Statement on Passing of Legendary Songwriters Jerry Leiber and Nick Ashford
Statement from David Israelite, NMPA President and CEO on the Passing of Legendary Songwriters Jerry Leiber and Nick Ashford
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / August 23, 2011
“The songwriting and music publishing community today joins millions of Americans in remembering songwriters Jerry Leiber and Nick Ashford. Jerry Leiber brought us classic hits with Elvis Presley's ‘Hound Dog’ and the Clovers’ ‘Love Potion No. 9’, which remain a jubilant window to the fifties and sixties. Rarely does a songwriter capture the mood and spirit of a generation so prolifically. Nick Ashford created enduring Motown classics including ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ and ‘Solid As a Rock’, which capture fusions of jazz, funk and gospel.
“Jerry Leiber’s and Nick Ashford’s contributions to American rock ‘n’ roll and soul are nothing short of legendary. The songwriting and music publishing community will never forget their timeless talent.”
About the NMPA
Founded in 1917, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) is the trade association representing American music publishers and their songwriting partners. The NMPA’s mandate is to protect and advance the interests of music publishers and songwriters in matters relating to the domestic and global protection of music copyrights.