Meet Jeff Cohen

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jeff Cohen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

I remember when I was starting out I knew no one in the music business except had a friend from college who’s father worked for SONY. I asked him if there was a good person to send my resume to and he said just send to human resources and wouldn’t even give me a name or put in a good word. I never forgot that. When I started working at BMI I had a philosophy that everyone I met with leave our meeting at least one step ahead of when they arrived. I believed there was always something I could do to help. Might not be what they wanted me to do as a lot of asks were unrealistic but there was always something to keep their momentum moving forward. I still try to follow that mantra even today years later

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a songwriter. artist, producer and publisher I am fortunate to be involved in many different aspects of the Music Industry. Got my start as a secretary to a secretary in the licensing department of BMI. Eventually moved into the Artists Relations department where I moved up the ladder to Senior Director.. Signed and enjoyed working with such amazing talents as The Spin Doctors, Jeff Buckley, Lisa Loeb, Joan Osbourne, Wilco, Kara DioGuardi and many more. at 33 unfortunately got seriously ill and when I recovered realized I really enjoyed writing songs and thought I could possibly have a career as a songwriter. Didn’t want to look back and say I never tried so left my job at BMI and went for it. Since leaving have won 6 BMI Awards for Most Played Songs of The Year, been nominated for Grammy and CMT Awards plus have had songs featured on over 25 Million albums sold a dover 100 TV/Film?Commercial Placements. Have worked with such artists as Sugarland, Big and Rich, Band Perry, Evan and Jaron, Josh Groban, Teitur, The Shires, Macy Gray, Mandy Moore, Spin Doctors and many more. Have had songs featured on TV Shows such as Paw Patrol, The Simpsons, Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, Saturday Night Live, American Idol, Jack and Jill and more. Have had songs featured in movies such as Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants, Princess Diaries, Aquamarine and more. Am also on the boards of NSAI fighting for songwriter’s rights and Inspired Nation which provides opportunities in the arts for youths. Right now my goal is continue to evolve in my career while still staying true to myself and figuring out a way to do this the rest of my life

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Think 3 of the qualities that have helped me succeed in this business are trusting my musical and lyrical instincts, work ethic and establishing sincere genuine relationships. I would say continue to learn and improve your craft and surround yourselves with people with good work ethic, talent and integrity,

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

If I knew I only had a decade left I would probably be doing exactly what I am doing now plus maybe add a few more holidays to places I’ve never been and maybe try to get a movie made of one off the scripts I’ve written

Contact Info:

• Website: jeff@jeffcohenmusic.com
• Instagram: @jeffcohenmusic
• Facebook: Jeff Cohen (Pancho’s Lament)
• Linkedin: Jeff Cohen
• Youtube: @jeffcohenmusic

Image Credits

Photos by Juan Patino