London, April 9 (ANI): Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who introduced the world to Bob Marley and U2, has received a special honour at the Music Week magazine awards in London.

He has been named the most influential figure in the last 50 years of the British music industry.

Blackwell was picked from a shortlist of 20 leading UK-based executives, reports the BBC.

He was not at the ceremony, but described the honour as ‘unbelievable’ in a video message.

Other contenders ranged from Sir George Martin, who signed and produced The Beatles, to X Factor and American Idol judge Simon Cowell.

The award was handed over by Music Week to mark its 50th anniversary.

Other executives considered for the award included Beatles manager Brian Epstein, live music promoter Harvey Goldsmith and Glastonbury Festival guru Michael Eavis.

Virgin Records founder Richard Branson, legendary record producer Mickie Most and Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant also featured on the shortlist.

At the ceremony, Duffy presented the manager of the year award to her mentor, former Public Image Ltd member Jeanette Lee.

Duffy’s label Polydor, also home to Take That, Girls Aloud and Snow Patrol, bagged record company of the year gong.

XL, which has put out albums by Radiohead, Adele, MIA and Vampire Weekend, won the prize for best independent label.

Xenomania, who have crafted hits for Girls Aloud, Alesha Dixon and Gabriella Cilmi, were given producers of the year honour.

BBC Radio 2 was named radio station of the year, while the Brixton Academy bagged best live music venue award. (ANI)