LOS ANGELES (AP) 鈥 Usher will add another prestigious award to his already loaded trophy case.
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers said Thursday that Usher will receive its Voice of the Culture Award. He鈥檒l be honored at ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Music Songwriters and Publishers event on June 27.
The honor Usher is receiving is presented to ASCAP members who have had a major influence on music and culture.
鈥淎rtistic 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,鈥 Usher said in a statement.
The R&B superstar is an eight-time Grammy winner who recently ended a two-year Las Vegas residency, 鈥淯sher: My Way鈥 at the Park MGM. In February, he released his first solo album in eight years, and in August is scheduled to kick off a 24-city U.S. tour titled 鈥淧ast Present Future.鈥
鲍蝉丑别谤鈥檚 and included guest appearances by such stars as Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon and Ludacris. His album 鈥淐onfessions鈥 has sold more than 10 million units in the U.S., ranking it among one of the best-selling music projects of all time. It launched No. 1 hits such as 鈥淵eah!鈥 with Ludacris and Lil Jon, 鈥淏urn鈥 and 鈥淐onfessions Part II.鈥
鈥淚t 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,鈥 Usher added.
Singer Victoria Mon茅t will be honored as well. She will receive the Vanguard Award, which recognizes members who are helping to shape the future of music.
Mon茅t won three Grammys earlier this year, and R&B album for 鈥淛aguar II.鈥
鈥淰ictoria Mon茅t has proven herself not only as an illuminating songwriter, but also as a flourishing artist and ASCAP member who continues to break barriers,鈥 said Paul Williams, chairman of the board and president at ASCAP. 鈥淗er resilience, talent, and exemplary work ethic have helped her become a multi-award-winning singer and songwriter.鈥
