Songwriters Guild of America
Encyclopedia
The Songwriters Guild of America (SGA) is an organization founded in 1931, to help "advance, promote, and benefit" the profession of songwriters. It was founded as the "Songwriters Protective Association" by Billy Rose
, George M. Meyer and Edgar Leslie
. They issued the first standard songwriters contract, in 1932 and most writers consider it the 'standard' agreement in the industry.
The organization was later known as the American Guild of Authors and Composers, AGAC. In 1976, the organization, along with the RIAA, was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Copyright Act of 1976
. In the 1980s, it became the Songwriters Guild of America. In recent years, it joined forces with the National Academy of Songwriters
.
Current president is Rick Carnes.
The Songwriters Guild features online and offline classes in songwriting and the music business. Other features include contract review for members, in-depth song evaluations, royalty collection services and music industry resources.
Billy Rose
William "Billy" Rose was an American impresario, theatrical showman and lyricist. He is credited with many famous songs, notably "Me and My Shadow" , "It Happened in Monterey" and "It's Only a Paper Moon"...
, George M. Meyer and Edgar Leslie
Edgar Leslie
Edgar Leslie was an American songwriter. His first song Lonesome in 1909 was an immediate success, recorded by the Haydn Quartet and again by Byron G. Harlan. Other notable artists he worked with are:...
. They issued the first standard songwriters contract, in 1932 and most writers consider it the 'standard' agreement in the industry.
The organization was later known as the American Guild of Authors and Composers, AGAC. In 1976, the organization, along with the RIAA, was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Copyright Act of 1976
Copyright Act of 1976
The Copyright Act of 1976 is a United States copyright law and remains the primary basis of copyright law in the United States, as amended by several later enacted copyright provisions...
. In the 1980s, it became the Songwriters Guild of America. In recent years, it joined forces with the National Academy of Songwriters
National Academy of Songwriters
The National Academy of Songwriters, originally "Songwriters Resources and Services" was a music industry association which provided a support network for songwriters, and gave out awards in various categories. It was founded by Helen King, who was working as a secretarial/answering service for the...
.
Current president is Rick Carnes.
The Songwriters Guild features online and offline classes in songwriting and the music business. Other features include contract review for members, in-depth song evaluations, royalty collection services and music industry resources.
See also
- National Academy of SongwritersNational Academy of SongwritersThe National Academy of Songwriters, originally "Songwriters Resources and Services" was a music industry association which provided a support network for songwriters, and gave out awards in various categories. It was founded by Helen King, who was working as a secretarial/answering service for the...
- National Academy of Popular MusicNational Academy of Popular MusicThe National Academy of Popular Music is an American organization which administers the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and sponsors a series of workshops and showcases for the songwriting profession. It was formed in 1988 by Sammy Cahn and Bob Leone....
- Songwriters Hall of FameSongwriters Hall of FameThe Songwriters Hall of Fame is an arm of the National Academy of Popular Music. It was founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer and music publishers Abe Olman and Howie Richmond. The goal is to create a museum but as of April, 2008, the means do not yet exist and so instead it is an online...