The Administrators of Gospel Music (AGM) began in 1983 with a two-day conference held at the Shoney’s Inn, Nashville, Tenn. Helen Pool of Singspration Music and Waverly Conlan of Word Music originated the idea to organize a diverse group of gospel music administrators. They believed such an organization was necessary to help its members solve common problems in the music publishing industry and build a community network of within the gospel music genre. AGM originally emphasized licensing, performing rights, television rights, and copyright law.

The first meeting comprised 17 company representatives, including those from Benson Company, Sparrow Records, The Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay Christian Resources), Cherry Lane Music, Maranatha! Music, Dawn Treader, Straightway Music, Word, Singspiration Music, Lorenz Creative Services, Triune Music, and Purifoy Publishing.

Since that first meeting, AGM has grown to a collaborative group of gospel music publishing administrators from around the world. In addition to providing important networking opportunities, AGM keeps members apprised of music industry changes. The annual conference is packed full of topics that educate its members to better provide excellent music publishing administration services.

AGM’s approach has historically focused on music publishing administration. However, in October 2015, AGM formally organized as a 501c(6) trade organization and has expanded its membership group to all types of gospel music rights administrators.

In March 2016, a “reboot” committee was appointed to develop a set of by-laws for the newly re-focused organization. AGM’s first Board of Directors were elected at the conclusion of the 2016 AGM Conference, held October 13 at Grace Community Church in Brentwood, Tenn.

In an ever-changing industry, AGM members see value in education, networking, and information sharing for all in our industry, from record label administrators, to attorneys, artist managers, and music publishing administrators.