NMPA Names Toby Keith 2013 “Songwriter Icon,” Rep. Ted Deutch to Receive NMPA President’s Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / May 9, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) today announced that award-winning superstar Toby Keith will receive NMPA’s 2013 Songwriter Icon Award and U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch will receive the 2013 President’s Award. Both awards will be presented at NMPA’s Annual Meeting in New York City on June 12, 2013.
“The NMPA is pleased to recognize Toby Keith and U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch for their contributions to songwriting, music publishing and creator’s rights,” said NMPA President and CEO David Israelite. “Toby Keith’s talent as a singer/songwriter is remarkable, but his dedication to fans, his work with the USO, and his commitment to music and songwriting as a craft has greatly influenced the industry.”
“Congressman Deutch’s ability to tackle complex issues with an open mind has made him a powerful advocate for the rights of artists,” continued Israelite. “I look forward to honoring them both in front of our full membership.”
The Songwriter Icon Award recognizes outstanding songwriters for personal achievement and embodiment of the vision of NMPA. Keith’s albums have sold more than 37 million copies, ranking him among the top-selling all-genre artists on Billboard’s Top 200 Artists of the Decade. He was also named Billboard’s No. 1 Artist of the Decade and No. 1 Country Songwriter of the Decade.
A key factor in his success is that Keith has remained the principle songwriter behind most of his hits. With more than 80 million BMI airplay performances on commercial radio stations worldwide, he is among the top singer/songwriters of all time in any genre. Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) recently honored Keith with several BMI “Million-Air” Awards representing songwriting and publishing credits for some of Keith’s biggest hits. Also included in his many accolades are being named Songwriter/Artist of the Decade by the Nashville Songwriters Association International, three-time BMI Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year and being named the American Country Awards’ Artist of the Decade.
Topping even those many impressive accomplishments, Keith continues to devote his time and support to giving back to others. Whether it be helping sick children and their families in his native Oklahoma through the Toby Keith Foundation or by supporting US Troops through his on-going participation in USO Tours, Keith has not lost touch with the important things in life.
The President's Award recognizes a policymaker who has been a leader on issues of importance to music publishers and songwriters. This year's winner, Florida Congressman Ted Deutch, understands the challenges that creators face in the digital age and is quickly establishing himself as a tireless advocate on their behalf.
Deutch is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and sits on the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, which is responsible for examining copyright-related matters. Serving in just his third term, Deutch's work on the Subcommittee has already had a positive impact for those whose livelihoods rely on effective copyright protection and enforcement. As the Committee undertakes a broad review of U.S. Copyright law recently announced by the Chairman, Deutch will have a central role in ensuring that the perspective of artists and creators is represented throughout the hearing process and any subsequent legislation the Committee considers. In addition to his work on the Judiciary Committee, Deutch also serves on the Congressional Caucus on Intellectual Property Promotion and Piracy Prevention as well as the Creative Rights Caucus.
The NMPA Annual Meeting will be held in New York City on June 12 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Members of the media are invited to attend but must register in advance.
REGISTRATION:
Media: Amy Lee at amy@133publicaffairs.com or (202) 280-8816. All others: Jamie Marotta at jmarotta@nmpa.org
###
About the NMPA
Founded in 1917, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is the trade association representing 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.
About the Songwriter Icon Award
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) established the Songwriter Icon Award in 2006 to recognize outstanding songwriters for personal achievement and who personify the vision of NMPA and the goals of its members. Past recipients include Steve Cropper, Richard Marx, Diane Warren, Kara DioGuardi, Amy Lee, Neil Sedaka and Jimmy Webb.
About the President’s Award
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) established the President’s Award in 2005 to recognize an individual who has been a leader on issues of importance to music publishers and songwriters, and who works diligently to strengthen intellectual property protection. Past recipients include Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC), Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT).