BMI honors Paul Simon's lifetime of work

HOLLYWOOD, May 18 (UPI) -- Paul Simon sang "Slip Slidin' Away" to cap tributes Tuesday as the BMI Pop Awards honored his lifetime of achievement during black tie Hollywood ceremonies.

Brian Wilson took on "Sounds of Silence," Yolanda Adams crooned "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," Joss Stone delivered a reggae-flavored "Mother and Child Reunion," and two Maroon 5 members sang "Homeward Bound" as BMI's Icon Award was presented to Simon.

The Icon Award recognizes a music creator who has been "a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers."

Simon, 63, is both a writer and singer. He is a multiple Grammy winner and a double inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, both as a member of Simon and Garfunkel and as a solo artist.

Previous Icon Award winners include Chuck Berry, James Brown, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Brian Wilson.

Simon thanked those who preceded him, but delivered no acceptance speech, the San Bernardino County (Calif.) Sun reported.

The BMI Pop Awards, which honored the 50 most-played songs of 2004, tapped "Here Without You" from rockers 3 Doors Down as song of the year and hiphop artist Lil John as songwriter of the year.