A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

As we emerge from a highly contentious political season which seemed to divide the country into two bitter halves, I think most Americans agree that we need to seek out more common ground, more that unites us -- more music. As music creators, we know that music is a universal language with a unique ability to bring people together. Music expresses our shared human condition. It soothes, inspires, excites, makes us fall in love and dance. Music speaks directly to the soul -- something we could have more of in political discourse. Perhaps our political leaders could learn a thing or two from our great composers.

Cy Coleman was a great composer, and the world was saddened by the news of his death on November 18th. We are all the poorer knowing that there was still so much music he had yet to write. But we are indescribably grateful for having had him and his genius in our lives. A full appreciation of Cy’s incredible musical career appears in this issue.

On a final note, you will notice that this issue of Playback has a new look. Every few years, we like to give the magazine a fresh design to keep it as interesting, colorful and dynamic as the Society’s membership -- America’s greatest songwriters, composers and publishers. I hope you enjoy the changes we’ve made.

I wish you all a happy holiday season and, most of all, a new year of peace.

Marilyn Bergman
President and Chairman of the Board