Nile Rodgers Receives Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award from Music Publishers Association

Nile Rodgers was honored by the Music Publishers Association (MPA) on Thursday (Dec. 11) at the 65th MPA Christmas lunch in London.

The music legend was awarded the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting and Production in recognition of his longstanding career as a co-founder of CHIC and his work as a producer and songwriter with David Bowie, Madonna, Daft Punk, Beyoncé and more. Previous recipients of the award include Andrew Lloyd Webber (2023) and composer David Arnold (2024).

Rodgers was awarded the prize by the MPA’s chief executive Paul Clements at the event held at the InterContinental London – The O2. Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge – who Rodgers worked with in a producer/songwriter capacity on such classics as “We Are Family” and “He’s the Greatest Dancer” – was also on hand to perform, while Beverley Knight MBE provided a special tribute and presentation to Rodgers’ enduring legacy. Rodgers has received numerous prestigious honors in recent years. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 and received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2023.

“It means the world to be recognized by the Music Publishers Association – an organization that represents the people who help protect, support and elevate the work of songwriters,” Rodgers said in a statement. “My entire life has been shaped by the power of songs and by the belief that music can bring people together in ways nothing else can. I’m grateful to everyone I’ve collaborated with over the years, and I’m honored to receive this award from the publishing community here in the U.K., a place that has inspired me time and time again.”

Knight said, “Nile Rodgers is a true architect of modern music. His songs and productions have defined eras and created moments that live forever, and it is a joy to be part of celebrating him today. Performing in his honor is an absolute privilege – Nile’s work has influenced so many of us, and his impact on worldwide music culture cannot be overstated.”

Sledge added: “Nile Rodgers is one of the most prolific and influential producers, musicians and artists ever. His music is timeless. I’m honored to have worked with him.”

A number of key executives and creatives from the music publishing sector were also honored at the event. MPA Gold Badge Awards were presented to Peter Cox, production music pioneer and current creative director of production music label The Scoring House; Mandy Oates, independent publishing executive and Eaton music director; and Sony Music Publishing’s president of global digital Antony Bebawi.