Revised Edition 2013 About the Book

Achieving "hit writer" status has always been a formidable goal for any songwriter. Never more so however than in the 21st century. Catching the ear of the monumentally distracted, fragmented listener has never been more difficult. Getting their attention, inviting them in to your song and keeping them there for long enough for your song to become "their song” requires more than being just a "good" songwriter. Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting "The Book" arms the songwriter for success by demystifying the process and opening the door to serious professional songwriting. Hall of fame songwriter Paul Williams said in his review of the book “If there was a hit songwriters secret handshake Da Murphy would probably have included it.”

About the Author
Ralph Murphy, songwriter, has been successful for five decades. Consistently charting songs in an ever-changing musical environment makes him a member of that very small group of professionals who make a living ding what they love to do. Add to that the platinum records as a producer, the widely acclaimed Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting articles used as part of curriculum at colleges, universities, and by songwriter organizations, his success as the publisher and co-owner of the extremely successful Picalic Group of Companies and you see a pattern of achievement based on more than luck.

Passion driven, with a desire to know how, what, when, where and who have him a formidable insider force. He is in worldwide demand as a lecturer on songwriting and has “guested” at universities, colleges, and professional songwriter organizations around the globe. Murphy has served as President of The Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy; ad has been a Naras National Trustee and President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. As well as serving as Vice President for the International and Domestic membership Group of the American Society of Composers Authors an Publishers, he also has served on the Southern Regional Writers Advisory Board of ASCAP, the Songwriters Guild of America regional advisory board and is a member of NSAI, NARAS, CMA, CCMA, SAC, SGA, and ASCAP.

Murphy's Laws of Songwriting, The Book, has already received advanced praise from numerous music industry pros.

“

A “stand alone writer” for a long, long time … Ralph has taught countless grateful students (myself included) and still loves the art and the craft, and the process, and now he has taken the time to write it down... lucky us!”
—Don Schlitz, Grammy Award-Winning Songwriter, Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, North Carolina Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame

“

… Finally it is done. This is the bible for everyone from beginners to seasoned writers. Read it, learn it and BURN it so no one else will learn the secrets! Seriously, get yourself one and pass on the news to all your fellow songwriters. Thank you Ralph.”
—Randy Bachman, The Guess Who, Bachman Turner Overdrive

“

… Ralph Murphy has done the research, written the hits and can communicate the kind of valuable information that can actually help writers succeed in this crazy business - it’s all in this book!”
—Pat Alger, Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, NSAI Songwriter of the Year-1991, ASCAP Songwriter of the Year-1992.


“I wish I’d had access to when I began writing songs back in the 60’s. Anyone who is serious about a career in the business and craft of songwriting should have a copy of this essential book in his or her kit.”
—Roger Greenaway, OBE, Ivor Novello Award Winner, Songwriter’s Hall of Fame



“You are holding an amazing collection of tools on how to reach your audience. If there was a hit songwriters secret handshake Da Murphy would probably have included it. What makes a hit? All the ingredients are here. Simply add authenticity and your own unique voice and maybe .. just maybe .. you’ll join a very small club of hit songwriters. I hope so. We need your music!”
Paul Williams, Oscar ,Gramm