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Don McLean and Dubliners honoured

American Pie singer Don McLean and veteran Irish band the Dubliners are to be honoured for their lifetime achievements at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

US star Don is famed for worldwide hits such as Vincent and American Pie, a track which was later given a facelift by Madonna.

The winners of the awards - to be presented on February 8 - were announced by presenter Mike Harding on his Radio 2 show.

The Dubliners have been among the most recognisable names in traditional Irish music since they formed 50 years ago.

The band - who collaborated with the Pogues, among others, to win a new generation of fans - are famed for tracks such as Whiskey In The Jar and The Rocky Road To Dublin.

Don - whose hits also include Crying - has also had a lengthy career, first hitting the charts in 1971, and last year was among performers at Glastonburyl.

He said: "The UK audience has been among the most loyal for over 40 years and without them certainly I wouldn't be considered for this honour."

Mike Harding - who will co-host the awards which will be broadcast live - said: "When The Dubliners virtually invented the Dublin pub music scene 50 years ago, they changed the face of Irish music forever. They were exciting and different, with a real whiff of danger about them."

And paying tribute to Don, he added: "The truly great songwriters, who create works of such quality that they become standards across genres, are owed a debt of gratitude by the music world and I think it's fantastic that we're presenting Don McLean with this award."

The event takes place at the Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays. Both honorary award-winners will perform on the night, alongside Christy Moore, The Unthanks, Martin Simpson and Seth Lakeman.

Source: music.uk.msn.com
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