Music trade association NARM will honor Tom Silverman, the founder, chairman and CEO of Tommy Boy Entertainment, with its Independent Spirit Award at the Annual NARM Convention in Chicago on Monday, May 17.

The NARM Independent Spirit Award was established in 2009 to recognize a music industry executive who embodies the spirit of new thinking, entrepreneurship and success in the industry. The first Award was given to Don VanCleave, the founder and former president of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS).

Silverman founded Dance Music Report in 1978, as well as the legendary New Music Seminar which he revived to great acclaim last year. He currently serves on the boards of A2IM,  the RIAA, SoundExchange and Merlin.

NARM President Jim Donio says, “Tom is an especially fitting recipient of NARM’s Independent Spirit Award based on his longtime devotion and strong commitment to all facets of the independent music business. He has been a fierce and outspoken advocate for independent artists and labels and has inspired and educated with his creativity, business acumen and innovative ideas that have help shape and advance the industry.”

Silverman says, “After participating in NARM conventions for 30 years, it is an enormous honor to receive this award especially at this crucial time for our business. It is our independent spirit that will allow the music business to reinvent itself and I have no doubt that with the help of NARM, music sales will thrive again.”