R&B Artist Leon Thomas to Receive ASCAP Vanguard Award
Thomas will be presented with the award at a private, invitation-only event on Thursday, June 25 in Los Angeles.
Three-time Grammy Award-winner and Broadway alum Leon Thomas will be honored with the ASCAP Vanguard Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
Thomas will be presented with the award at a private, invitation-only event celebrating ASCAP’s top hip-hop, R&B and gospel songwriters on Thursday, June 25 in Los Angeles.
A singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Thomas received the ASCAP R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap Song of the Year Award in 2024 for co-writing the chart-topping, 11x platinum hit “Snooze.” This year, he returns to accept the ASCAP Vanguard Award, presented in recognition of ASCAP members whose innovative work is helping shape the future of music. Previous recipients include Victoria Monét, Migos, Janelle Monáe, Beastie Boys and more.
“Leon Thomas is one of R&B’s most creative forces today and is reshaping its sound with his boundary-breaking artistry,” said ASCAP EVP and Head of Creative Membership Nicole George-Middleton. “His passion, creativity and undeniable talent have established him as a defining voice of this generation. We are proud to honor him with this year’s ASCAP Vanguard Award.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Leon Thomas was raised in a deeply musical household by his mother, a vocal coach, and his stepfather, who played guitar for B.B. King. He began his career on Broadway’s The Lion King before venturing into television, where he rose to prominence with his breakout role on Nickelodeon’s Victorious. Following the show’s end in 2013, Thomas transitioned from screen to music, writing and producing for major artists including Ariana Grande, Drake, Chris Brown and Kehlani.
Thomas stepped into the spotlight with his own sophomore album Mutt (2024). The acclaimed LP featured Thomas’s breakout hit “Mutt,” which soared through the Hot 100 Billboard charts, eventually climbing to #1 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart, earning double-platinum status. The album also featured the single “Yes It Is,” which recently achieved RIAA Gold certification.
Mutt earned multiple accolades, including two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance, and an iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New R&B Artist.
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