Pete Townshend, Stevie Wonder and Craig David were among those honored at Britain's most prestigious music awards, the Ivor Novellos, on May 24th in London. The Novellos, in its forty-sixth year, honors songwriters, composers, performers and music publishers.

Presented by the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters, Townshend received the Lifetime Achievement Award, telling the audience, after listening to a selection of his hits, "I did all this stuff so I could have a swimming pool, and I'm not in it."

Nineteen-year-old U.K. sensation Craig David picked up one of the most coveted awards, Best Contemporary Song, beating out U2's "Beautiful Day" and David Gray's "Please Forgive Me." David had six nominations at this year's Brit Awards, the U.K.'s other big music ceremony, but went home empty-handed. David also picked up an Ivor Novello award for Songwriter of the Year, along with collaborator Mark Hill, and the Dance Award for his work with Artful Dodger and Robbie Craig on the song "Woman Trouble."

The Eurythmics' Dave Stewart and Annie Lennox presented Stevie Wonder with the Special International Award, and he received a two-minute standing ovation from the crowd. Speaking about how much music meant to him as a child, Wonder said, "The reality is that radio was my eyes and ears to the world."

Other awards were given to the Clash for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. Iron Maiden were given an award for International Achievement, while Sonique's "It' Feels So Good" won an award for International Hit of the Year. David Gray also up an award honoring his music and lyrics for his hit "Babylon."

CHRISTINA SARACENO
(May 25, 2001)