Story & Lesson Highlights with Bart Herbison

Bart Herbison shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Bart, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My new kitten Amalfi! I have always been a dog person. But she appeared on our porch and……

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). We are the largest advocacy trade association for American songwriters. Right now our focus is on getting guardrails around artificial intelligence.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When my late uncle Billy Pullen played me “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin,” by Elvis Presley. I was between 4-5 years old and have been around music ever since, including my entire professional career.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I recently and quite unexpectedly lost my dear friend Joe Teague. I spoke at his funeral. We used to play two-on-two basketball for money and rarely lost! I am his son Sidney’s godfather.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Songwriter advocacy. American songwriters are under ridiculous restrictions set by Congress in 1909 that ensure inadequate royalty payments. NSAI and myself during my nearly thirty years as Executive Director have changed some of them, but we still do not get to negotiate the value of songs in the free market. We will NEVER stop trying to achieve that goal.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That my word was my bond. That was my later father Joe Billy, “Herby” Herbison’s mantra. That was the title of his eulogy that I delivered. Seems like that is getter rarer.

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