ASCAP, the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers, the only US PRO that operates on a not-for-profit basis, today announced that legendary songwriter and producer Terry Lewis has joined the ASCAP Board of Directors.
Together with his creative partner Jimmy Jam, Lewis has written and/or produced over 100 albums and singles that have reached gold, platinum or diamond status for artists including Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Sting, Elton John, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Beyoncé, Luther Vandross, Rod Stewart, H.E.R., Earth, Wind & Fire, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, New Edition, Sounds of Blackness, Morris Day and The Time, to name a few. Jam and Lewis have amassed 26 #1 R&B singles and 16 #1 Hot 100 hits, giving the duo more Billboard #1s than any other songwriting/production team in chart history. Long known as musical innovators, they continue to push creative boundaries, most recently with their first-ever TV score for the hit Hulu series UnPrisoned.
“ASCAP is of, by and for creators, which means every decision about how we operate is made for the greatest good of our music creators — not broadcasters, private equity or investors,” said ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “We are elated to have Terry join the ASCAP Board and know that we can rely on his knowledge and experience as we help our members navigate new technologies and advocate for their rights.”
Lewis takes the seat of Richard Bellis, who is retiring from the Board after 16 years. Bellis is a highly respected screen composer and songwriter. He has scored more than 45 films and television movies and received an Emmy Award for the original score to Stephen King's IT, as well as nominations for HBO's Doublecrossed and ABC's Double, Double,Toil and Trouble. He has taught for many years at USC and UCLA. Bellis also served as the host/mentor for the ASCAP Film Scoring Workshop. for 21 years.
“Richard has been a dedicated and valuable member of the Board. The entire membership has benefited from his leadership and commitment to advocacy for composers,” said Williams. “He has been a mentor to a generation of composers through ASCAP’s Film Scoring Workshop. Although he is no longer on the Board, Richard will always be a member of the ASCAP family.”
About ASCAP
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 950,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers, and represents some of the world’s most talented music creators. In 2022, ASCAP reported record-high financial results of $1.522 billion in revenues and $1.388 billion available in royalty distribution monies to its members. Over the last eight years, ASCAP has delivered a 6% compound annual growth rate for total revenues, and a 7% compound annual growth rate for total royalty distributions to members. Founded and governed by songwriters, composers and publishers, it is the only performing rights organization in the U.S. that operates on a not-for-profit basis. ASCAP licenses a repertory of over 18 million musical works to hundreds of thousands of businesses that use music, including streaming services, cable television, radio and satellite radio and brick and mortar businesses such as retail stores, hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars. ASCAP collects the licensing fees; identifies, matches and processes trillions of performances every year; and returns nearly 90 cents of every dollar back to its members as royalties. The ASCAP blanket license offers an efficient solution for businesses to legally perform ASCAP music while respecting the right of songwriters and composers to be paid fairly. ASCAP puts music creators first, advocating for their rights and the value of music on Capitol Hill, driving innovation that moves the industry forward, building community and providing the resources and support that creators need to succeed in their careers. Learn more and stay in touch at www.ascap.com, on Twitter and Instagram @ASCAP and on Facebook.
