In Great Company

Marilyn Bergman, President and Chairman of the Board

Fifty years ago, Stephen Sondheim joined ASCAP when he collaboarated with Leonard Bernstein on the score for West Side Story. His masterful command of language, craft, substance and the ability to entertain continues to illuminate Broadway and the stages of the world with brilliant music to this day. From Company, Follies and A Little Night Music to Sweeney Todd and Gypsy, his cultural contributions are monumental. In this issue of Playback, we are pleased to feature a special interview with Sondheim, who offers valuable insight into his craft.

Sondheim's life in music is the perfect example of why we need more lives spent creating music. It is why ASCAP has launched several initiatives to help inspire, nurture and guide music creators at every stage of their careers. The ASCAP Foundation's new educational program, "Children Will Listen," which was created in honor of Sondheim, does this by bringing alive the musical theatre experience to young students nationwide. The ASCAP "I Create Music" EXPO does this by bringing together the greater community of songwriters and composers to share knowledge and experience in a whole new way.

Part of supporting ASCAP members and their careers is to recognize them for their achievements. At award shows in the past few months, ASCAP honored the success of our writer and publisher members in the genres of pop, film and television music, Rhythm and Soul, concert and Christian music. Complete coverage of these events is featured in this issue of the magazine. It is a genuine honor to lead an organization whose members create the music that is loved by so many around the world.

I would like to congratulate all of this year's winners on their well-deserved recognition.