Gary Kemp will be named as this year’s BMI Icon at the BMI London Awards in October.
The Spandau Ballet star – who penned iconic hits such as Gold and True, which topped the UK charts and went Top 5 in the US – is to be recognised for his contributions to music at the private event, hosted by BMI president & CEO Mike O’Neill.
In addition, producer Richard Isong, better known as P2J, will receive the BMI Impact Award for his groundbreaking artistry, creative vision and impact on the future of music. It marks the first time a producer has received the accolade.
“We’re in for an exciting night celebrating our BMI family of UK and European songwriters, composers and music publishers,” O’Neill said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to pay tribute to the legendary Gary Kemp in recognition of his incredible creative accomplishments. His timeless songs have reached multiple generations, leaving a lasting impression on the world of entertainment and inspired many to follow in his footsteps.
“We’re also honoured to present P2J with the BMI Impact Award. His work is a testament to the unifying power of music in bridging cultures and captivating audiences worldwide.”
The ceremony also pays tribute to the UK and European songwriters and publishers of the previous year’s most-performed songs on US streaming, radio and television from BMI’s repertoire of over 20.6 million musical works. The Million-Air Awards, Song of the Year, and awards for Pop, Film, Television and Cable Television Music will also be presented throughout the evening.
The 2023 BMI London Awards take place October 2 at The Savoy Hotel.
