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Peermusic president pays tribute to Allan Dann

By Chris Cooke | Published on Tuesday 1 October 2013

The European President of independent music publisher Peermusic, Nigel Elderton, has paid tribute to Allan Dann, his company’s Business Affairs & International Copyrights Manager, who recently died. Dann had worked for the music firm for a remarkable 44 years.

Elderton writes: “Allan was one of the longest serving members of the worldwide peermusic staff having joined the London copyright department in October 1968. During his 44 years of service, Allan’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the catalogue, the writer roster and the history of our company made him a valuable and fascinating source of information. One of Allan’s many qualities was his willingness to impart advice and knowledge to his colleagues and he was always ready to patiently explain the complexities of copyright law or the idiosyncrasies of the collection society network to his colleagues”.

He goes on: “Allan was never happier than when talking about music, his band or his vast collection of vintage guitars. His eyes would literally light up when he was among likeminded people and none more so than when [Peermusic’s Catalogue Development Manager] Kara Wright visited us last year from our LA office to learn about the UK back catalogue of masters and copyrights. Fortunately, during this time Allan was reacquainted with many of the old writers and artists who were associated with Peer throughout the 70s and we could see how much he enjoyed this walk down memory lane”.

Noting the dozens of condolence messages the company has received since Dann’s passing, Elderton concludes: “He will be greatly missed by all of us that love and work in this great industry”.