American Magazine: November 2013

top picks
Simson’s most influential
recording artists of the
past 50 years:
1.
SAM COOKE—The first singer-songwriter of
the modern pop era, Sam wrote a catalog
of hits, broke down racial barriers, and
sang sweeter than any bird.
1
6
2.
THE BEATLES—John and Paul’s rivalry,
each pushing the other in the best way
possible, created some of the most
memorable songs ever.
PHOTO BY LAURA HERRING
John Simson’s 40-year
career in the music industry has
had its share of high notes.
The singer-songwriter
turned copyright lawyer
managed five-time Grammy
winner Mary Chapin Carpenter,
while racking up an Emmy nod
of his own for the PBS special
American Roots Music. A member
of the Library of Congress
National Recording Preservation
Board, Simson served as executive
director of SoundExchange, a
Washington-based nonprofit that
collects and distributes artists’
royalties, until 2010.
Now the music wonk has
a new gig: director of
Kogod’s business of
entertainment program,
which welcomed its first crop
of undergrads this fall. The only
bachelor’s degree of its kind in
D.C., the program gives budding
entertainment execs a strong
foundation in accounting, finance,
marketing, and information
technology and allows them to
choose from specializations such
as audio technology and film.
3.
BOB DYLAN—The poet and subterranean
leader of the ’60s, Bob’s written more great
songs than anyone and influenced the
growth of the singer-songwriter aesthetic.
4.
ARETHA FRANKLIN—The Queen of Soul
had a voice that could raise goose bumps.
The classics are too many to mention, but
“Think” took it to another level.
5.
STEVIE WONDER—The blind 12-year-old
harmonica player grew up in front of us. His
body of work may have a few sappy tunes,
but the bulk and breadth are arresting.
6.
THE WHO—They invented the “power trio.”
When they played “My Generation” in 1967
and destroyed their instruments during the
finale, it was like nothing I’d ever seen.
7.
BRIAN WILSON—Brian’s creations were
mini-symphonies of layered confection.
“God Only Knows” may be the greatest pop
single of all time.
8.
BOB MARLEY—The voice is gorgeous and
rich, the writing is evocative and political.
He expanded the possibilities of commercial
music and embodied the “island” sound.
9.
MICHAEL JACKSON—Michael’s dancing and
visual approach crowned him King of Pop.
10.
KURT COBAIN—Every now and then, rock
’n’ roll got stale and needed a kick in the
butt. Nirvana did that for a new generation.
2
3
4
5
7
8
9
10
AMERICAN.EDU/ALUMNI 47