[ad_1]
John Titta, ASCAP’s chief creative officer and veteran music industry executive, has died after a two-year battle with cancer, a representative for the organization confirmed.
“All of us at ASCAP are heartbroken,” said ASCAP President and Chairman and songwriter Paul Williams. “John Titta was a unique person with deep connections to songwriters across genres and generations, and truly one of the most beloved music industry executives I know. John – Dear always had a song in our hearts and you will always be in our hearts. We miss you now.”
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews added, “John Titta's warmth, humor, kindness, love of family, and passion for music were contagious. He was a North Star for all of us. John was a joy to all of us as he contributed to the success of many songwriters throughout his storied career and generously shared his love of music and songwriters. All of us in the ASCAP family are devastated by his passing. Titta – we love you.”
Originally a musician, songwriter, and music teacher, Titta began his executive career at Screen Gems/EMI Music Publishing, where he was signed to Smithereens and worked with songwriters Carole King and Lou Reed. He then moved to PolyGram Music Publishing as Vice President of A&R, where he signed Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Pearl Jam, Brian McKnight, KD Lang, Billy Ray Cyrus, and songwriter Jimmy Webb. and was in charge of A&R for several movie soundtracks, including “Young.” Guns II: Blades of Glory,” Days of Thunder, and Scream.
From 1993 to 2006, Titta served as senior vice president and general manager of Warner Chappell Music in New York, where he signed artists such as Trey Songz, Fat Joe, Missy Elliott, Kid Rock, Collective Soul, and India. Ally, Gavin DeGraw, Cassandra Wilson, Dan Wilson, Shaggy, A Simple Plan, Duane Eddy, Bruce Hornsby.
In 2006, he founded his own company, MPCA Music Publishing and Recordings, and became president and CEO. The company featured the catalog of blues legend Robert Johnson, as well as songs by Sammy Cahn, Jack Wolfe, and more.
He joined ASCAP in 2013 and served as executive vice president and chief creative officer until his death. At ASCAP, he led the entire membership team and was responsible for signing and collaborating with all members of the performing rights organization. He was also a board member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
As a musician, Titta has appeared on albums by Ringo Starr and Gisele d’Cour throughout his career, and has also collaborated with Michael McDonald, the Doobie Brothers, Duane Eddy, Richie Sambora, and Omi. He also collaborated with Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan on the Tony Award-winning musical “Memphis” and performed with Dionne Warwick, Todd Rundgren, Melinda Doolittle, Smash Mouth, Donnie & Marie – Contributed to Osmond’s album as a producer or A&R. He also wrote the 1990 compilation Two Rooms: Elton John and Bernie, which featured covers by Kate Bush, The Who, Sinead O’Connor, Tina Turner, Sting, Eric Clapton, George Michael and others.・Provided A&R work for Celebrating Taupin’s Songs. Among other things.
He is survived by his wife Lana Titta, sons Alex and Julian, daughter Martine, grandson Mason, and brother Michael. The family is planning a private funeral with a memorial service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John and Rose Titta Fund of the ASCAP Foundation. This fund was established by John in memory of his parents and is used to support children on the autism spectrum through music programs. Anyone who would like to donate to the ASCAP Foundation’s John and Rose Titta Fund in honor of John Titta can do so here.
