Jack Harlow was named songwriter of the year at the 2023 SESAC Music Awards, which were held at the Highlight Room in Hollywood on Tuesday (Sept. 19). This is the third year in a row Harlow has taken that title. “First Class,” which was his first unaccompanied No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, took song of the year.
The event was attended by top executives, artists, songwriters and publishers including Bryan-Michael Cox, Dixson, Papiyerr, Dontae Winslow and Kenyon Dixon, among others.
Sony Music Publishing was named publisher of the year for the second year in a row, taking home a total of 12 awards for songs including “First Class,” “We Go Up” recorded by Nicki Minaj and Fivio Foreign, “Count Me Out” recorded by Kendrick Lamar and “Mercury” recorded by Steve Lacy.
Micah Otano won the SESAC Resurgence Award for “Lost,” which was recorded by Frank Ocean. The song was published by Music 4 Mataya and Tunes of Reach.
“We are honored to celebrate our songwriters and publishers across multiple genres,” Sam Kling, chief creative officer, SESAC Performing Rights, said in a statement. “SESAC is proud of its affiliates who continue to write chart-topping hits and we enjoy every opportunity we get to celebrate their achievements.”
Additional award-winning writers include Daniel Lopatin, who took home four awards for his work with The Weeknd; Dez Wright, for his work with Young Thug and Drake; and Jimmy Napes for songs he wrote with Sam Smith.
Artist and SESAC songwriter Tamara Jade, who appeared on Season 19 of NBC’s The Voice, served as the MC for the evening. This marked the second year the awards were held in Los Angeles.
For event highlights, visit @SESAC on Instagram. A full list of winners is available at www.sesac.com.
