Goddard Lieberson, a multifaceted individual with a remarkable career, received his educational foundation at the University of Washington, where he was fortunate enough to study under the tutelage of renowned composers and educators George Frederick McKay and Bernard Rogers.
His academic pursuits continued at the Eastman School of Music, where he further honed his craft. His academic achievements were later recognized with the conferment of honorary degrees from Temple University and the Cleveland School of Music, a testament to his dedication and excellence.
In 1939, Lieberson joined the esteemed Masterworks Department of Columbia Records, where he quickly rose through the ranks, assuming the role of department director, and subsequently, vice-president of Masterworks Artists-and-Repertoire. His remarkable leadership skills and artistic vision earned him the position of executive vice-president in 1949, and he was later appointed president of the Masterworks Department from 1956 to 1966.
Lieberson's impressive career was not limited to his role at Columbia Records. He also served as a vice-president of the CBS board of directors, chairman of the CBS Foundation, and a member of the Yale University Library committee. Furthermore, he held the esteemed position of honorable curator of the Yale College Library's American Musical Theatre collection.
In addition to his corporate and academic endeavors, Lieberson was also actively involved in various musical organizations. He served as the chairman of the Music Advisory Committee at the Hopkins Center, Dartmouth, and from 1966, he held the position of president of the CBS Columbia Group. Throughout his illustrious career, Lieberson left an indelible mark on the music industry, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence future generations of composers, musicians, and music enthusiasts.
