THE organisers of the Brit Awards are launching a new annual honour to celebrate major figures in music, with Sir Elton John announced as the first recipient.
The Rocket Man and Your Song star is to be given the Brits Icon Award at a show in London on September 2 to be broadcast later by ITV.
He has sold more than 250 million records worldwide.
The new prize, created by the BPI, the music industry's trade body, will be separate from the main Brit Awards and will be presented to a notable artist whose writing, recording and performances have had a "lasting impact on the nation's culture".
Sir Elton, 66, was recently treated for appendicitis, which resulted in the cancellation of shows including a headline appearance at Hyde Park this month.
He is expected to be well by the time of the Brits event, when he will perform and welcome guests.
Sir Elton said: "It's a tremendous honour and a real thrill for me to have my work acknowledged in this way."
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