September 02, 2010

By By Andre Paine, London

British songwriter Don Black will be honored as a BMI Icon next month.

The lyricist's long career will be recognized at the U.S. performing right organization's annual London Awards on Oct. 5 at London's Dorchester Hotel.

Black wrote songs for films including "The Italian Job," "Dances With Wolves" and "Out Of Africa," as well as James Bond themes including "Thunderball," "Diamonds Are Forever" and "The Man with the Golden Gun." He co-wrote Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers "Ben" and "To Sir, With Love."

The ceremony will be hosted by BMI President and CEO Del Bryant; BMI SVP, writer/publisher relations, Phil Graham; and executive director, writer/publisher relations for Europe & Asia, Brandon Bakshi.

BMI's London Awards recognize the U.K. and European songwriters and publishers of the past year's most-performed songs on American radio and television. BMI has a reciprocal deal with U.K. collecting society PRS for Music.

The Icon award is presented to those who have had "a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers." Previous winners include Donovan, Van Morrison, the Bee Gees, James Brown and Willie Nelson.

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