Dick Gabriel

Dick Gabriel was recruited by the American Federation of Musicians after a successful music career performing both as an artist and backup musician. He had performed with such legends as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, The Buddy Miles Blues band, and The Beach Boys. He was also a member of the 60s/70s music group, "Gary Puckett and the Union Gap." At the AFM, he eventually became the head of the AFM's Electronic Media Division, negotiating contracts and providing services to musicians working in commercials, television, motion pictures and phonograph recordings.

Among other things, he developed the AFM's system which monitors and collects on behalf of musicians when their recording is used for any purpose other than that for which it was originally produced. This system brings millions of additional dollars to musicians each year.

His current focus is to make the industry more aware of the numerous and often overlooked services that are available to both royalty and non-royalty performers. Such services include additional sources of CD revenue, tour protection, legislative action, and retirement benefits.

He currently negotiates unique agreements for AFM musicians and speaks at music business conferences, seminars, colleges and other educational events around the country on the business of music and better ways to approach it.