ASCAP to Honor New Edition With 'Golden Note' Award

New Edition’s 25th Anniversary as a group this year just got better. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) are set to honor the group at its 21st Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards next month.

The legendary group including Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe and Johnny Gill will be presented with the prestigious Golden Note Award.

The Golden Note, one of ASCAP’s most coveted awards is given only to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. New Edition will join previous honorees including Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Jay Z, LL Cool J and Jermaine Dupri on June 23, 2008 at the invitation only ceremony.

Celebrating their 25th anniversary as a group, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe and Johnny Gill established much of the groundwork for the style of music known as new jack swing.

In the early 1980s, New Edition sold more units in the United States than any other teen singing group and their success led to the creation of late-80s and 90s boy bands, such as New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync. They have released seven studio albums -- "Candy Girl," "New Edition," "All For Love," "Under the Blue Moon," "Heart Break," "Home Again" and "One Love" -- that spawned several hits, including "Candy Girl," "Popcorn Love," "Cool It Now," "Mr. Telephone Man," "Count Me Out," "A Little Bit of Love (Is All It Takes)," "Earth Angel," "Can You Stand the Rain," "If It Isn't Love," "You're Not My Kind of Girl," "Crucial" and "Hit Me Off." Individually, they have enjoyed successful solo careers and side group projects.

Commenting on the Golden Note Award honorees, ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman said: "Over the last 25 years, New Edition has experienced success on multiple levels to become true legends. The group has firmly left their mark on today's music, and ASCAP is very proud to honor them."

The 21st Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards celebration will also feature a special presentation of ASCAP's highly competitive and coveted Songwriter of the Year award to the songwriter with the most award-winning songs.

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