Country music’s top songwriters took center stage in Nashville as Vince Gill and Charlie Handsome received major honors at the 2026 National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) Gold & Platinum Gala.
Held October 22 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the ceremony recognized more than 150 songwriters whose work earned new RIAA certifications between July 2025 and June 2026.
Vince Gill received the inaugural Legacy Songwriter Icon Award, celebrating his decades of contributions to country music. His songs Go Rest High on That Mountain and One More Last Chance were also recognized for new certification milestones.
Producer and songwriter Charlie Handsome earned Top Songwriter of the Year after securing 35 new certifications. His credits include major hits such as Last Night, You Proof, and Wasted on You.
Another highlight came when Luke Combs’ Beautiful Crazy received the Platinum Anthem Award after reaching 15-times Platinum status. Co-writer Rob Williford accepted the honor.
The evening also featured performances by Gill, Brett Young, and Laci Kaye Booth, celebrating the creative talent behind some of country music’s biggest songs.
