Garth Brooks will soon have another trophy to add to his massive collection. The Grand Ole Opry member will receive the Songwriter Icon Award, given by the National Music Publishers’ Association, in honor of songwriters and creators who have had a big impact on the craft of songwriting.
“We have wanted to honor Garth Brooks for some time, and his incredible words about being remembered as a songwriter first at this year’s Gershwin Award for Popular Song compelled us to make this the year,” NMPA President & CEO David Israelite said in a statement (via Music Row). “Garth is someone who has created uplifting, joyful and meaningful music for decades. He’s brought millions of fans to country music and he’s brought this country together in times of hardship.
“His music has tackled tough issues and his lyrics have transformed everyday life into poetry that is as catchy as it is timeless,” David continued. “His career has spanned decades and genres and no one could be more fitting to honor during this challenging time. We are grateful to get to hear from him and thank him for what his songwriting has meant to so many of us.”
Previous recipients of the NMPA Songwriter Icon Award include Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Ryan Tedder, Jon Bon Jovi, Pharrell, Steven Tyler, Diane Warren and Sting, among others. The ceremony, typically held in New York City prior to the Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, will instead be given virtually, due to the coronavirus pandemic, during the NMPA’s annual meeting next month.
Garth was also to receive the ICON Award at the Billboard Music Awards this year. That ceremony has been postponed due to COVID-19.
The Oklahoma native just dropped two new songs, “Party Gras” and “That’s What Cowboys Do,” both from his upcoming Fun album, although he admits he has no idea when the record will be released.
“I don’t want to be the guy that tries to do something in the midst where everybody is hurting,” Garth acknowledged during his Inside Studio G weekly Facebook series. “The album’s ready to go. It’s just how do you get out and promote and be happy and jolly while everybody’s out there fighting for their lives not only physically, but fighting for their lives financially.”
