Diane Warren Top ASCAP Songwriter

05/20/1998 3:00 AM, Yahoo! Music
Bruce Haring

(5/20/98) - Diane Warren was named Songwriter Of The Year for an unprecedented fourth time, and her composition was named "Unbreak My Heart" Song Of The Year, at the 15th annual ASCAP pop music awards, held May 18th in Beverly Hills.

Jewel, Dave Matthews, Jakob Dylan, Steve Miller, No Doubt, Glen Ballard, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jermaine Dupri, Dishwalla, Journey, Tracy Chapman, Trent Reznor, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, the Verve Pipe, Patrice Rushen, Teddy Riley, Primitive Radio Gods, Blackstreet, Peter Cetera and Berry Gordy were among the more than 700 songwriters, recording artists and music industry executives gathered at the black-tie dinner, which saluted ASCAP's most-performed songs of the year.

ASCAP also presented its inaugural American Legend Award for career achievement to Motown Records founder Gordy, citing his musical vision and accomplishments as a songwriter. Gordy's writing credits include such tunes as "Lonely Teardrops," "Money," "Shop Around," "ABC" and "You've Made Me So Very Happy." His Motown Records also celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The show featured a musical tribute to Gordy, with performers including Smokey Robinson, who sang a song he wrote especially for the occasion.

Warren, whose "Unbreak My Heart" was a No. 1 hit for Toni Braxton, was also honored during the evening for her songs "How Do I Live," "For You I Will" and "Because You Loved Me."