SESAC celebrated its top songwriters and publishers during the 19th annual SESAC Pop Awards at The New York Public Library on Monday, May 4.
During an evening full of top hit makers, industry luminaries and special awards, James Napier captured the top honors taking home the coveted Songwriter of the Year award.
Napier and songwriter William Phillips (aka Tourist) were honored with the Song of the Year for their massive hit, “Stay With Me,” as recorded by Sam Smith.
The song topped the charts and won the GRAMMY Award for Song of the Year. Napier also scored big hits with Smith on “I’m Not The Only One,” as well as “Latch” by Disclosure feat. Sam Smith and “La La La” by Naughty Boy feat. Sam Smith.
One of the evening’s major highlights was the presentation of the distinguished Visionary Award to Jon Platt, President, North America, for Warner/Chappell Music by legendary hip-hop artist and Public Enemy founder, Chuck D.
SESAC affiliate Angela Hunte performed a special version of “Empire State of Mind” in honor of Platt who was instrumental in bringing the hit she wrote to Empire State of Mind” in honor of Platt who was instrumental in bringing the hit she wrote to Jay Z and Alicia Keys.
Called “Publishing’s Pied Piper” by the Hollywood Reporter, Platt has long been recognized as one of the most revered executives in the music industry.
Since joining Warner/Chappell, he has been instrumental in attracting a wide range of new and established talent including Jay Z, Beyoncé, Roc Nation’s publishing roster, Mike WiLL Made It, and Aloe Blacc, while continuing to build relationships with songwriters such as Katy Perry, Nate Ruess, Michael Bublé, Barry Gibb and George Michael. While at EMI, Jon personally signed Drake, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Mary Mary and Snoop Dogg among others at the onset of their careers.
American Authors also received a special SESAC Sync Music Award for their hit, “Best Day Of My Life.” The hit song was the theme song for the NHL 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, featured in trailers for the films “Delivery Man” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” and used in advertisements for Lowe’s, Hyundai, Nissan, and Lays among others.
City National Bank was a premier sponsor of the SESAC Pop Awards. Delta Airlines was the travel sponsor and The London Hotel was the hotel sponsor.
A list of honorees follows. For the complete list of all honorees, please visit SESAC.com.
Songwriter of the Year: James Napier (PRS)
Song of the Year: “Stay With Me”
Written by James Napier (PRS) & William Phillips (PRS)
Published by: Salli Isaak Music Publishing (PRS)
Method Paperwork LTD (PRS)
Universal Tunes
Publisher of the Year: Universal Tunes
Visionary Award: Jon Platt
SESAC Sync Music Award:
“Best Day of My Life”
Recorded by: American Authors
Written by Zac Barnett & James Shelley
Published by Zac Barnett Publishing, James Shelley Publishing, Round Hill Copyrights
