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BMI is an American performing rights organization that
represents more than 400,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all
genres of music.
BMI’s formation provided an “open door” to writers of all genres of music, many
of whom had no prior access to performing right representation.
Formed in 1939 as a non-profit-making performing right organization, BMI was the
first to offer representation to songwriters of blues, country, jazz, r&b,
gospel, folk, Latin and, ultimately, rock & roll.
BMI was founded by radio executives to provide competition in the field of
performing rights, to assure royalty payments to writers and publishers of music
not represented by the existing performing right organization and to provide an
alternative source of licensing for all music users.
BMI’s history coincides with one of the most vibrant, evolving and challenging
periods in music history. As popular music has moved from big-band to rock &
roll and hip-hop, and formats have evolved from 78 and 33 1/3-rpm vinyl records
to compact discs, MP3s and beyond, BMI has worked on behalf of its members to
maintain a leadership position not only in the United States, but worldwide.
Underlying everything BMI does is its philosophy: an open-door policy that
welcomes songwriters, composers and music publishers of all disciplines, and
helps them develop both the creative and business skills crucial to a career in
music.
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