Songwriter Paul Williams Elected ASCAP President

An award-winning writer of timeless standards is elected President and Chairman of the Society

Songwriter Paul Williams was elected President and Chairman of the Board of ASCAP on April 16 by the ASCAP Board of Directors at its meeting in Nashville, TN.

Williams's election follows on the heels of songwriter Marilyn Bergman's decision to step down from the ASCAP presidency, although she will continue as an active Board member. Bergman announced her plans on April 8, 2009, after 15 distinguished years as President and Chairman of the Board (see story on page 10).

Songwriter Jimmy Webb has been elected writer Vice Chairman to replace Williams, who held that post for the prior two years. On the publisher side, the re-elected officers are: Irwin Z. Robinson of Paramount Allegra Music as Vice Chairman; Kathy Spanberger of peermusic as Secretary; and James M. Kendrick of Schott Music Corporation/European American Music Corporation as Treasurer.

Commenting on the Board's choice for her successor, Bergman said: "I have worked closely with Paul during his eight years as a member of the ASCAP Board of Directors, and particularly since he assumed the post of writer Vice Chairman. He is an outstanding choice to lead the vital work that ASCAP conducts on behalf of all of us who create music. I have no doubt that he will be a powerful and vigorous advocate for our needs and rights."

Williams added: "It's a great honor and privilege to be elected President and Chairman of the Board of ASCAP. On behalf of my fellow Board members, I would like to thank Marilyn for her extraordinarily productive work and the dedication she has shown over the last 15 years.”

Paul Williams is an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Hall of Fame songwriter. "We’ve Only Just Begun," "Rainy Days and Mondays," "You and Me Against the World," "An Old Fashioned Love Song," "I Won't Last a Day Without You" and "Let Me Be The One" are among his timeless standards. His songs have been recorded by such diverse musical icons as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Ella Fitzgerald, David Bowie, Ray Charles, R.E.M., Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Johnny Mathis, Luther Vandross and Kermit the Frog.