NMPA to Honor Billy Joel, Senator Corker at June 17 Annual Meeting in NYC, Keynote by NEA Chairman Chu
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: May 20, 2015
Media Contact: Charlotte Sellmyer
Washington D.C. -- The National Music Publishers’ Association today announced that at its Annual Meeting in New York, it will honor legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel for his contribution to songwriting and advocacy for those in his profession. The event, which will focus on the state of the music publishing industry, will feature performances by Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter LeAnn Rimes and singer-songwriters Westrin & Mowry. The keynote address will be given by National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu.
In recognition of his leadership on the issues facing music publishers and songwriters in the Digital Age, Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) will also be honored with the NMPA President’s Award. Former ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento will receive the first-ever NMPA Industry Legacy Award for his achievements in support of creators and Ralph Peer II will receive the Lifetime Service Award for his decades of successes in the field of music publishing.
“This year is incredibly significant for music publishers and songwriters, so it is only fitting that we have such important honorees at our Annual Meeting. We are beyond thrilled to pay tribute to Billy Joel for his immeasurable contribution to songwriting, and his endless work on behalf of those who hope to follow in his footsteps. Having LeAnn Rimes perform some of his hits is a tribute to the breadth of influence he has had across the industry,” said NMPA President and CEO David Israelite. “Additionally, we’re excited to recognize Senator Corker’s steadfast commitment to helping songwriters succeed. Without his leadership helping creators achieve a fair wage in a free market, we would not be making the progress I believe we are making today.”
Each year the NMPA holds its Annual Meeting at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square on the night prior to the Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner. As an annual tradition, a songwriting icon and a lawmaker are honored for their work to better the livelihoods of those who fuel the music industry. The event culminates with a State of the Industry Address given by NMPA CEO David Israelite.
Interested members of the media must register to attend. Photos will be provided upon request.
About the NMPA:
Founded in 1917, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is the trade association representing all American music publishers and their songwriting partners. The NMPA’s mandate is to protect and advance the interests of music publishers and songwriters in matters relating to the domestic and global protection of music copyrights. Learn more at www.nmpa.org.