New York, NY, Sept. 23, 2008: ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) today announced that the 'Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers' continues to build momentum — garnering support from some of the most prominent members of the music community, and surpassing 10,000 signatures online. Launched in April 2008, the 'Bill of Rights' is an advocacy and awareness-building initiative d esigned to remind the public, the music industry and Members of Congress of the central role and rights of those who create music
Signed by a Who's Who list of songwriters and composers from all genres of music, this initiative continues to build awareness and support, as well as to spark dialogue on the relationship between copyright and creativity. Among those who have signed are: Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Trace Adkins, Sara Bareilles, Jackson Browne, Desmond Child, John Corigliano, Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson, Troy Gentry, Eddie Montgomery, Keri Hilson, Quincy Jones, David Lang, Steve Miller, Ne-Yo, Lionel Richie, Stephen Schwartz, Marc Shaiman, Marco Antonio Solís, Olga Tañon, Dr. Billy Taylor, Justin Timberlake, and Jimmy Webb, among many others.
"Songwriters and composers know more than anyone how our copyrights are increasingly under threat as competing interests argue over the future of the business of music," said Academy Award-winning lyricist Marilyn Bergman, President & Chairman of ASCAP. "To ensure that future generations have the opportunity to make a living from the creation of music, it is critical that we continue to build support behind this important initiative. Thousands of people have already voiced their opinion that it is time to vigorously defend the rights of music creators. Our goal now is to empower thousands more to carry this message forward."
On-site at the Copyright Alliance Exponential
ASCAP's
'Bill of Rights' will be brought to the 2nd Annual Copyright Alliance Exponential, which is being held on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on September 24, 2008. The event is attended by Members of Congress and a range of business and creative professions that recognize the role of copyright as a critical foundation for creative growth.
ASCAP will have a booth at the event where attendees can learn about the 'Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers,' as well as take the opportunity to sign it electronically on-site. In addition, ASCAP member Felix Cavaliere — one of the creative forces behind Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Rascals — will be on hand to share his perspective on the importance of protecting the rights of music creators.
ASCAP encourages all those who wish to show their support to take part in spreading the word. It has created special digital banners and logos that can be posted to personal websites and profile pages. These assets are available on the special "Bill of Rights" section of ASCAP's website where the full text of the "Bill" may be viewed and signed:
www.ascap.com/rights
About ASCAP
Established in 1914, ASCAP is the first and leading U.S. Performing Rights Organization (PRO) representing the world's largest repertory totaling over 8.5 million copyrighted musical works of every style and genre from more than 330,000 songwriter, composer and music publisher members. ASCAP has representation arrangements with similar foreign organizations such that the ASCAP repertory is represented in nearly every country around the world where copyright law exists. ASCAP protects the rights of its members and foreign affiliates by licensing the public performances of their copyrighted works and distributing royalties based upon surveyed performances. ASCAP is the only American PRO owned and governed by its writer and publisher members.
www.ascap.com
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