NMPA Honors Top Songwriters, Publishers at Annual Gold & Platinum Gala

Pictured (L-R): Brad Clawson, CJ Solar, Michael Hardy. Photo: Bev Moser

The National Music Publishers’ Association’s (NMPA) Gold & Platinum program celebrated over 70 songwriters and publishers last night (Oct. 19) with the second annual gala, now at City Winery in Nashville. Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum honorees included Josh Osborne, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, busbee, Brett James.

Launched in 2007, in partnership with the RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Program, the NMPA Gold & Platinum Program identifies and certifies the songwriters and publishers of RIAA-certified singles. RIAA counts both sales and on-demand streams.

During the evening, songwriters CJ Solar, Brad Clawson and Michael Hardy performed “Up Down” by Morgan Wallen, while Corey Crowder and Josh Hoge played their multi-Platinum hit “I’m Comin’ Over,” made famous by Chris Young. The NMPA announced three top honors during the evening as well: Top Songwriter, Top Publisher and the Platinum Anthem Award for the top certified song released in the past year.

Pictured (L-R): Josh Hoge, Corey Crowder. Photo: Bev Moser

The Top Songwriter of the year was Shane McAnally, who earned a whopping eighteen certifications for hits “Body Like A Back Road,” “Take Your Time,” “Drinkin’ Problem,” and “Unforgettable.” McAnally was out of town so his husband, and SMACK Co-Owner/President Michael McAnally Baum, accepted on his behalf.

Pictured (L-R): President & CEO NMPA David Israelite, SMACK President & Co-Owner Michael McAnally Baum. Photo: Bev Moser

Warner/Chappell Music Publishing took Top Publisher honors, earning 99 total certifications- 26 multi-Platinum, 26 Platinum, and 48 Gold. Warner/Chappell Nashville President Ben Vaughn and his team accepted the award.

Warner/Chappell Team. Photo: Bev Moser

The Platinum Anthem Award went to the monster hit “Meant To Be,” written by Bebe Rexha, Tyler Hubbard, Josh Miller and David Garcia. Songwriter Josh Miller accepted the award along with his publisher Cornman Music’s General Manager and VP of Creative, Nate Lowery.

Pictured (L-R): Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery, songwriter Josh Miller, NMPA’s David Israelite. Photo: Bev Moser

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Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.

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