por 
THE BAJA POST
NEWSROOM
SOURCE: PR NEWSMEDIA
John Titta, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at ASCAP, has died after a two-year battle with cancer.
«All of us at ASCAP are heartbroken,» commented ASCAP President & Chairman, songwriter Paul Williams. «John Titta was one of a kind, and truly one of the most beloved music industry executives I have known, with deep ties to songwriters across genres and generations. John – you had a song in your heart always, and you will always be in our hearts. I miss you already.»
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews added, «John Titta’s warmth, his humor, his kindness, his love of family, and his passion for music were infectious. He was a north star for me personally, and for all of us at ASCAP. John was instrumental in the success of so many songwriters throughout his storied career, and he shared his love of music and songwriters so freely that we all felt the joy. All of us in the ASCAP family are devastated by his passing. Titta – we love you.»
John is survived by his wife Lana Titta, his sons Alex and Julian, his daughter Martine, grandson, Mason, and his brother Michael. The family is planning a private service to be followed by a memorial at a later date.
John was a lifelong resident of Staten Island, where he graduated from Wagner College with a degree in music. In addition to his position at ASCAP, Titta was a Board member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
John Titta started his life in music as a musician, songwriter and music teacher. He began his publishing career with Screen Gems/EMI Music as Professional Manager, signing such acts as Surface and The Smithereens. He worked with legendary songwriters Carole King and Lou Reed, and had songs covered by Tina Turner, Grover Washington Jr., Alice Cooper, Joan Jett and Dave Edmunds.
He then moved to PolyGram Music Publishing as Vice President of A & R, signing artists Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Pearl Jam, Brian McKnight, k.d. lang, Billy Ray Cyrus and songwriter Jimmy Webb. He was also responsible for individual hit songs including «Save The Best For Last» by Vanessa Williams and «The Folks That Live On The Hill» by Tony Bennett. Titta was credited for his A&R work on the compilation album Two Rooms, A Tribute To Elton John and Bernie Taupin and multiple movie soundtracks, such as Young Guns II: Blaze of Glory, Days Of Thunder, Scream, Bruce Almighty, Varsity Blues and more.
