Frances W. Preston

Frances W. Preston (27 August 1928 — 13 June 2012) was an American music executive. She was the Chief executive officer of Broadcast Music, Inc. from 1986 to 2004. Preston was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992, Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and Music City Walk of Fame in 2007. Apart from her inductions, Preston received the Grammy Trustees Award in 1998.

Frances W. Preston
Born
Frances Loree Williams

(1928-08-27)August 27, 1928
Nashville, Tennessee
DiedJune 13, 2012(2012-06-13) (aged 83)
Nashville, Tennessee
NationalityAmerican
OccupationMusic executive
Known forChief executive officer and president of Broadcast Music, Inc. (1986—2004)

Early life

On 27 August 1928, Preston was born as Frances Loree Williams in Nashville, Tennessee.

Education

Preston completed a teacher's program at Peabody College.[1]

Career

Preston started her career with WSM (AM) as a mail clerk and became a television host for WSM-TV.[1] She then worked in event promotions for a precursor of the CMA Music Festival.[2] Preston moved to Broadcast Music, Inc. in 1958 and launched a Nashville branch for the organization. She planned the creation of the BMI Country Awards and was promoted to vice president in 1964. She remained as vice president until she was named senior vice president of performing rights in 1985.[3]

From 1986 to 2004, Preston was the chief executive officer and president of BMI.[4] During her time as president, Preston was a part of the Copyright Renewal Act of 1992 and Copyright Term Extension Act in 1998.[5] She remained as CEO until August 2004 and was named emeritus for the rest of 2004.[6] Outside of music, Preston served on committees for Jimmy Carter and Al Gore.[7]

Awards and honors

In 1992, Preston was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.[8] Also that year, Preston received an honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music.[9] Additional inductions include the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Music City Walk of Fame in 2007.[10][11] Outside of music halls, Preston was awarded the Grammy Trustees Award at the 40th Annual Grammy Awards and named to the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 1999.[12]

Personal life

Preston was divorced and had three children.[1]

Death

Preston died from heart failure on 13 June 2012 in Nashville.[3]

References
  1. Fox, Margarlit (20 June 2012). "Frances W. Preston, Defender of Songwriters' Copyright, Dies at 83". New York TImes. p. A13. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  2. Morris, Chris (13 June 2012). "Former BMI chief Frances Preston dies". Variety. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  3. Petersen, Erik (13 June 2012). "Frances Preston Dies; Pioneering Former President of BMI". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  4. Gilbert, Calvin (21 April 2004). "Frances Preston to Relinquish Leadership of BMI". CMT. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  5. Conniff, Tamara (11 June 2005). "Shining A Spotlight On Women In The Industry". Billboard. p. 6. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  6. Holland, Bill (1 May 2004). "Biz Bids Farewell To BMI's Preston". Billboard. pp. 6–7. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  7. Korall, Burt (2004). "Frances Preston". In Kingsbury, Paul (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Country Music. Oxford University Press. p. 422. ISBN 0195116712. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  8. "Frances Preston". Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  9. A Nation of Opportunity: Realizing the Promise of the Information Superhighway. U.S. Advisory Council on the National Information Infrastructure. 1996.
  10. "Frances Preston". GMA Hall of Fame. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  11. "Frances W. Preston". Music City Walk of Fame. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  12. Binnicker, Margaret D. (8 October 2017). "Frances Williams Preston". Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
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