SESAC, a progressive performing rights organization, will celebrate the songwriters and publishers behind the most performed songs of the past year at the 2015 SESAC Pop Music Awards on Monday, May 4, at the historic New York Public Library. The awards ceremony honors those who have made pioneering contributions to music and will feature soon-to-be-announced performances from chart-topping artists.
Jon Platt, President, North America, for Warner/Chappell Music, will be honored with the distinguished “Visionary Award” for his leadership role, creative vision and notable achievements. Hip-hop artist and Public Enemy founder Chuck D, who had originally encouraged Platt to make the move from DJ to the music business, will present Platt with the special award.
Called “Publishing’s Pied Piper” by The Hollywood Reporter, Platt has long been recognized as a revered music executive. Since joining Warner/Chappell in 2012, 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.
Platt joins other industry luminaries who have received this honor in past years such as Richard Gottehrer, co-founder and chief creative officer of The Orchard and Daniel Glass, founder of Glassnote Records.
The invitation-only, red carpet gala is a popular music gathering. Each year, the evening features special performances from entertainment's top hit-makers, and the honorees and attendees include big names in music. Last year, pop sensation Charli XCX won the Songwriter of the Year and Song of the Year awards and American Authors, Rico Love and Hezekiah Walker were just a few of the elite talents who made guest appearances or performed.
Other special awards will be presented during the ceremony include Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year.
The SESAC Pop Music Awards are sponsored by City National Bank. Delta Air Lines is the official travel partner and The London NYC is the exclusive hotel partner.
For more information, visit sesac.com.
