HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Victor Herbert

New York, New York, New York

Marker Inscription

Victor Herbert 1859-1924 The conductor and composer, lived here from 1904 to 1924. During that time, he organized the Victor Herbert Orchestra, wrote the operettas “Naughty Marietta” and “Sweethearts,” advocated the Copyright Law of 1909, and helped to found ASCAP.

Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center

The Story

From this address, Victor Herbert helped define the sound of American popular music at the turn of the century. Living here from 1904 until his death in 1924, the composer and conductor organized his own orchestra and wrote beloved operettas including Naughty Marietta and Sweethearts. He also championed the Copyright Law of 1909 and helped found ASCAP, the organization that still protects composers' rights today.

Why it matters

Herbert's fight for copyright and his role in founding ASCAP built the legal and institutional framework that lets American songwriters earn a living from their work.

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