STEVIE WONDER - WONDER AWARDED TOP MUSIC AWARD

Music great STEVIE WONDER has been selected to receive the JOHNNY MERCER AWARD in recognition of his impressive career.

The SUPERSTITION star, 53, will be presented with the gong from THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF POPULAR MUSIC/SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME on 10 June (04) in New York.

HAL DAVID, chairman and chief executive officer of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, comments, "The Johnny Mercer Award goes to a 'songwriter's songwriter'.

"I can think of no one who is more deserving of this accolade than Stevie Wonder.

"His music is known and loved around the world and has made a difference in the lives of so many."

Past recipients of the prestigious award include CAROLE KING, BILLY JOEL and PAUL SIMON.