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ASCAP Remembers Jane Simpkin

Jane SimpkinAll of us at ASCAP were devastated to hear the news that ASCAP employee, Jane Simpkin, was one of the 56 passengers and crew on United Airlines Flight 175 that hijackers crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Jane was a member of ASCAP’s Northeast music licensing team and was travelling to California to attend an ASCAP General Licensing meeting. She joined ASCAP staff in 1998 as Licensing Manager.

According to Bonnie King, ASCAP’s Vice President & Director of General Licensing, “Jane was enthusiastic about her role in General Licensing and ASCAP from the day she was hired in December 1998. She was very committed to our goals for finding, educating and licensing music users in her area. She was dedicated, energetic, sometimes outspoken, very bright and quite loyal to her team, to General Licensing and to ASCAP. Jane was quick to share her ideas and resources for finding new business with Licensing Managers all over the country.

Jane had recently joined a new team, they were very excited about her joining the team and optimistic about the successes the new team would share. She will be missed by all of us in General Licensing.”

Commenting on this tragedy, ASCAP CEO John A. Lofrumento said: “Jane was a valued member of the ASCAP family and her loss is felt by us all. We send our prayers and deepest sympathy to Jane’s family and to all who are suffering in this horrific tragedy.”

Jane, 36, was born in England and grew up living in places all over the world, including Iran. She moved to Wayland, Mass., during her freshman year of high school and graduated from Emerson College, Boston. She had just entered the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover to study criminal law. She volunteered at the Multiple Sclerosis Society in addition to spending hours with prisoners in literacy programs. She enjoyed reading and followed the music scene avidly.

Jane is survived by her mother and two sisters.


In the wake of these events, ASCAP employees established a charitable organization, The ASCAP Employees for Relief, Inc., in memory of Jane Simpkin, and ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento pledged to match employee contributions dollar for dollar. A committee of ten employees was established to manage contributions and disbursements. The monies raised by The ASCAP Employees for Relief was contributed to working people who have been adversely affected in the World Trade Center areas and had the potential to slip through the cracks of the overall relief effort.

Two organizations selected by the ASCAP Employees and families of ASCAP customers in the hotel and restaurant industries. Another donation has been made to a fund aiding World Trade Center maintenance workers.

Over 90% of the fund's monies have been distributed to organizations and some to individuals who met the following criteria:

  • Worked or lived in the World Trade Center area on or immediately prior to 9/11
  • Have been adversely affected by the events of 9/11, and
  • Do not appear to be properly or adequately covered by either their employees or other existing organizations

The ASCAP Employees for Relief Fund individual grant program gave priority to those individuals involved in some way with music.


Friends and colleagues share their memories of Jane…




Candid Photos of Jane


Jane at event


Jane in a hat




Jane w/NY Area Licensing Manager Andrew Albaum




Jane again

Jane with Elyria Kemp, Tom Owens






Jane with friends

Karleen Evans, Linda Dudley, Jennifer Chadwick, Jane Simpkin, Elyria Kemp








Jane with more friendsTara Isley, Jane Simpkin, Chris Russo, Jennifer Chadwick

Christopher Russo
I have never been one to express my feelings much in words, what I feel is ordinarily in my heart. While unpacking the Christmas decorations this year, I was taken aback by a holiday coffee mug Jane had given me last year as part of a secret Santa gift which included chocolates. This gift immediately brought back all the fond memories I have of Jane. Her humor, compassion for others and wit. It's funny how a little object like this can trigger deep emotions. I miss her deeply and will always remember the good times we shared together.

Andy Albaum
How does one comprehend changes that take place in one minute? Birth, life, destruction and death all happen in one minute.

How can we replace laughter, honesty, humor, knowledge, dedication and friendship when it is taken within a minute? Jane can never be replaced, but her memories cannot be taken away.

On September 11th as the world descended on New York, I realized that not only did I lose a co-worker but I lost a friend, all within one minute.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that has lost someone in this tragedy.

Jane Simpkin you Rock!!!!!!!!!

Pam Gibson
Jane was a special and unique person, always willing to help her fellow co-workers. On many occasions I would call her and ask advice on internet websites and techno/alternative style music. I once asked her a question about techno music and she sent me an email with a list of over 25 techno artists/composers and even went so far as to research which ones were ASCAP members. We miss her dearly and take comfort that she touched so many people for the time we had with her.

Lori McIntyre
“Jane was an extraordinary bright, fun loving person that had a zeal and zest for life. She made an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her presence will be missed, but her spirit will remain alive in our hearts forever.”

Jennifer Chadwick
“Jane was the best friend and co-worker I could ever ask for. To use a phrase that Jane used, she "rocked"!

I was honored to know Jane for over 2 years. Our bond transcended our job roles. We spoke every day about everything & anything - professional to personal.

Jane had overcome many hardships with such strength and determination. Her resilience amazed me. She was always learning as well as teaching others. She was honest and up front with everyone - whether you wanted to hear it or not - but you always ended up appreciating what she had to say. I grew so much through her advice and support. She could always make a bad day brighter. She made you think, smile, laugh - and now, cry.

As I write this, it has only been 10 days since she was taken away from us, but it feels like 10 years. I will always remember our talks, her laugh and how she helped me get through the day. I will always love her & miss her.”

Randy Hoffman
“I worked closely with Jane on a brochure for general licensing. I always remember her ''no nonsense'' style. Jane always asked questions in a direct manner and you always knew where you stood. Her willingness to help and enthusiasm for the task at hand was an asset to our group.

I remember a specific problem solving issue at one of our meetings. I was sitting next to Jane when a particular comment was made about a customer objection. Jane nudged me on the shoulder and said, ''I wish they had said that to me. That's no excuse for not getting the money !!!'' Like I said, you knew where you stood with Jane.

I will miss not talking with her. Jane was my friend.”

Steve Delongchamp
“Jane was a very genuine and unique person. She stood on her own but worked well with her team. A tough, strong and honest person. Also kind and gentle. I trained her and when I was promoted she replaced me. I appreciated Jane very much and I admired her willingness to make the tough licensing sales calls.”

Joseph Kujda
Jane was more than just a team member and co-worker of mine, she was a dear friend. Whenever we had a chance we talked on a variety of subjects. Not many people share my varied interests but, Jane did. I hope that some day I'll be able to talk to her about these things again.

I pray that she found peace. I'll miss her.

John Samz, Director of Field Operations
Jane was definitely a multitalented member of our General Licensing team. She began with us as an ALM (Area Licensing Manager) making in person calls to prospective licensees. She was well suited to this position due to her tremendous knowledge of the music world, and her ability to persuade people that music added tremendous value to their establishment, something Jane truly believed in, and felt very strongly about. Most recently Jane joined a new licensing team as a TLM (Telephone Licensing Manager). Jane was extremely excited to tackle this new challenge, and in her short time in this position she exceeded once again.

Jane formed strong bonds with those who she came in contact with, she was always willing to give her opinion, and if she saw a "wrong" her goal was to make it "right." Shortly before Jane's tragic death I had a wonderful opportunity to speak with her at length about her job, ASCAP, music, and her life in general. She was a complicated, intelligent, kindhearted person whose presence General Licensing and I will truly miss.

Karleen Evans
My life was blessed by knowing Jane Simpkin. She made the best out of everything that was put into her life. She shared her heart and her exuberance, making my memories of her a precious gift I will treasure forever. Thanks for the memories Jane, God bless you and your family.

Linda Dudley
Jane was a kind and unique person. Her willingness to help in any way that she could, whether it was personal or business. Even though Jane was outspoken, Jane was a very caring and Good Friend.

I will always remember the conversations that I had the honor of having with Jane.

Jane will truly be missed by all.

Kathleen Bennett
Jane, Jane Jane. What can you say about Jane?

She was really an opposite of me - but that was awesome. She would say how I felt, yet couldn't say. She helped me out earlier this year when I needed a shoulder to cry on, albeit it 3,000 miles away. She was an extremely giving person, she was smart, funny and had a unique sense of humor and outlook on life.

I was very much looking forward to seeing her on September 11th in Palm Springs. I knew I was going to be seeing a whole new Jane. What good gossip was she going to dish up when we were together? All those things were going to be fun!

She is missed by me every day. I just happen to be lucky enough to have known her.

Take it easy, girl!

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