Gloria Estefan will be honored as a BMI Icon Thursday, March 12 at the performing rights organization?s 16th annual Latin Awards. Staged at The Breakers Ponce De Leon Ballroom in Palm Beach.

Florida, and hosted by BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and BMI Assistant Vice President, Latin Music, Delia Orjuela, the black-tie, invitation-only gala will also recognize the songwriters and publishers of the past year?s top BMI Latin songs played on American radio and television.

The BMI Icon award is bestowed on creators who have had a ?unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.? An all-star musical tribute will pay homage to the achievements of Gloria Estefan.

Who joins an elite list of past honorees that includes Latin music titans Gustavo Santaolalla, Los Tigres Del Norte, Juan Luis Guerra and Carlos Santana, along with legends Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Isaac Hayes, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton and the late James Brown.

In addition to the Icon tribute, the ceremony will also recognize the Latin Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year. Previous honorees include Latin superstars Juanes, Shakira, Estéfano, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Wisin & Yandel, Espinoza Paz, Luis ?Louie? Padilla and Ramón González Mora.