.png)
I AM A JUKEBOX: Yes, You Can Write a Jukebox Musical
In the early ’90s, I was asked to write the score for a film called Rainy Days. It was one of those dream gigs—eclectic, collaborative, creatively wide open. I reached out to friends and longtime collaborators and together, we wrote ten original songs. The result? A genre-defying soundtrack filled with multiple musical perspectives.
We recorded it. We mixed it. It was ready to go.
And then—poof. The film was shelved.
The score sat on a shelf for years until recently. The masters have resurfaced, and we’re in the process of remixing and remastering the entire thing for a long-overdue release.
One song from that project, however, did manage to escape: “Yes I Can” — written with Albert Evans and Gary Pozner — found its way into the world. It’s on Spotify, and more than just a track, it became my personal motto. In fact, it’s been a guiding star throughout my entire career. Whether I’m performing, directing, producing, or clearing songs for others, that phrase echoes in the back of my mind: Yes, I Can.
And now, I want you—the writers, producers, and creative risk-takers—to adopt that same mindset.
You’ve got an idea for a jukebox musical?
YES. YOU. CAN.
You can make it happen. You can use the music you love. And we can help you do it the right way.
Why Jukebox Musicals Matter (Especially Now)
Let’s be real—theatre’s in a tough spot. Budgets are tight. Audience behavior has shifted. But one thing hasn’t changed: Audiences want to feel something. They want to recognize the music. They want nostalgia, comfort, joy.
That’s why jukebox musicals work. Whether it’s Route 66, Miss Rhythm, or The Marvelous Wonderettes, these shows draw people in because they deliver familiarity with flair. They’re shows that get folks saying, “Oh my God, I love that song!”
And let’s not forget: they sell tickets.
At Thirty Saints, we’ve seen it firsthand. These shows are not only artistically satisfying—they’re also financially viable. And we’re here to help you make yours a reality.
Here’s How It Works
If you're a writer, producer, or venue with an original concept, here’s the simplified roadmap:
Step One: You Write the Show
Outline your idea. Shape the arc. Imagine how the songs tie into your storytelling.
Step Two: Contact Me or Emily Villano
Send us the list of songs you're hoping to use. You don’t need to have everything locked down—but we do need to see your concept, a synopsis, and understand how you intend to use the song in your show.
Step Three: We Get to Work
We start the process of clearing the rights. We’ve built trusted relationships with every major publisher and administrator in the business. We speak their language. We know the ins and outs, and we advocate for your project.
Step Four: You Bring It to Life
With the rights secured, you’re in the clear to move forward—and we’ll continue to support you through the next stages of production.
A Few Hits We've Helped Clear
We’ve helped license music for:
- The Marvelous Wonderettes
- Honky Tonk Laundry
- New World Coming
- Miss Rhythm, The Ruth Brown Story
- Oy to the World
- Route 66
- And original shows I’ve written: Nite Club Confidential, Hooked on the 70s, and The Songbook Series
“Always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. The bonus: they're nice people!”
Roger Bean, Writer of The Marvelous Wonderettes
Why Licensing Is More Than Paperwork
Licensing isn’t just a legal box to check. It’s a way of respecting the artists whose music inspires your story. It ensures that creators—past and present—get their due. That’s important to me. That’s what Thirty Saints Music Licensing stands for.
And don’t worry—we take the scary out of it. We know the language. We know the publishers. We’ve done this dozens of times, and we’re here to walk you through it.
So—Yes, You Can.
If you’ve got a story to tell, and songs you love that bring it to life, we want to help you tell it—ethically, professionally, and successfully.
Let’s bring your jukebox musical to the stage.
🎶 Listen to “Yes I Can” on Spotify
📩 Reach out at james@thirtysaintsmusiclicensing.com
🌐 Visit us at ThirtySaintsMusicLicensing.com
You write the show.
We clear the songs.
Let’s make it sing.
