Hal David Starlight Award

Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas is the lead singer and principal songwriter for the multi-platinum group matchbox twenty. Thomas has received a number of songwriting honors, including: three Grammy Awards; a remarkable 11 BMI Awards - including 1999 BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year and 2002 BMI Pop Song of the Year (for "If You're Gone"); and Billboard Songwriter of the Year honors for two years running. He has also penned songs for artists like Willie Nelson, Mick Jagger, Carlos Santana, and Marc Anthony, among others.

Since making their debut six years ago, matchbox twenty has become one of the most admired and consistently successful rock bands in recent history, with over 20 million albums sold worldwide. Named as the "Best New Band" in the 1997 Rolling Stone Readers Poll, they have since moved from accomplishment to accomplishment, clearly establishing themselves as an exceptional unit, both in the studio and on stage. "More Than You Think You Are" follows the RIAA quadruple-platinum "mad season by matchbox twenty." matchbox twenty made their recording debut in 1996 with "YOURSELF OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU," which earned the RIAA's prestigious Diamond Award and has been certified 12X platinum in the U.S. alone. matchbox twenty has logged an extraordinary string of hit singles, including such chart-topping favorites as "Push," "3AM," "Real World," "Back 2 Good," "If You're Gone," "Mad Season," "Unwell" and the #1 Billboard "Hot 100" smash, "Bent."