of “Over the Rainbow.”

Others in attendance for the BMI R&B/Hip Hop Awards were T-Pain, Ludacris, Tyrese, Keke Palmer, Avery Sunshine, Kierra Sheard, Manny Fresh, Dre of “Cool and Dre,” dance duo Ayo & Teo, R&B group Full Force and many more.

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), which is a global leader in music rights management, is celebrating over 76 years of service to songwriters, composers, music publishers, and businesses.

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