The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) today announced that two of its most distinguished accolades will be presented to Mick Hucknall of Simply Red and rising star Lola Young. These awards will be presented at a VIP celebration honoring outstanding UK talent.
Mick Hucknall is set to receive the ASCAP Golden Note Award, marking an incredible 40 years of success for Simply Red. This highly esteemed award celebrates songwriters and composers who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Past UK recipients include music legends like Duran Duran, George Michael, and Elton John, with global honorees including Jay-Z and Stevie Wonder.
"Mick Hucknall has made an indelible mark on a generation with his impassioned vocals and classic songwriting," said Paul Williams, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President. "His singular mix of soul, funk and pop sounds made him a master of blue-eyed soul. We are thrilled to present him with the ASCAP Golden Note Award."
Simply Red boasts over 60 million albums sold worldwide, five UK No. 1 albums, and two billion global streams, solidifying their status as one of the UK’s most successful bands. The band, formed by Hucknall in 1985, is currently on their 2025 40th Anniversary Tour.
South London singer-songwriter Lola Young will be presented with the ASCAP Vanguard Award, recognizing her innovative work that is shaping the future of music.
Williams commented on Young's achievements: "Lola Young has captured fans around the globe with her honest, humorous and provocative music. It is exciting to see the world recognise her talent and we know she will reach even greater heights with her career."
Lola Young recently won the Rising Star Award at the Ivors 2025 and has amassed over one billion global streams. Her platinum-certified No. 1 single “Messy,” from her acclaimed 2024 album This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway, topped the UK charts for four consecutive weeks. At 24, she is the youngest British artist since Dave in 2022 to achieve a No. 1 single, and the youngest British female artist to do so since Dua Lipa in 2017. In the US, "Messy" has also dominated charts, hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Pop Airplay, Hot Adult Contemporary, and Alternative Rock charts.
ASCAP will celebrate its winning UK songwriters and composers at a private event on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, with both Mick Hucknall and Lola Young in attendance.
