A Tribute to A2IM CEO Richard James Burgess on a Stellar Career

It is an honor to celebrate Dr. Richard James Burgess, President and CEO of the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), who (sadly for us) will be retiring at the end of 2025. Richard is someone whose leadership has shaped the independent music industry in profound and lasting ways. For nearly a decade, he’s been at the helm of A2IM, championing independent labels, tirelessly advocating for artists, and lending his steady voice to guide the industry through some of its most transformational years.

He has also been a true supporter of the Copyright Alliance, assisting our organization in many different ways in the good times and the bad, including as a member of the Board of Directors. Over the years, I have come to rely on Richard’s sage advice and guidance.

I can vividly recall our first meeting roughly ten years ago over lunch. We both had just started new positions—Richard as the CEO of A2IM and me as the CEO of the Copyright Alliance. I had never met Richard before, and as we got to know one another, I was astonished to learn about his long and illustrious career. I couldn’t help thinking, “I must have the coolest job,” because I get to meet people like Richard.

Unlike me, many people first knew Richard long before his tenure at A2IM through his remarkable musical career as a producer, performer, author, and a true innovator in recording technology. His imprint can be found across decades of music history, from pioneering electronic and experimental sounds to shaping the careers of countless artists. When he stepped into leadership at A2IM, he brought not just experience but a deep, lived understanding of creativity, craft, and the realities of making music in an evolving world.

At A2IM, Richard has been nothing short of transformational. He’s led the organization through periods of unprecedented growth, elevating it into a force representing more than 700 independent labels across every musical genre. Under his leadership, A2IM became not just an advocacy organization, but a strategic partner to policymakers, digital platforms, and global industry leaders. Richard helped to ensure that independent voices have had a seat at the table, whether those conversations involved streaming economics, copyright protections, AI and emerging technologies, or the global marketplace that independent music now thrives within.

One of Richard’s defining qualities has been his unwavering commitment to fairness. He has consistently fought for a more equitable music ecosystem—one where creative work is valued, where independents are not overshadowed by larger corporate interests, and where innovation can flourish without sacrificing the rights and livelihoods of artists. His ability to articulate these issues with both precision and passion has made him one of the most trusted and respected figures on the American music landscape.

Richard’s leadership has also been marked by his generosity. He has mentored rising executives, supported young creators and indie musicians, and encouraged collaboration within a sector that can sometimes feel fragmented. In doing so, he helped build a stronger, more unified independent community, one that is well positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

As we look toward the next chapter for A2IM, we also celebrate the legacy Richard leaves behind. Thanks to his service, the independent sector is more organized, more influential, and more resilient than ever before. And while Richard may be stepping away from his role as CEO, none of us believe he is stepping away from the music world he has helped shape for decades. His voice, his insight, and his advocacy will no doubt continue to have an impact for years to come.

Richard, we thank you for your leadership, your vision, and your extraordinary dedication to the independent music community and to A2IM. The industry is stronger because of you, and we are all deeply grateful for the path you’ve helped pave.

Richard, congratulations on your retirement and on a remarkable career that will continue to inspire all of us for decades to come!