Telling Their Stories

A Living Video Archive program captures music greats in their own words

Pictured (l-r): "Unchained Melody" co-writer Hy Zaret, ASCAP's Jim Steinblatt and The ASCAP Foundation's Colleen McDonough. Zaret, who will be celebrating his 100th birthday this year, was the subject of an ASCAP Foundation Living Video Archive interview, made possible by The Cain Foundation.

Cy Coleman on composing "The Best Is Yet to Come" with longtime collaborator Carolyn Leigh. Melanie on performing at Woodstock. Hy Zaret on wanting to set up and write songs for a Peace Foundation. Jay Morgenstern speaking about the changes in the music business and how those changes have affected the distribution of music. These represent just a few of the stories collected through The ASCAP Foundation Living Video Archive Program, which was made possible with generous support from The Cain Foundation. The Living Video Archive Program seeks to preserve ASCAP members' influence on and participation in creating America's musical heritage by videotaping prominent members to document their place in music history and the music industry. Beginning in 2002, over 30 ASCAP members have been interviewed by ASCAP's Assistant Vice President of Special Projects and Communications, Jim Steinblatt. These interviews represent a unique attempt to provide insights into the evolution of music and the recording industry in the 20th Century.

The Cain Foundation, directed by Wofford Denius, has generously supported The ASCAP Foundation Living Video Archive Program since 2002. The Cain Foundation was incorporated in 1952 as a private family foundation and it provides grants and contributions, on a highly selective basis, to charitable organizations located primarily in Texas. The financial contributions of The Cain Foundation allow The ASCAP Foundation to conduct, record and preserve these interviews for use by ASCAP staff, members and scholars of American music.