About Us
Our Mission
To preserve and perpetuate the music, character and history of the Great American Songbook.
Our Vision
That this timeless and most enduring music of our country, with its rich history, will continue to be accessible and enjoyed by the generations of today and tomorrow.
Our Extraordinary Honorary Board of Advisors
Founding Member
Vic Damone
Tony Bennett
Connie Francis
Jack Jones
Keely Smith
Annette Agnos
Lucie Arnaz
Ann Hampton Callaway
Sanford Fisher
Dick Golden
John Griffeth
Joni James
Wes Lowe
Deana Martin
Marilyn Maye
Bob Merrill
Bucky Pizzarelli
John Pizzarelli & Jessica Molaskey
Martin Pizzarelli
Faith Prince
Mike Renzi
John Rubino
Rob Russell
Avery Sommers
Eda & Stephen Sorokoff
Helen Spaneas
Billy Stritch
Dom Taglialatella
Steve Tyrell
Our Generous Benefactors
International Ambassador
Hillie Mahoney
The Right Honourable and Mrs. Brian Mulroney
The William H. Donner Foundation
Lois Pope
Ann and Bill Saas
Ambassadors Emeritus
Herme` de Wyman Miro (9/9/1919 – 11/6/2022)
Dame Celia Lipton Farris (12/25/1923 – 3/11/2011)
Other Lead Benefactors
Kelly Ashton and Carlo B. Albano
Janet & J. J. Cafaro
Dan Colussy
Victoria Damone
Margaret Donnelley
Pat Dunnington
Billie & Lou Feher
Elayne and Donald Flamm Foundation
Karen and Mark Frangione
Arlette Gordon
Jessica and Andrew Guff
Evie and Seymour Holtzman
Ann and Charles Johnson
Helene Karp
Austin Felis & Valerie Schwartz/ Kaulbach Charitable Foundation
Henni and John Kessler
Susan and Bruce Kovner
Nataly and Ernst Langner
Judy and Leonard Lauder
Daniela and Michael Levenson
Grace & Giovanni Marquez
Larry Merriam
Carol Ann and Armand Moens
Lawrence Moens
John A Moran Charitable Trust
Patty Myura
Bob Nederlander
Gerda & Kenneth Newstrom
Thomas Peterffy
Eleanor Patterson Reeves Foundation
Tom Quick
Ari Rifkin, Len Ari Foundation, Inc.
John Rosenwald
Abigail and John Rubino
Roushi and Gregory Sahagen
Robin and Irvin Saltzman, Irvin Saltzman Family Foundation
Christine Schott
Amanda and Chuck Schumacher
Sunny Sessa
Jill and Randy Smalley
Sally & Dom Taglialatella
Eddy and John Taylor
Susan and Bob Wright
Andrea and Steve Wynn
Our Corporate Directors
Nicholas H. Robinson
Helen Spaneas
Robert Russell
Mike McGann
Our Founder
Dick Robinson: From Disc Jockey to Charity Jockey
A career that continues to span the years of the Great American Songbook
Dick Robinson
Dick Robinson – an icon of harmony and rhythm in charity, TV, radio and business circles – redefines the relationship between notes and chords as they are played in many different communities across our regions.
In nonprofit circles, Dick Robinson’s passions, interest and deed in helping those in need blend charity fundraising and celebrity with classic and timeless entertainment.
His respected relationships with entertainers, combined with his great heart to help charities, has led to millions of dollars in fundraising successes for deserving nonprofits. Vic Damone, Keely Smith, Al Martino, Debby Boone, Jack Jones and Ann Hampton Callaway have headlined blockbuster events on behalf of their friend Dick Robinson to fundraise within his communities.
His concerto over the years consists of many accomplishments including Founder & Chairman of CSB Media Arts Center (originally founded as Connecticut School of Broadcasting), the nation’s oldest and largest group of Media Arts Schools. Owner of New England and Florida radio stations and Founder of the nonprofit organization The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook.
Today, in addition to his many business and charity commitments, Dick hosts an internationally syndicated radio show, “Dick Robinson’s American Standard’s by the Sea”which airs on network affiliates nationwide—including Legends 100.3 FM on Saturdays 6 PM to 8 PM and Sundays 10 AM to 12 PM.
Tune in to a station near you whenever you can, wherever you are!
You will love the M-U-S-I-C.
“Dick Robinson’s Music by the Sea”, is a half-hour TV show and video version of his radio show, and can be viewed in South Florida Saturdays at 6:30 PM on WXEL TV (PBS).
Dick Robinson’s Passion: The Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook. Founder-Chairman, Dick Robinson, created this 501(c)3 to increase awareness, especially for children and young adults, of what he believes to be the greatest music ever recorded. In addition to his weekly radio and TV shows, to support the Society’s mission (to preserve and perpetuate the music, character and history of the Great American Songbook), Dick addresses the social needs of youth and the nostalgic memories of the “greatest generation.”
The Society’s primary plan is to educate today’s adolescents about the Great American Songbook music. Music is well-known to connect deeply with teenagers and to influence their development, perhaps more than any other entertainment medium. Our next generation will only appreciate this meaningful, positive, optimistic, and entertaining part of their American heritage when we work to keep the music playing.
Past Honorees
2023
Lifetime Achievement
Bucky Pizzarelli
Marilyn Maye
Legend Award
John Pizzarelli
Jessica Molaskey
Young Artist
Mikayla Smith
Alex Theodore
2022
Lifetime Achievement
Steve Tyrell
Legend Award
Bria Skonberg
Young Artist
Annie Matot
2021
Lifetime Achievement
Tony Bennett (honoring retirement)
2020
Lifetime Achievement
Pat Boone
Legend Award
Debby Boone
Young Artist
The Fresh Four
2019
Lifetime Achievement
Mike Renzi
Legend Award Nicolas King
Young Artist
Chris Santiago
Aidan Taylor
2018
Legend Award
Steve Tyrell
Legend-To-Be Award
Deborah Silver
Young Artist
Makayla Forgione
2017
Lifetime Achievement
Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme
Dean Martin (100th Birthday)
Legend Award
Deana Martin
2016
Lifetime Achievement
Connie Francis
Legend Award
Ann Hampton Callaway
Young Artist
Kai Alivia Koren
2015
Lifetime Achievement
Jack Jones
Young Artist
Clanaven Baldonado
2014
Lifetime Achievement
Frank Sinatra (beginning 100th Birthday)
2013
Lifetime Achievement
Vic Damone (founding member)
Young Artist
Christina Zaide