Russ Honored with NMPA Gold & Platinum Recognition at Music Biz 2026
Recognition Presented by NMPA President & CEO David Israelite and Sony Music Publishing’s Omar Grant
May 14th, 2026 | Atlanta, GA — During Music Biz 2026, the annual conference hosted by the Music Business Association, Atlanta based multi-platinum artist, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author Russ was honored with an NMPA Gold & Platinum Recognition plaque celebrating his extraordinary songwriting achievements and collective Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum certifications.
The recognition took place during a special on stage presentation introduced by former TuneCore CEO and AGA founder Andreea Gleeson and presented by National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) President & CEO David Israelite alongside Omar Grant, Sr. Director of Creative at Sony Music Publishing.
The plaque recognized 26 certified songs spanning Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and major milestone certifications, including 12 Gold records, 8 Platinum records, 3 Double Platinum records, a Triple Platinum certification for “Best on Earth,” a 5X Platinum certification for “What They Want,” and an 8X Platinum certification for “Losin Control.”
Known for his deeply personal lyricism, relentless work ethic, and multidimensional creativity, Russ has established himself as one of the most impactful songwriter artists of his generation. Across more than 24 billion streams, 35 million singles sold, and multiple Billboard charting projects, his music has connected with audiences around the world through honesty, emotional depth, and a distinctive artistic voice.
“Russ represents exactly what the NMPA Gold & Platinum program was created to celebrate: exceptional songwriting that creates a lasting connection with audiences around the world,” said David Israelite, President & CEO of the NMPA. “Today we are recognizing an extraordinary body of work spanning 26 certified songs across Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and major milestone certifications, including ‘Best on Earth,’ ‘What They Want,’ and the 8x Platinum ‘Losin Control.’ These certifications are the most definitive measurement of a songwriter’s success, and Russ’s catalog reflects not only remarkable commercial achievement, but years of consistency, vision, and dedication to his craft.”
Introduced by Gleeson, the recognition also highlighted Russ’s broader impact on today’s music landscape as an artist who has successfully bridged music, publishing, film, and entrepreneurship while remaining deeply connected to his audience.
“Russ’s career is a testament to what can happen when artistry, discipline, and long term vision come together,” said Andreea Gleeson. “What has always stood out to me from working with him over the years is not just that he is an exceptional artist, but that he is a truly exceptional songwriter and creative thinker across every part of his work. Whether it’s music, storytelling, live experiences, or the way he builds connection with fans, everything is approached with incredible intention. This recognition is such a meaningful reflection of the depth, consistency, and impact of his songwriting over time.”
“We’re especially excited to celebrate Russ at Music Biz this year because the conference is taking place in Atlanta, a city that has had such an enormous impact on global music and culture,” said Portia Sabin, President of the Music Business Association. “Russ represents so much of what is shaping the future of the industry today through his artistry, songwriting, entrepreneurship, and direct connection with audiences. It felt incredibly fitting to recognize one of Atlanta’s most impactful artists in his hometown during this year’s conference.”
“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Russ and his many songwriting achievements,” said Omar Grant, Senior Director of Creative at Sony Music Publishing. “He has built a catalog that continues to resonate with audiences around the world and across generations, and we are thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved recognition.”
Beyond music, Russ has expanded his creative footprint across publishing, film, and entrepreneurship, becoming a New York Times bestselling author, appearing in M. Night Shyamalan’s “TRAP”, and starring in the upcoming feature film “Don’t Move”. Across every chapter of his career, storytelling and songwriting have remained at the center of his work.
The recognition at Music Biz celebrated not only Russ’s extraordinary commercial success, but the enduring creative impact of a songwriter and artist who continues to shape modern music and culture.
About Russ
Multi-platinum artist, songwriter, producer, actor, and author Russ has amassed over 24 billion streams and more than 35 million singles sold to date. Known for building one of the most successful independent careers in modern music, Russ has earned dozens of Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum certifications as both a recording artist and songwriter. His 2017 album There’s Really A Wolf spent 84 weeks on the Billboard 200 and was certified 2x platinum, featuring hits including “What They Want” and “Losin Control.” In 2019, he was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and has since expanded his creative career into publishing and film, becoming a New York Times bestselling author, appearing in M. Night Shyamalan’s TRAP, and starring in the upcoming feature Don’t Move. In 2022, he expanded his executive footprint with the relaunch of DIEMON, an independent label and creative incubator for emerging talent. Across music, literature, and film, Russ continues to champion independence, emotional intelligence, and long-term creative ownership.
About Music Biz 2026
Music Biz 2026 will take place May 11th — 14th at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly. This marks the event’s second edition in Atlanta, building on the momentum of last year’s gathering of more than 2,100 global music professionals in this beloved music city. Attendees can expect industry-defining conversations and networking opportunities aimed at shaping the future of the music industry. This year’s program will feature all-new panel blocks such as “Advancing the Business of Music: Emerging Strategies for 2026 & Beyond” and “Harmony At Work: Best Practices for Inclusion, Support & Productivity,” joining new editions of attendee-favorite tracks like Music & Money, Let’s Talk Physical, the Trust & Safety Symposium, and the Music Biz Roadshow. Visit musicbiz2026.com for an up-to-date conference agenda, event registration, lodging & flight discount info, and more.
About The Music Business Association
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) is a not-for-profit membership organization that advances, promotes, and invests in the future of the music business by providing a trusted forum where ideas and cooperation flourish. Through events, education, and engagement, the Association brings together the full breadth of the industry for unparalleled access to networking, resources, and thought leadership.
Press Contacts:
Russ: Nico van der Woude, The Media Nanny, nico@themediananny.nl
Music Business Association: Nicole Hennessey, Music Business Association, nicole.hennessey@musicbiz.org
