The BRIT Awards

The BRIT Awards was instituted as the British Record Industry "Britannia Centenary" Awards in 1977. Queen, Cliff Richard, George Martin, Julie Covington and Procul Harum made appearances at the first awards held at the Wembley Conference Centre in 1977. Simon & Garfunkel traveled from the US especially to receive their awards and sang together for the first time in seven years. It was not until February 1982 that the next awards took place, renamed as The British Record Industry Awards and becoming an annual celebration. The title "The BRIT Awards" was introduced in 1989.

And the winners...

Robbie Williams won two Brit Awards at the BRIT Awards 2000: Best British Video and Best British Single. So did Macy Gray: Best Best International Newcomer and Best International Female. 5IVE was named The Best British Pop Act. An award for Outstanding Contribution To British Music went to The Spice Girls. Beth Orton took The Best British Female Brit Award. And, just as Sting beat young contenders in the Grammy Awards, Tom Jones showed why he is called "Jones the Voice," winning the Brit Award for Best British Male - the catagory in which Sting and David Bowie were also nominated.

At the 2001 Brits, Robbie Williams was named Best British Male artist, Best British Video, and Best British Single. He has won more Brits than any other artist. Annie Lenox has won the most Brits for female artist.

Video: Red Hot Chili Peppers performing Dani California at the Brit Awards 07