Rag ‘N’ Bone Man named BRITs Critics Choice winner

Last month, MBW asked: ‘Is Rag ‘N’ Bone Man the UK’s breakthrough artist of 2017?’

It was a question – and article – that was discussed far and wide.

Now, further evidence to support the theory: the artist, aka Rory Graham, has been named as the winner of the influential 2017 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award.

The bluesy singer/songwriter’s Human – co-written with Jamie Hartman – has spent nine weeks at number one in Germany and is set to go Top 10 in the UK this week.

The track has also been an official No.1 in Austria and Switzerland – and has topped the iTunes chart in over 20 countries including France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden.

Previous victors of the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award have included platinum-sellers such as Adele, Sam Smith, Jessie J, Florence & The Machine and Emeli Sande.

Mike Smith

“This news caps off an incredible year for Rag ‘N’ Bone Man.”

Mike Smith, Warner/Chappell

“This news caps off an incredible year for Rag ‘N’ Bone Man,” said Mike Smith – the UK MD of Graham’s publisher Warner/Chappell Music.

“‘His success is built on years of hard work, crafting beautiful songs and building a loyal fan base. I know that 2017 will bring even more great things for one of the most original talents on the British music scene.”

Columbia-issued Human’s ability to break internationally has been especially helped via a combination of radio support and heavy touring – and has only recently started becoming a streaming hit.

Sony Music UK’s EVP of International Operations, Mark Collen, recently told MBW of Human’s success: “At the heart of this is an incredible artist and an amazing song, which has proved to have resonance – and is really touching people. I think this, more than anything, has allowed us to follow a very different path.”Music Business Worldwide