David Ferguson, the former chairman of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, died on 5 Jul after suffering from cancer. Beginning his tenure in 2002, during his time as chair of the organisation, Ferguson created the European Composer And Songwriter Alliance and also launched Academy Recordings to help Basca members release their own material.
Sarah Rogers took over Ferguson's role earlier this year, when he became too ill to continue. She has paid tribute to her predecessor, saying: "Passion, determination and grit were the hallmarks of his term as chairman of Basca. He put Basca on the political map and welded the writing community into a unified body. Today, because of David, composers and songwriters have a far better understanding of the challenges and threats we all face in a highly competitive environment. Within the profession and throughout our industry, David was known to all and a friend to many".
Ferguson is survived by his wife, Silvina, and a son, Sam.