Mariah Carey has been named the guest of honor at BMI’s annual Urban Awards taking place in September. The singer/songwriter will join the likes of past honorees, Snoop Dogg, Isaac Hayes, and Al Green, by receiving the coveted Icon Award given to those who have had a “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.”
Boasting an impressive five-octave range, and selling upwards of 200 million albums worldwide, Carey has scored more No. 1 singles than any other solo artist in history, and comes in second only to The Beatles in the all-genre all-performer record books.
Kicking off her solo career in 1990, Carey’s hits include “Vision of Love,” “Emotions,” “Shake It Off,” “We Belong Together,” and “One Sweet Day,” all of which she has co-written. In 2003 she became the first female recipient of the Chopard Diamond World Music Award, presented to her for selling more than 175 album.
Over the years the mother of two has also dedicated herself to philanthropy. Carey has been in support of a number of charities, including The Fresh Air Fund, the Save the Music Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief, and the Elton John Aids Foundation. She has also been a staunch supporter of President Obama’s recently performing at one of his re-election fundraisers in New York City.
A close friend of Jermaine Dupri, Carey has long lived in dual musical worlds, collaborating with Snoop, Nicki Minaj, Cam’ron, and other notables in Hip-Hop. She is currently working on a new album to be released on Island Def Jam.
The BMI Urban Awards honors top Hip-Hop, Pop, and R&B songwriters. The show will be held Friday, September 7, at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, Calif.
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Photo: Markus Klinko & Indriani
