Jeff Cohen is an American songwriter, record producer, and publisher. Born in 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, Cohen's musical journey began early. As a child, he would sing songs into a tape recorder and give the cassettes to his sisters. His musical landscape changed when his mother bought him Jackson Browne's "Hold Out" album, which left a lasting impact. Cohen attended Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he majored in government and English. During his college years, he started taking guitar and songwriting more seriously. After studying at Wroxton College in England, he graduated from Franklin and Marshall in 1988.
Cohen's career has been multifaceted. He worked at BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) in licensing, helping upcoming bands protect their music and ensuring they received royalties. Later, he moved to the writer-publisher relations department, working with talents like Jeff Buckley, Ani DiFranco, Lisa Loeb, and more. Cohen also founded the band Pancho's Lament, performing concerts once a year on his birthday. Their debut album featured the theme song for the WB show "Jack and Jill". He transitioned to full-time songwriting, leaving his executive position at BMI. His songs have been recorded by artists such as The Band Perry, Big & Rich, and Laura Bell Bundy. Cohen's work has appeared in movies and TV shows, including "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", "Dawson's Creek", and "The Simpsons" .
In addition to his songwriting success, Cohen co-wrote and produced an album with Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors, titled "Pancho and the Kid". Jeff Cohen’s collaborations with The Shires have added depth and creativity to their musical journey, blending American and British influences in the world of country music
His impact extends beyond Nashville, with over 20 million albums sold, 10 million video game placements, and 100 placements in TV/Film. Jeff Cohen continues to make significant contributions to the music industry, blending creativity, talent, and passion
