RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-961

A resolution recognizing the Nashville Songwriters Association International as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

WHEREAS, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) was established in 1967 and is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade association with more than 5,000 active and professional members; and

WHEREAS, the NSAI is dedicated to protecting the rights of and serving aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres of music; and

WHEREAS, NSAI’s first advocacy effort achieved success in 1970 when major Nashville record label companies started including songwriters’ names on album packaging – ultimately helping legitimize songwriters’ work in the music industry; and

WHEREAS, in 1988, former NSAI Executive Director Pat Rogers elevated the association’s scope by creating the NSAI Regional Workshops Program, the NSAI Professional Division, and taking advocacy work to a new level in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, the NSAI now spearheads numerous copyright protection and songwriter advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. and beyond; and

WHEREAS, in 1992, NSAI created the weeklong songwriters’ festival “Tin Pan South,” which has become the largest songwriter-only festival in the United States, featuring approximately 100 shows and 400 songwriters; and

WHEREAS, the slogan of the NSAI, “It All Begins With A Song,” conveys that songwriters are the foundation of Nashville’s music industry; and

WHEREAS, the Nashville Songwriters Association International acts as a unifying force within the music community and is committed to protecting the rights of songwriters and the future of songwriting; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes the Nashville Songwriters Association International on their 50th Anniversary and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan County hereby goes on record as recognizing the Nashville Songwriters Association International as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to the Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Nancy VanReece, Jeff Syracuse