The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) has presented Irwin Z. Robinson with the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music Publishing. ICMP Chair, Andrew Jenkins, presented the award at a gala dinner held during Midem. The ceremony was attended by music publishers, collecting societies and senior industry executives from across the world.
Serving as the National Music Publishers' Association Board Member for over 40 years and as its Chairman for the last 30, Irwin Z. Robinson has been a key figure in a multitude of copyright and music licensing negotiations and initiatives. His unrelenting commitment to these issues has improved conditions for songwriters and independent and major publishers everywhere.
Robinson was also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Famous Music Publishing, President and Chief Executive of EMI Music Publishing Worldwide and President of the legendary Chappell/Intersong Music Group.
On presenting the Award, Andrew Jenkins, Chair of ICMP said: "Irwin Z. Robinson has been involved in the music publishing industry for more than 55 years. He is universally admired and respected for his wisdom, leadership and passion in advancing the interests of songwriters."
"Instrumental in modernising the way music publishers work and extending catalogue and activities across a wide range of areas, Irwin brings energy, innovation and enthusiasm to everything he does," added Jenkins.
On receiving the Award, Robinson said: "It is always an honour to be selected by your peers as an individual who is worthy of any award. This award is very special to me because it represents recognition of my devotion to the global industry and my deep appreciation for all creators of music everywhere."
Ralph Peer II, chair and CEO of peermusic, and an ICMP Board Member said: "Irwin has been a colleague and mentor to generations of people in our industry as well as a trusted and loyal friend to those who have had the privilege of working with him."
"On behalf of ICMP and our publisher members everywhere, I would like to congratulate Irwin for his many years of work protecting and promoting the work of songwriters," added ICMP Director General Ger Hatton.
During the gala dinner, Robinson also received video messages from celebrated songwriters and performers including Linda Perry, Phil Galdston, Tia Sillers, and Brian Molko from alternative rock band Placebo.
"I wanted to congratulate you personally on your award. I feel that it is very, very well deserved and I also wanted to thank you for everything you have done for Placebo over the years and all the help you have given us in our career," said Molko in his tribute.
Robinson was selected from nominees submitted by ICMP member organisations in over 70 countries.
The Award, initiated by ICMP in 2013 and named after its first honouree Ralph Peer II, recognises visionaries in the field of music publishing, whose roles have helped develop, protect and value the music of composers and authors around the world.
