The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has revealed the top songwriters for the first quarter of 2023, recognizing the leading artist-songwriter and non-performing songwriter of the period.
During January, February, and March, an impressive total of 1,736 Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum certifications were awarded.
Country star Luke Combs emerged as the top artist-songwriter, securing 26 certifications, including the 9X Multi-Platinum hit Beautiful Crazy, the 8X Multi-Platinum Hurricane, and the 4X Multi-Platinum Forever After All, all published by Big Machine.
Combs, who is now published by Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), said: “Man, kind of speechless to be honest. All of the credit goes to my fans. They buy and stream the songs and albums, so none of this happens without them.”
“This is honestly an award that should have their names on it. Huge thank you to them and everyone else who made this happen.”
“The first quarter of this year was a big moment for country music. Fueled by the success of Luke and Ray, we saw the growth of country dominate the Gold & Platinum certifications.”
The award marks the latest addition to Combs’ string of accolades in his decade-long career. Combs has won numerous awards including numerous Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. He has also earned three Grammy Award nominations.
Meanwhile, Ray Fulcher claimed the title of the top non-performing songwriter on the NMPA’s Gold & Platinum Program, amassing 12 certifications for songs such as When It Rains It Pours, Does to Me, and Reasons, which are published by Sony Music Publishing.
Fulcher is published by UMPG and River House/Sony Music Publishing.
“Pretty unreal to be included in this group, much less to be at the top for any period of time. Thanks to country music fans and supporters for listening to these songs and believing in the music.I’m going to keep writing songs from the heart, and hopefully, y’all keep listening,” said Fulcher.
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite acknowledged the significant role played by country music in the first quarter of the year.
“The first quarter of this year was a big moment for country music. Fueled by the success of Luke and Ray, we saw the growth of country dominate the Gold & Platinum certifications. Huge congratulations to Luke Combs for consistently creating timeless music, and to Ray for working with him on such enduring, massive songs,” Israelite said.
In partnership with the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA’s) Gold & Platinum Program, the NMPA identifies and certifies the songwriters and publishers behind RIAA-certified singles.
The RIAA incorporates both sales and on-demand streams when determining the Gold (500,000), Platinum (1 million), and Multi-Platinum (2 million or more) thresholds.
Since the inception of the NMPA program in 2007, thousands of songwriters have been honored for their exceptional talent and artistry.
