W/C ASCAP Rhythm & Soul

W/C HANDY: There was celebration in the Warner/Chappell camp at last night’s ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards. Chairman/CEO Cameron Strang and President North America Jon Platt saw their pubco named Music Publisher of the Year—for the first time in 13 years—while Mike WiLL Made It earned Songwriter of the Year honors and W/C writers scooped up 21 Most Performed Song awards. Seven of the latter went to Mike (aka Michael Williams); four were claimed by the prolific Kendrick Lamar; Jay Z won four. The pubbery has now ruled three ASCAP jubilees, having previously secured the top honor at Pop and Country, a trifecta Platt called “a fantastic recognition of our roster’s outstanding talent.” Strang, meanwhile, noted the Publisher of the Year kudos “underscores our success in attracting the best songwriters and helping them build long-term careers by providing above-and-beyond service. I’m delighted to see Jon’s leadership recognized in this way.” Strang then hoisted ASCAP chief Paul Williams in the air and refused to put him down until he sang the Kermit song. (6/27p)