Iconic songwriter and ELO mastermind Jeff Lynne will be honored at the 36th annual ASCAP Pop Awards next month alongside punk/pop pioneers Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and Clem Burke of Blondie and pop/alternative phenomenon Billie Eilish.

Lynne will be presented with the prestigious Founders award at the May 16th ceremony. ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams commented: “It is so exciting to have legendary music heroes and groundbreaking talents of all eras sharing our Pop Music Awards stage and recognized for their distinctive contributions to music.” He then added, “Jeff Lynne has led a singular career and we are all fortunate that his musical genius has been felt so widely. His legendary stature is well-deserved and ASCAP is very proud to present him with our highest honor.

The ASCAP Founders Award is presented to songwriters and composers who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators. Previous recipients include Sir Paul McCartney, Desmond Child, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Patti Smith, James Taylor, Billy Joel and Carly Simon.

The performing rights organization will also be recognizing Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and Clem Burke at the ceremony with the career-encompassing Golden Note Award. This award is accorded to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. “[Blondie] electrified an underground music scene and later mainstream listeners when they married punk and pop with Debbie’s enviably cool lyrics and voice. Their experimentation with nearly every genre — rock, punk, reggae, rap, disco— anchored by their roots in great songwriting, is what truly sets them apart,” explained Williams

Additionally, pop/alternative phenomenon Billie Eilish and her collaborator/producer (and brother) FINNEAS will take home the ASCAP Vanguard Award which recognizes the industry’s most exciting newcomer.