Award will be granted during first-ever virtual meeting
Garth Brooks has been named the latest National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) Songwriter Icon Award recipient. The recognition will be granted during the NMPA’s first-ever virtual meeting this June, and honors Brooks’ contributions as a songwriter of modern music.
“We have wanted to honor Garth Brooks for some time, and his incredible words about being remembered as a songwriter first at this year’s Gershwin Award for Popular Song compelled us to make this the year,” states NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “Garth is someone who has created uplifting, joyful and meaningful music for decades. He’s brought millions of fans to country music and he’s brought this country together in times of hardship. His music has tackled tough issues and his lyrics have transformed everyday life into poetry that is as catchy as it is timeless. His career has spanned decades and genres and no one could be more fitting to honor during this challenging time. We are grateful to get to hear from him and thank him for what his songwriting has meant to so many of us.”
Typically, the organization awards the recipient during its annual gathering prior to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City, but will be held virtually due to COVID-19. The award honors music creators and composers who have contributed greatly to the craft of songwriting.
Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Jon Bon Jovi, Ryan Tedder, Pharrell Williams, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Diane Warren and Sting are all among those who have received the prestigious honor.
