Soundexchange Hall of Fame

The SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award is a unique honor, represented by data and recognizing artists or tracks for their place among the most streamed in history. Created in 2023 amid the celebration of SoundExchange’s 20th anniversary, the honor is continually conveyed upon diverse, high-achieving creators whose recorded output ranks them among the most listened to in the streaming era.

BILLY JOEL

The legendary performer, known for his timeless catalog and enduring popularity, “has not only been a significant presence through nearly every major shift in physical musical formats, but he is also one of the digital era’s most streamed artists.”

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

The legendary singer-songwriter, is celebrated as “an accomplished artist who has reached cultural icon status, and … created an enduring catalog of incredible music that delights across generations.”

CELIA CRUZ

Celebrated globally as the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz is honored in recognition of her enduring influence and status as one of the most streamed creators in SoundExchange’s history. With a career spanning more than five decades, over 70 albums, and a legacy that continues to shape music and culture, Cruz remains an iconic figure whose impact resonates across generations.

Chance the Rapper

The three-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer is honored for an acclaimed career defined by innovative, gospel-influenced rap and a soulful, genre-spanning sound.

Earth, Wind & Fire

The legendary group behind timeless hits like “September,” “Let’s Groove” and “Shining Star” is honored for an enduring legacy that transcends generations and genres.

IMAGINE DRAGONS

The diamond-certified and GRAMMY Award-winning band continues to deliver “hit songs like ‘Radioactive,’ ‘Demons,’ and ‘Believer’ that continue to influence their genre.”

12 3…5

Breakout Artist

The SoundExchange Breakout Artist award is conveyed in recognition of standout status among emerging artists. Determined by data, Breakout Artists have enjoyed outstanding success, making an impact with sounds that are shaping the future of music, and substantial streaming achievements.

2025

Alex Warren

Fueled by authentic storytelling and the global success of his chart-topping single “Ordinary,” the GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter is celebrated as SoundExchange’s 2025 Breakout Artist.

2024

SHABOOZEY

The 6-time GRAMMY® nominated singer-songwriter known for blending hip-hop and country music honored following the success of his hit single ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ and his album ‘Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.’

Music Fairness Honorees

A rare distinction, the SoundExchange Music Fairness Award is bestowed on artists who have advocated fearlessly for the modernization of the nation’s copyright law to protect creators and support of the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA). Their courage to demand that legislators compel corporate broadcasters to compensate performers for their work is inspirational and their leadership among peers is unmatched.

2026

MC Lyte

The hip-hop icon is honored for a legacy of breaking barriers, elevating artists and advocating for creators to be respected, protected and fairly compensated, including her efforts to engage lawmakers and advance the American Music Fairness Act.

2024

RANDY TRAVIS

The legendary country singer has often been celebrated for his iconic career, and is honored by SoundExchange for his advocacy for and commitment to creators’ rights, including his testimony before Congress in the House Judiciary Committee in support of the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA).

2023

COMMON

The Academy Award, Emmy, and GRAMMY-award winning rapper is a committed activist, deeply engaged in social justice and advocacy work around mass incarceration, mental health, and voting. He is recognized by SoundExchange as a champion of creators’ rights.

2023

GLORIA ESTEFAN

A devoted activist whose causes range from the support of Cuba to supporting creators to the education of youth, the GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter, actress, and author of two New York Times best-selling children’s books is honored by SoundExchange for her advocacy for artists and creators, including testimony before Congress’ House Judiciary Committee supporting the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA).

2023

DIONNE WARWICK

A legendary five-time GRAMMY Award-Winning singer who has supported and campaigned for many causes from health and hunger to music education, is honored for lending her powerful voice on Capitol Hill to launch the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA) to ensure artists are paid when their songs are played on terrestrial radio.