SESAC, founded in 1930 as the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, is a US-based for-profit performance-rights organization and the second oldest of its kind in the country. With a vast catalog exceeding 1 million compositions, SESAC represents 30,000 songwriters.
1930: SESAC Founded by Paul Heinecke
German immigrant Paul Heinecke established SESAC in New York in 1930, aiming to assist European stage authors and composers with their American performance royalties.
1930: SESAC Founded
The Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC) was founded in 1930.
1964: SESAC Opens Nashville Office
In 1964, SESAC established new headquarters in Midtown Manhattan and opened an office in Nashville, Tennessee.
1972: Paul Heinecke Passes Away
Paul Heinecke, the founder of SESAC, passed away in 1972.
1985: SESAC Headquarters Moves to Nashville
SESAC relocated its headquarters to Nashville in 1985.
1993: SESAC Under New Ownership
Stephen Swid, Freddie Gershon, and Ira Smith purchased SESAC in 1993, shifting the company's focus to more mainstream music and television.
2013: Rizvi Traverse Management Acquires SESAC
Rizvi Traverse Management acquired a majority stake in SESAC in 2013.
2015: SESAC Acquires Harry Fox Agency
SESAC acquired the mechanical rights clearinghouse, Harry Fox Agency, in 2015.
2017: Adele Joins SESAC
In 2017, singer Adele joined SESAC after previously being with BMI.
2017: The Blackstone Group Acquires SESAC
The Blackstone Group acquired SESAC in 2017.
2020: Mariah Carey Leaves SESAC
Mariah Carey left SESAC in 2020 to join ASCAP.
September 28, 2024: Music Becomes Unplayable on YouTube
On September 28, 2024, several musicians' songs became unplayable on YouTube in the United States due to a legal dispute between YouTube and SESAC.