Outgoing MPA chairman Chris Butler (left) revealed the findings during an address at the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), adding that UK songwriters and publishers are currently enjoying an ongoing high across the Atlantic.
It is the third year in succession that UK songwriters have featured so heavily in the US pop charts, with representation on 39 percent of Billboard’s Year End 100 US albums in 2012 and 35 percent in 2013.
Butler said the findings are consistent with the RIAA’s 100 best-selling US albums of all time, of which 36 include contributions from UK songwriters, ranging from complete collections (as with Pink Floyd’s The Wall or Led Zeppelin IV) to individual songs.
He added: ‘These stats clearly demonstrate that we are an industry that deserves to be supported, whether through fiscal incentives or by ensuring our children have access to world class educational facilities in the classroom and beyond.
‘The importance of keeping our foot on the pedal with government, both through UK Music and through our own public affairs activities, cannot be underestimated.’
Outside the Billboard pop charts, British songwriters, composers and arrangers are also enjoying huge influence elsewhere in American cultural life.
‘On Broadway and in the concert halls, British creativity is even more keenly felt with UK writers involved in the composition of The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis, Cats and Mary Poppins – and between them, these shows have grossed over $3bn,’ Butler said.
‘It's clear the relationship between the UK and the US is far more than purely commercial. The creative and commercial impact of our music in America – and theirs here – should not be underestimated. This is especially so in the post-war period since 1945. It would not be an exaggeration to say that music forms the bedrock of what is a special relationship.
‘Whether that is Elvis’ influence on the first Brit-poppers hanging round the coffee shops of Soho, or The Beatles and Rolling Stones bringing back their take on R&B and Motown. The cycle has rocked back and forth pushing creative boundaries right up to the present day.’
The AGM featured a keynote speech from Matthew Barzun, US Ambassador to the UK. Read our exclusive interview with him here.
It is the third year in succession that UK songwriters have featured so heavily in the US pop charts, with representation on 39 percent of Billboard’s Year End 100 US albums in 2012 and 35 percent in 2013.
Butler said the findings are consistent with the RIAA’s 100 best-selling US albums of all time, of which 36 include contributions from UK songwriters, ranging from complete collections (as with Pink Floyd’s The Wall or Led Zeppelin IV) to individual songs.
He added: ‘These stats clearly demonstrate that we are an industry that deserves to be supported, whether through fiscal incentives or by ensuring our children have access to world class educational facilities in the classroom and beyond.
‘The importance of keeping our foot on the pedal with government, both through UK Music and through our own public affairs activities, cannot be underestimated.’
Outside the Billboard pop charts, British songwriters, composers and arrangers are also enjoying huge influence elsewhere in American cultural life.
‘On Broadway and in the concert halls, British creativity is even more keenly felt with UK writers involved in the composition of The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis, Cats and Mary Poppins – and between them, these shows have grossed over $3bn,’ Butler said.
‘It's clear the relationship between the UK and the US is far more than purely commercial. The creative and commercial impact of our music in America – and theirs here – should not be underestimated. This is especially so in the post-war period since 1945. It would not be an exaggeration to say that music forms the bedrock of what is a special relationship.
‘Whether that is Elvis’ influence on the first Brit-poppers hanging round the coffee shops of Soho, or The Beatles and Rolling Stones bringing back their take on R&B and Motown. The cycle has rocked back and forth pushing creative boundaries right up to the present day.’
The AGM featured a keynote speech from Matthew Barzun, US Ambassador to the UK. Read our exclusive interview with him here.
