ASCAP History

The Birth of ASCAP (1914)

On February 13, 1914, at the Hotel Claridge in New York City, a group of prominent, visionary music creators founded The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. For songwriters and composers, this monumental event would forever change music history.

ASCAP is a vital, leading-edge organization that serves more than 460,000 member-owners, including the greatest and newest names in American music. From hip hop to symphonies, rock to jazz, country to Latin, R&B to musical theater, gospel to electronic, ASCAP music defines our cultural landscape and connects people the world over.

Charter members with Victor Herbert

ASCAP's primary purpose is to assure that music creators are fairly compensated for the public performance of their works, and that their rights are properly protected. Throughout its nearly 100-year history, ASCAP has stayed true to the democratic ideals and guiding principles set forth by its founding members. ASCAP is still 100% member-owned, governed by a Board of Directors elected by and from the membership every two years.

But ASCAP does more than represent its members–ASCAP is its members. As a member-owned organization, ASCAP is a community, a family, as well as the world's most powerful advocate for the rights of creators. In a history built on verses and choruses, it is the bridge that connects America's most beloved and distinguished songwriters and composers to the world.

*All those pictured herein are members of ASCAP or affiliated foreign societies who license their works through ASCAP in the United States.

The Early 1900s >>>