Chris Amenita, who worked at ASCAP for twenty-seven years, DIES

Chris Amenita, who worked at ASCAP for twenty-seven years, most recently serving as senior vice president, broadcast operations and new media licensing, died August 3 after battling cancer. He was 55.

Amenita worked in a variety of roles throughout his long tenure with the company, often in the fields of emerging technology and licensing. He had worked as SVP of ASCAP's Enterprises Group, overseeing internet licensing, as well as chairman of DDEX, an organization dedicated to standards of digital distribution, from 2006 (when it was created) until 2009. In his roles at ASCAP, he oversaw the company's development of audio fingerprinting technology for song tracking.

"Chris was one of the most beloved and respected members of the ASCAP senior management team and we all feel his loss profoundly," said ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento in a statement. "He was a great strategic thinker who understood the complex issues our members face in today's world. He was also one of the kindest and most generous of co-workers, always willing to mentor others. Songwriters have lost an advocate, and his colleagues have lost a dear friend."

Amenita is survived by his wife, two kids, and both parents. His funeral will be held at St. Patrick's Church in Huntington, on Long Island, Wednesday morning at 9:45 a.m.