Closeup image of a recording studio mixing board with buttons and sliders.

The School of Law and the UB Law Alumni Association present:

Behind the Music

A Conversation with John Simson '78: Composer, Manager, Attorney & Entrepreneur

Monday, April 7, 2025
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Live presentation in 533 O'Brian Hall (on 5th floor of Law Library) for students only.
Via Zoom webinar for all others.

man smiling, standing outside, wearing blue shirt.

John Simson ’78 has worked in the music industry since 1971 as an artist, songwriter, and entertainment lawyer. He managed Grammy winner Mary Chapin Carpenter, advised Harry Belafonte, and spent decades on copyright and business law.

As Executive Director of SoundExchange (2001–2010), he helped launch the platform, which has since distributed over $8 billion in royalties. An Emmy-nominated music supervisor and leading artists’ rights advocate, he has been featured in major media, lectured widely, and taught Entertainment Law at Washington College of Law and Georgetown Law.

 Questions? Please contact Prof. Nellie Drew at hdrew@buffalo.edu.

Registration