NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Frances Williams Preston, who worked with top songwriters as president of the royalties company Broadcast Music Inc., has died. She was 83.
Preston was president from 1986 to 2004 of New York-based BMI, which collects and distributes licensing fees to songwriters. She previously headed the company's office in Nashville, where she born and grew up.
Her death of congestive heart failure at her home early Wednesday was confirmed by a family spokeswoman, Caroline Davis.
During her career, Preston worked with dozens of artists including Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings and Tammy Wynette.
As BMI president, she oversaw a company that represented Paul Simon, Janet Jackson, Sting and others.
