BMI FETES EMI, GOTTI, NICKELBACK, HOLLAND-DOZIER-HOLLAND

The org saluted the past year’s 50 most-performed songs, with Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me” Song of the Year; embattled Murder Inc. boss Irv Gotti as Songwriter of the Year and EMI-Blackwood, Inc. as Publisher of the Year.

With Motown songwriters Brian and Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier being honored with the prestigious BMI ICON award, the evening turned into a celebration of the famed Detroit label, climaxing in a half-hour performance by its reunited house band, featured in the award-winning documentary Standing in the Shadows in Motown.

Drummer Steve Jordan and film co-producer Allan Slutsky led the band, which included such original members as keyboardist Joe Hunter and Jack Ashford on percussion and vibes, through some of the greatest hits. They were fronted by BeBe Winans (who sang a rousing version of the Four Tops’ “Reach Out I’ll Be There”), Kim Weston, Brenda Holloway and Freda Payne, as well as a rare performance by original Supreme Mary Wilson.

Gotti, whose UMG-distribbed rap label, home to Ashanti and Ja Rule, among others, is under investigation for money laundering and ties to organized crime, seemed delighted to get away from the controversy for the evening. He said working in the studio with his artists helped him keep his mind off his troubles, touting his upcoming work on the new Ashanti album as his best yet. “If I knew these industry events were this much fun, I’d attend more of ’em,” he told BMI President/CEO Frances Preston. Five of his songs ended on the Most Performed List, including “I’m Real,” by Jennifer Lopez with Ja Rule.

With 16 songs, EMI-Blackwood Music, Inc. was named Pop Publisher of the Year for the eighth time since 1989, prompting Chairman Martin Bandier, like Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach, to crack out his patented victory cigar. Universal Music Publishing earned the honor last year.

Co-writers Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake and Ryan Vikedal of Nickelback were the recipients of the Song of the Year award, although they weren’t on hand to pick up their trophies; “How You Remind Me” is published by Warner-Tamerlane. Linkin Park’s “In the End” was the Most Performed Song on College Radio, while University of Miami student Jaide Fried took home the 2003 John Lennon Scholarship Award for her song “Love Me Tonight.”

BMI’s dinner honoring Film and Television Songwriters and Composers takes place tonight, once again at the Regent Beverly Wilshire.