The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will honor Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of AEROSMITH with the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award during its 30th annual Pop Music Awards, it was announced today by ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams. The invitation-only gala will take place on April 17 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The event will also celebrate the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed pop songs of 2012.

The ASCAP Founders Award honors pioneering songwriters who have made exceptional contributions to music, inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Past recipients include Ashford and Simpson, Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Annie Lennox, Sir Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Smokey Robinson, Carly Simon, Patti Smith, STEELY DAN, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Tom Waits, Ann and Nancy Wilson (HEART), Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.

"To be recognized by ASCAP with the Founders Award is a huge achievement," commented Steven Tyler. "It is humbling for Joe and me to be honored for our music alongside the likes of Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Paul McCartney and Joni Mitchell. It's been a life-long love affair and it's far from over. Besides, any society that lets Tom Waits in... I'm there!"

Joe Perry commented: "As songwriters, it is a great honor to have ASCAP recognize Steven and me with the Founders Award. We join an incredible list of honorees and we are grateful to ASCAP for their support throughout our career."

Co-founding members of legendary rock band AEROSMITH, the songwriting team of Steven Tyler and Joe Perry has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide to-date. Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductees since 2001, they are the recipients of countless awards including four Grammys, eight American Music Awards, six Billboard Awards and 12 MTV Video Music Awards, among many others. With scores of multi-platinum albums, their music remains influential to this day, inspiring listeners of all ages to get their wings, get a grip and just push play. The band's 15th studio album, 2012's "Music from Another Dimension!", features songs penned by both Tyler and Perry, who also served as producers on the album.

"As part of one of our nation's greatest and most iconic rock bands, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry crafted the music that defined a generation and continues to inspire songwriters today," commented Paul Williams. "They are true musical pioneers whose contributions to American songwriting are immeasurable. We are extremely proud to honor these cultural icons with the ASCAP Founders Award."

The 30th annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards will also honor the songwriters and publishers of the most performed songs of 2012. Top awards will be given out for Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year.

The ceremony comes on the eve of the 8th annual ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO, a three-day conference dedicated to songwriting and composing. Steven Tyler will also give a keynote interview at the ASCAP EXPO with entertainment news journalist Roger Friedman. The conference will take place April 18-20, 2013 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, in Los Angeles, California. A wide range of music creator and industry panelists will be announced soon.

For more details, please visit www.ascap.com/expo.