Bailey Zimmerman, Gayle, Nate Smith, More Represent Nashville In RIAA’s Class Of 2022
The RIAA has unveiled its Class Of 2022, consisting of 39 artists who are on the rise and whose first certifications were earned in 2022.
Forty-one singles from the Class of 2022 earned coveted Gold and Platinum awards, which include Bailey Zimmerman‘s Platinum singles “Fall In Love” and “Rock and A Hard Place.” With the two tracks, the rising singer-songwriter notched two of only seven Platinum certifications given to first-time certified artists in 2022.
Other impressive first-time honors across the country landscape include the Gold certifications of Avery Anna‘s “Narcissist,” Corey Kent‘s “Wild As Her,” Nate Smith‘s “Whiskey On You,” Chase Matthew‘s “County Line,” and Warren Zeider‘s Ride The Lightning – 717 Tapes.
Outside of country, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Gayle scored the highest certification for a first-time certified artist this year with the 3x Platinum single “abcdefu” on Atlantic Records.
“Whenever a Gold, Platinum or Diamond certification is earned, it represents massive engagement from an artist’s fans, and a remarkable achievement by the artist, their creative teams, and their record label,” says RIAA COO Michele Ballantyne. “When it is your very first RIAA award, it’s even more special. We are so encouraged by the success of this #RIAAClassOf 2022 and are honored to help celebrate their immense talents.”
Since its inception in 1958, the Gold and Platinum program has celebrated artists whose songs and albums have produced significant U.S. consumption milestones. For a full look at the first-time honorees and members of the RIAA Class of 2022, click here.
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