Nate Bargatze Is First Spoken Word Artist Inducted Into SoundExchange Hall of Fame

Funnyman Nate Bargatze receives the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award, becoming the first spoken word artist to do so.

With the award, Bargatze, a SoundExchange member since 2012, is recognized as one of the most-streamed comedians in the organization’s 20-plus year history of administering digital performance royalties.

“It meant the world to me to be the first comic awarded this recognition,” comments Bargatze, who hosted the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in September on CBS. “I have been such a proponent of SoundExchange throughout my career and I didn’t realize this award was even possible! This is a really, really special honor. Thank you.”

The comedian, actor, producer, and New York Times Best-Selling author had them rolling in the aisles this year with his latest arena trek, which topped Billboard Boxscore results for a comedy tour over several months.

More dates are scheduled on the Big Dumb Eyes World Tour, picking back up in January with shows currently scheduled for North America through August 2026.

“Nate Bargatze has an extraordinary gift for turning life’s simplest moments into unforgettable comedy with a delivery that feels effortless and genuine,” enthuses Michael Huppe, president and CEO of SoundExchange. “His storytelling reminds us that the funniest parts of life are often the ones we overlook. We are immensely proud to honor Nate Bargatze with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award.”

With his elevation, Bargatze joins Hall of Fame inductees Billy Joel, Janelle Monáe, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Marc Anthony and others.

“From digital streaming platforms to sold-out arenas,” reads a SoundExchange post on Bargatze’s honor, “thanks for bringing laughs and smiles to audiences all over.”

Since 2003, SoundExchange has collected and distributed more than $12 billion in digital performance royalties to date on behalf of more than 700,000 music creators. In addition to U.S. non-interactive streaming royalties, the organization notes, Bargatze is among upwards of 474,000 artists and rights owners who’ve tapped SoundExchange to collect their international royalties.