US honour for songwriter Don Black

British songwriter Don Black, known for tracks such as Born Free and Michael Jackson's Ben, is to be honoured by the US music industry.

The lyricist, who has contributed to numerous film soundtracks as well as working with Andrew Lloyd Webber, will collect an award from rights body Broadcast Music International.

Black is perhaps best known for his long association with James Bond films. He wrote the lyrics for Diamonds Are Forever, The Man with the Golden Gun and The World Is Not Enough.

He will follow in the footsteps of figures such as the Bee Gees, James Brown and Willie Nelson when he is awarded the BMI Icon title next month.

The award is given to writers who have had "a unique and

indelible influence on generations of music makers". BMI, which collects royalties on behalf of US writers and music publishers, will present the award in London on 5 October.