Founded by Michael Feinstein in 2007, the Great American Songbook Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Grammy affiliated non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the music of the Great American Songbook. The "Great American Songbook" is the canon of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century. These popular and enduring songs, created for Broadway theatre, musical theatre and Hollywood musical film between the 1920s and 1950s, are often referred to as “American standards”. The Foundation is committed to perpetuating this music and its history via initiatives to preserve the physical artifacts of the Songbook's creators, performers and publishers, and by making these cultural treasures accessible through intergenerational programming that focuses on interactive, educational and immersive experiences for all ages. PRESERVING HISTORY - Songbook Archives & Library house more than 500,000 items from such artists as Meredith Willson, Gus Kahn and Johnny Mercer - Digital preservation efforts make materials accessible to future musicians, researchers and students CELEBRATING ARTISTS - Songbook Hall of Fame honors musical figures such as Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera - Songbook Exhibit Gallery provides interactive experiences for thousands of visitors each year. INSPIRING ALL AGES - Songbook Academy® national summer music intensive offers young singers the life-changing educational opportunity to work with music industry pros, award winning singers and performers, and educators from the top University music and theatre programs in the country. -Perfect Harmony provides a group music experience for older adults living with dementia that offers a unique opportunity for social and musical engagement, and promotes holistic well-being through music.
