Kane Brown’s Be Like That ft. Swae Lee and Khalid was the most listened to Country song in the US in the past year (according to the NMPA Gold & Platinum Program, based on RIAA certifications) – Music Business Worldwide

The NMPA Gold & Platinum Program, which honors the songwriters of RIAA-certified Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum singles, has announced the top country songs and songwriter for the past year.

In lieu of the annual Gold & Platinum Gala in Nashville, the honorees were notified and received their awards remotely.

The eligibility period was July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021.

Based on a calculation of streams and sales, the “Platinum Anthem” or most listened to song in the past year went to Be Like That, which was certified Platinum and was performed by Kane Brown ft. Swae Lee and Khalid.

The song was written by Kane Brown (Sony Music Publishing), Khalid Robinson (Sony Music Publishing), Michael Len Williams (Warner Chappell), Alexander Izquierdo (BMG), Khalif Malik Ibin Shaman Brown (Warner Chappell), and Ryan Vojtesak (Sony Music Publishing).

The Top Non-Performing Female Songwriter was Hilary Lindsey (Concord) with 14 certifications including hits like Hole in the Bottle, Church Bells, Hide the Wine, One Beer and What She Wants Tonight.

The Top Non-Performing Male Songwriter was Ashley Gorley (Round Hill / Tape Room) with 24 certifications for songs including Kick the Dust Up, What’s Your Country Song, Eyes on You, Good Girl and Born to Love You.

The Top Female Artist-Songwriter was Gabby Barrett (Sony Music Publishing) with five certifications for I Hope and The Good Ones.

The Top Male Artist-Songwriter was Chris Stapleton (Warner Chappell) with 16 certifications accumulated by songs Broken Halos, Come Back Song, Starting Over, Parachute, and Your Man.

The ”Top Song” or most listened-to song released prior to the past year went to Wagon Wheel performed by Darius Rucker and written by Bob Dylan (UMPG). The song went 9X Multi-Platinum.

“These songwriters crafted the soundtracks to yet another challenging year, where music was more important than ever.”

David Israelite, NMPA

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite said: “This lineup represents some of the most innovative minds in music. These songwriters crafted the soundtracks to yet another challenging year, where music was more important than ever.

“While we hope this is the last year we will be forced to forego our in-person gala, we want to make sure these achievements are recognized and celebrated. To these songwriters, thank you for your commitment to making incredible music.”Music Business Worldwide