History of SESAC in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 28, 2025

SESAC is a for-profit performance-rights organization (PRO) in the United States, established in 1930, making it the second-oldest PRO in the country. Originally named the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, SESAC represents approximately 30,000 songwriters and administers the rights to over 1 million compositions. SESAC licenses the public performance rights of its affiliates' songs, collecting royalties from various users like radio stations and venues and distributing them to its affiliated songwriters and publishers. Unlike some other PROs, SESAC is a private, for-profit entity.

1930: SESAC Founded

In 1930, the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC) was founded in New York by Paul Heinecke to support European stage authors and composers with their American performance royalties.

1964: New headquarters and Nashville office opened

In 1964, SESAC moved into new headquarters in Columbus Circle in Midtown Manhattan and opened an office in Nashville, Tennessee.

1972: Death of Paul Heinecke

In 1972, Paul Heinecke, the founder of SESAC, passed away. He had led the firm since its inception in 1930.

1985: Headquarters moved to Nashville

In 1985, SESAC moved its headquarters to Nashville, Tennessee, following its evolution and focus on Christian songwriters.

1993: Company purchased and focus shifted

In 1993, Stephen Swid, Freddie Gershon, and Ira Smith purchased SESAC. The new owners shifted the company's focus toward more mainstream music and television.

2013: Rizvi Traverse Management acquisition

In 2013, Rizvi Traverse Management acquired a majority stake in SESAC.

2015: SESAC acquires Harry Fox Agency

In 2015, SESAC acquired the mechanical rights clearinghouse Harry Fox Agency.

2017: Adele joins SESAC

In 2017, Adele joined SESAC, formerly being with BMI.

2017: The Blackstone Group Acquisition

In 2017, The Blackstone Group acquired SESAC.

2020: Mariah Carey leaves SESAC

In 2020, Mariah Carey left SESAC to join ASCAP.

September 28, 2024: Songs Blocked on YouTube

On September 28, 2024, a legal dispute between YouTube and SESAC caused songs by several artists to become unplayable on YouTube in the United States. Some artists not represented by SESAC, such as Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj, had some of their videos removed due to collaborations with SESAC-represented songwriters or musicians.