The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has revealed the top songwriters for the second quarter of 2023, recognizing the top artist-songwriter and non-performing songwriter of the period.
From April to July, a total of 2,116 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum certifications were awarded.
American songwriter, actor, filmmaker and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda emerged as the top artist-songwriter, securing 34 certifications including the 2X Multi-Platinum Satisfied, the Platinum Aaron Burr, Sir and the Gold It’s Quiet Uptown. Miranda is published by Warner Chappell.
Miranda is most notably recognized for his contributions to Broadway musicals In the Heights (2005) and Hamilton (2015). He also created the soundtracks for the animated films Moana (2016), Vivo (2021), and Encanto (2021).
Alongside composer Alan Menken, Miranda co-produced new lyrics to classics like Part of Your World, Kiss the Girl and Under the Sea for the live adaptation of The Little Mermaid, released this year.
Throughout his career, Miranda has amassed three Tony Awards, three Emmy Awards, five GRAMMY Awards, and an Annie Award, among other accolades.
In 2022, Miranda received the NMPA Songwriter Icon Award, joining the ranks of Taylor Swift, Jon Bon Jovi, Alicia Keys, Sting, Pharrell and Billy Joel.
Commenting on his latest accolade from the NMPA, Miranda said: “I am humbled by this recognition from the NMPA. And I’m endlessly grateful that these songs have become a part of so many people’s lives.”
“It’s a thrill to have our 2022 NMPA Songwriter Icon, Lin-Manuel Miranda, as our top artist-songwriter for Q2. His screen and stage hits are ubiquitous and he has people of all ages singing along – the true mark of an incredible songwriter,” NMPA President & CEO David Israelite said.
“It’s a thrill to have our 2022 NMPA Songwriter Icon, Lin-Manuel Miranda, as our top artist-songwriter for Q2. His screen and stage hits are ubiquitous and he has people of all ages singing along – the true mark of an incredible songwriter.”
David Israelite, NMPA
Meanwhile, Ashley Gorley claimed the title of the top non-performing songwriter on the NMPA’s Gold & Platinum Program, amassing 25 certifications for songs such as Good Vibes and Country Again. He is published by Sony Music Publishing.
The full list of songwriters and publishers honored can be found here.
“I am truly thankful the NMPA honors songs and songwriters in this way. These certifications are a great reminder of how many people are impacted by our music,” Gorley said.
Israelite added: “It’s wonderful, but not surprising, to see our recently named NMPA Non-Performing Songwriter Icon, Ashley Gorley, honored for his certifications this quarter. Ashley continues to astound the industry with the success of his anthems. It’s a privilege to honor both of these talents.”
In collaboration 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.
Other recipients of the NMPA Gold & Platinum Program include Luke Combs, Beyoncé, Juice WRLD, Kane Brown, Lil Nas X,Kanye West, J.Cole and Lil Baby.
