American Musical Royalty

I had the opportunity to document a distinguished group of musicians who recorded prior to 1972. They were lobbying on Capitol Hill for fair treatment and royalties for their work played on satellite and digital radio.

Pictured are Martha Reeves (Motown great, sans the Vandellas), Gene Chandler (the Duke of Earl), Roger McGuinn (Byrds), Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad), and Richie Furay (Poco, Buffalo Springfield). Also along (though not pictured here) were famed rock manager/producer David Spero and Otis Redding's daughter, Karla Redding.

Congressman John Conyers

Lovely people all.

I was particularly taken with Dr. Reeves, who sings pretty much all the time. And, Lord have mercy, that woman can surely sing.

I trust that with the help of their coalition, which met with Congressmen John Conyers (pictured, last in the series), Steny Hoyer,  George Holding, and others, that they will get fair compensation for the broadcast use of their recorded performances.

Check out SoundExchange and Project 72 to learn more about the issue.

Thanks to all of these artists, and to Marie Farrar Knowles and CEO Michael Huppe of SoundExchange.