Goddard Lieberson (1911–77) was an American record executive, composer, and writer, best known for leading Columbia Records and shaping the recording industry.
Born in Hanley, Staffordshire, England, Lieberson moved to the U.S. as a child. He studied music composition at the University of Washington, later working as a classical music critic before joining Columbia Records (1938.)
As Columbia Records’ president (1956–71, 1973–75,) he introduced the long-playing (LP) record, revolutionizing music distribution. He championed original Broadway cast recordings, producing albums for West Side Story, My Fair Lady, and A Chorus Line.
His notable publications include They Said It with Music: From Yankee Doodle to Ragtime (1977,) a CBS-TV special on American songwriters, and various articles on music and recording technology.
Lieberson served as president of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) 1964, advocating for industry standards and copyright protections. Known for his elegance and wit, he maintained close friendships with cultural icons.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Goddard Lieberson
Show me an orchestra that likes its conductor and I’ll show you a lousy conductor.
—Goddard Lieberson
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