The RIAA has announced its Gold & Platinum Class Of 2020, recognizing artists and their team members who have achieved Gold or Platinum status for the very first time. For the inaugural class, 53 artists from several different genres earned their first Gold or Platinum certification.
Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett earned a multi-Platinum certification for her smash breakout hit, “I Hope,” and Gold for “The Good Ones.”
Gabby Barrett. Robby Klein
“Wow. 2020 has brought me more firsts than I could have ever imagined, and to be included in the RIAA’s class of ‘First Timers’ is an honor. Seeing ‘The Good Ones’ and ‘I Hope’ grow over the past year has been so exciting and rewarding. To be recognized with these certifications is the cherry on top of a truly surprising year. Thank you to the good Lord above, my husband, my family, my team, my fans and to the RIAA for helping to make this dream come true,” said Barrett.
Barrett’s label-mate Ingrid Andress earned her first Platinum certification for “More Hearts Than Mine.” Andress said, “I look up to so many musicians who have multi-Platinum achievements, and I know how hard and rare it is to have that recognition, so I’m honestly just happy to be here. I feel like a new kid getting invited to a popular cool kid’s party.”
Ashley McBryde, another Warner Music Nashville artist, earned Gold for her “One Night Standards.”
Ashley McBryde
“Hanging my first RIAA Gold single on the wall was one of the best moments in my career thus far. It is a physical representation of how hard we worked on this record and how proud we all are of it… and its evidence that the fans have embraced it, and that means everything to me. Your first Gold only happens once!” said McBryde.
Bad Realm/Atlantic Records’ BRELAND also received Gold for “My Truck,” as did RCA Nashville’s Niko Moon for “GOOD TIME,” MCA Nashville’s Parker McCollum for “Pretty Heart,” and Mercury Nashville’s Travis Denning for “After A Few.”
“It feels amazing. My producer has always joked when we write that we need to write “wall hangers” (songs that will get us a plaque). It’s pretty awesome and a big dream come true to finally have one. That certification means so much, and it’s nice to be somewhere in the books as a gold artist,” Denning said.
Pictured (L-R, top row): Damon Moberly, Mercury Nashville VP Promotion; Royce Risser, UMG Nashville EVP Promotion; Mike Dungan, UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO; Brian Wright, UMG Nashville EVP A&R; Rob Femia, UMG Nashville SVP Business & Legal Affairs; (L-R, bottom row): Angie Coonrod, Red Light Management; Travis Denning; Tom Becci, Red Light Management; Jeremy Stover, RED Creative Group. Photo: Bo Ibbotson
“We are thrilled to induct 53 artists into RIAA’s Gold & Platinum Class of 2020. Earning your first Gold or Platinum Award is a sign of true success and limitless possibilities. Congratulations to this year’s artists, their labels and teams!” said RIAA Chairman & CEO, Mitch Glazier.
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