Mary J. Blige wins Voice of Music award

Mary J. Blige better make room on her trophy shelf.

The R&B diva, who won three Grammy Awards in February, will receive the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers' Voice of Music Award, the group announced Tuesday.

The award will be presented June 25 at ASCAP's 20th-anniversary Rhythm & Soul Music Awards at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.

"Mary J. Blige is not only the `Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,' but also a guiding light," said ASCAP President Marilyn Bergman in a statement. "Through all of her struggles, she was determined to find and maintain her own musical voice."

Blige, 36, has released seven chart-topping albums during her 15-year career, including last year's "The Breakthrough."

Besides her Grammys, Blige has won honors from the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards, among others.

"Mary exemplifies everything that this award stands for," said ASCAP official Jeanie Weems. "Her music has been the voice of inspiration to women worldwide in both struggle and triumph."

Past recipients of the Voice of Music Award include Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Diane Warren and Jimmy Webb.

___

On the Net:

ASCAP:

http://www.ascap.com

Mary J. Blige:

http://www.mjblige.com/