NMPA Honors Over 150 Songwriters At Annual Gold & Platinum Nashville Gala

/by

NMPA President and CEO David Israelite gives welcoming remarks at the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA

The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) held its annual Gold & Platinum Gala last night (Oct. 24) at the Country Music Hall of Fame. A newer event on the Nashville calendar, this year’s gala brought over 500 songwriters, artists, managers and creator advocates together.

NMPA Male Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA

The event honored over 150 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified songwriters as certified by the RIAA in the past year, specifically the July 2023 – June 2024 eligibility period. Throughout the night, NMPA team members recognized songwriters from Gold to Diamond, calling them to the stage for a photo with their plaque. As writers made their way to the stage, with their song playing over the loud speakers, the publishers and peers in the crowd hooped and hollered and patted them on the back.

Those that were present to receive plaques included Chris DeStefano, Laura Veltz, Jonathan Singleton, Dustin Lynch, Taylor Phillips, Nicolle Galyon, Ryan Hurd, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair, Charles Kelley and many more. A special moment came when TK Kimbrell and Scotty Emerick accepted awards on behalf of Toby Keith.

NMPA Female Songwriter of the Year Jessi Alexander. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA

Between plaque presentations, the room was treated to performances from artist honorees. Hailey Whitters performed her delightful “Everything She Ain’t,” Bailey Zimmerman charmed with “Fall In Love” and “Rock And A Hard Place,” Breland impressed with “For What It’s Worth” and “Same Work” and Jordan Davis captivated with “Next Thing You Know” and “Buy Dirt.”

The evening also honored perennial hitmakers who had an incredible year. With six certifications for songs including “The Way I Talk,” “Gone Girl,” “Don’t Think Jesus,” “5 Leaf Clover” and “You, Me, And Whiskey,” Jessi Alexander took home Top Female Songwriter of the Year.

The Top Male Songwriter went once again to Ashley Gorley who achieved an astounding 26 certifications for hits by Lee Brice, Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen and more. He picked up the same honor at last year’s gala.

Jordan Davis performs at the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA

Hailey Whitters performs at the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA

Breland performs at the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA

Bailey Zimmerman performs at the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville. Photo: Tony Sarria, Courtesy of NMPA

LB Cantrell
Latest posts by LB Cantrell (see all)