Mary J. Blige is set for another major honor at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) 20th Anniversary Rhythm & Soul Music Awards next month. The R&B queen will be presented with the ASCAP Voice of Music Award during the invitation-only event in Los Angeles, which will also honor ASCAP's top songwriters and publishers of 2006.

The ASCAP Voice of Music Award is given to artists and songwriters whose music illuminates people's lives through song. Previous recipients include Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Diane Warren and Jimmy Webb, among others.

ASCAP President and Chairman Marilyn Bergman admits six-time Grammy Award winner Blige was a popular choice: "Through all of her struggles, she was determined to find and maintain her own musical voice, and by doing so, she has become one of the most successful R&B/hip-hop writer/performers in the country.

"To many, Mary J. Blige is not only the 'Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,' but also a guiding light. She has paved the way for many others who have followed her path. The ASCAP Voice of Music Award is an honor that she richly deserves."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)