Neil Portnow, Yolanda Adams & P.J. Morton

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Inside The 2019 GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards Celebration

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Music and politics came together on the eve of Capitol Hill's largest policy event for music to celebrate champions of music creators' rights from both worlds
Marcus K. Dowling
Advocacy
Apr 10, 2019 - 6:30 pm

Hot on the heels of the successful passage of the Music Modernization Act in October 2018, the 2019 GRAMMYs on the Hill gala event celebrated an industry now looking to provide quality educational opportunities for young artists, as well as the artists of the past and present highlighting their stellar advocates in the halls of Congress. Ultimately, the underscored the truly good, decent and humane benefits that can blossom when music and politics unite to ensure a sustainable future for all music creators.

Apr 10, 2019 – 2:08 pm

Go Inside The 2019 GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards

Washington, D.C.’s The Hamilton hosted the event, which honored singer/songwriter/actress Kristin Chenoweth and gospel icon Yolanda Adams. As well, two congressional honorees—Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Okla), the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York), the Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus—were feted. Though Senator Grassley was unable to attend, he was more than ably replaced by Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif), the Speaker of the House, who noted the “tireless advocacy work of artists like Adams and Chenoweth for the aid of America’s music professionals,” was, “greatly appreciated by their many friends on Capitol Hill.”

Chenoweth, a stalwart musical icon whose talents span musical theater, film, and television, was honored with the GRAMMYs on the Hill Philanthropist Award. Regarding her Kristin Chenoweth Art and Education Fund, the diminutive in stature yet mightily voiced performer noted that she would rather show than discuss the impact of her Art and Education Fund. Pairing with Cassandra Haight, a student from Washington, D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Performing Arts, she performed “For Good,” her duet from the soundtrack of legendary Broadway musical Wicked.

Insofar as being the man responsible for being the first (and only) person to quote Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy” on the floor of the House of Representatives (during a 2017 discussion on Affordable Care Act), Hakeem Jeffries is already a groundbreaker. Regarding the passage of the MMA, he noted a promising message of bipartisanship and unity as it related to how Congress regarded the industry. “We came together as Republicans and Democrats, the left and the right because music is such a universal language. [Music] captures the soundtrack of our life including love, loss, and a life well lived. People put aside their partisan differences to do what’s right for artists, songwriters, and creatives.”

Adams, was gracious in being honored with the Recording Academy's Creators Leadership Award, and the GRAMMY-winning gospel icon also delivered a memorable performance. The President of the Recording Academy Texas Chapter, her strong advocacy work for preserving the health and financial sustainability of her fellow artists and songwriters via Academy charity MusiCares, was highlighted.

As always, this year’s “only at the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards” moment did not fail to entertain. GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Linda Perry played a stirring acoustic guitar rendition of a song she penned, Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful, which won the GRAMMY for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2004. Perry then launched into a feel-good rendition of her own—via her former group 4 Non Blondes—1991 hit “What’s Up” alongside a stage filled with performance luminaries including Gavin Degraw, and 20 members of Congress as a backing choir and band.

“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else,” outgoing CEO of the Recording Academy, Neil Portnow paraphrased Mister Rogers, at the open of his remarks. Capping his 17 years in the position with the passage of the Music Modernization Act (MMA) is unquestionably a highlight.

"The passage of the MMA is a monumental success, not only for music creators but for music people everywhere," said Portnow. "Progress begins with unity. From creators to elected leaders, our Recording Academy staff, and our partner organizations throughout the industry, have demonstrated altruistic harmony.”

He also noted that, “At the heart of Recording Academy members is a desire to give back. The Academy has deepened its commitment to its charities. Tonight’s beneficiary, The GRAMMY Museum, is our shared music cultural home.”

As the event bringing together the worlds of music and politics came to a close, everyone looked toward the following morning for GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day, where both lawmakers and music advocates are able to share perspectives looking ahead to the future of music policy. And as all of those on stage and in the audience experienced on this lively night in the Nation's Capitol, music has the power to bring us together.

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(L-R) The Recording Academy's Wayne Zahner and Neil Portnow, Kristin Chenoweth, Rep. David N. Cicilline, Linda Perry, Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Diane Blagman
Photo: Shannon Finney/WireImage

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GRAMMYs On The Hill 2019: Music And Politics Unite At Washington’s Largest Advocacy Event For Music

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The annual Advocacy outing put music creators such as Linda Perry and Kristin Chenoweth in the room with lawmakers to discuss issues and policy critical to the livelihood of music creators
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Apr 12, 2019 - 12:56 pm

"Had a great day in D.C. supporting @GRAMMYAdvocacy during #GRAMMYsOnThe Hill. The fight for fairness continues to ensure that those who make music are heard" –eight-time GRAMMY-winning engineer/mixer Manny Marroquin, Conversations In Advocacy #52

Each year, the music community rallies on Capitol Hill for the Recording Academy's GRAMMYs On the Hill to connect with Congress and express the importance of creators’ rights. This year's Advocacy Day on April 10 brought out a litany of artists, producers, songwriters, and industry members to meet with lawmakers and discuss policy that affects their livelihood every day. 

The turnout from creators was impressive, from GRAMMY winning artists such as Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of Halestorm, to GRAMMY nominees Mario and Linda Perry, to Broadway superstars Brandon Victor Dixon and Kristin Chenoweth, to name just a few. On the evening before Advocacy Day, the GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards honored Chenoweth with the Philanthropist Award, as well as Yolanda Adams with the Creators Leadership Award and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for their decisive roles in last year's Congress getting the Music Modernization Act across the finish line and signed into law.

As music emanated up the steps up the Capitol Building and into its hallways, elevators and offices, the festive spirit of creativity and talent reminded our lawmakers of the crucial role music plays in our culture, setting the perfect backdrop for a discussion on the issues closest to music creators. For the music community, Advocacy Day makes all the difference.

"GRAMMYs on the Hill clearly has an impact and makes a difference," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "It is no coincidence that just one week after last year's Awards and Advocacy Day, the Music Modernization Act unanimously passed the House of Representatives, paving the way for the bill to later be signed into law. Through the continued dialogue between music creators and Congress, we are ensuring a viable future for music makers."

GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day is considered Capitol Hill's largest policy event for music, and shows the Recording Academy does so much more for the music world throughout the year beyond honoring excellence at the annual GRAMMY Awards. To learn more about the Academy's ongoing Advocacy efforts, get informed on the latest issues and policy affecting music creators and learn how you can take action to join the movement.

Inside The 2019 GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards Celebration

Yolanda Adams performs during the 2016 GRAMMYs On The Hill
Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images

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Yolanda Adams & More GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards Honorees Announced

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The annual Advocacy event will also honor Sen. Chuck Grassley, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries for their roles in MMA's passage as well as Adams and Kristin Chenoweth
Philip Merrill
Advocacy
Mar 27, 2019 - 8:11 am

This year's GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards, to be held on April 9, will honor Yolanda Adams for her advocacy and Kristin Chenoweth for her philanthropy, as well as Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) for their decisive roles in last year's Congress, getting the Music Modernization Act across the finish line and signed into law.

Sep 28, 2018 – 5:20 pm

Yolanda Adams To Honor Neil Diamond

"GRAMMYs on the Hill clearly has an impact and makes a difference," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "It is no coincidence that just one week after last year's Awards and Advocacy Day, the Music Modernization Act unanimously passed the House of Representatives, paving the way for the bill to later be signed into law. Through the continued dialogue between music creators and Congress, we are ensuring a viable future for music makers."

Dec 2, 2014 – 10:58 pm

Kristin Chenoweth: Carole King's Music Is "Not Just Dessert"

As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in last year's Congress, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) led his chamber's unanimous support for the MMA in its final form as an omnibus package, combining several separately considered bills. Grassley originally introduced the Allocation For Music Producers Act (AMP) in the Senate, which was an important component of the MMA, adding producers and engineers to copyright law for the first time. Upon being elected President pro tempore of the Senate in January 2019, Grassley now presides over the chamber as its most senior member.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) co-introduced a songwriter-focused version of the Music Modernization Act in the House on Dec. 21, 2017. "The House Judiciary Committee has undertaken a thorough review of the issues that adversely affect stakeholders in the copyright ecosystem," said Jeffries at the time, praising the MMA for "increasing efficiency and providing greater transparency." His committee was noteworthy for its scope of hearings into music and copyright, and Jeffries' questions to witnesses helped build the consensus that resulted in generational copyright reform. As the newly elected House Democratic Caucus Chairman, Jeffries’s leadership will advance the rights of all creators in the 116th Congress.

Four-time GRAMMY-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams will receive the Recording Academy's Creators Leadership Award in thanks for her advocacy on behalf of artists in tandem with her philanthropic giving. Current President of the Recording Academy Texas Chapter, Adams has supported her fellow artists and songwriters through many decades of advocacy work. In addition, her support for MusiCares and other charities including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been selfless, both through performances and by means of financial support.

In thanks for her generous giving both personally and financially, Kristin Chenoweth will be honored with the GRAMMYs on the Hill Philanthropist Award. Recognized with Tony and Emmy awards as a Broadway performer and television actress, she also appears in films including as the animated Gabi in Rio 2. Growing up outside Tulsa in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, her leadership in the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center has made it the focus of a revitalized arts district. She also conducts a Broadway Boot Camp to help youngsters understand how to audition and pursue careers in theater. A long-time supporter of MusiCares, Chenoweth performed at the 2011 MusiCares Person Of The Year tribute to Barbra Streisand.

The awards dinner and show will take place at the Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C., with live performances from both Adams and Chenoweth as well as additional special guests. 

The following morning, on April 10, GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day is a special occasion for the music community to engage with lawmakers and staff fully. Considered Capitol Hill's largest policy event for music, both lawmakers and music advocates are able to share perspectives looking ahead to the future, and continue their work to ensure fair compensation for artists, songwriters and producers on unresolved issues.

Recording Academy Advocacy Hits SXSW

 

Photo: Sandra Teddy/Getty Images

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Summer Travel Tips For Musicians, Plus AA Waives Oversized Instrument Fees

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Know what to expect at the airport this summer when traveling with your musical instrument – it might be easier than you think
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Jun 14, 2019 - 8:42 am

"Are you flying with your musical instrument this summer? Knowing the rules for air travel can make all the difference." –Conversations In Advocacy #57

Summer is the season where musician's hit the road. Whether for tour, a flyaway one-off gig, a destination studio session or even a vacation, you can bet any serious player will need to bring their instrument along for the journey. While it has traditionally been hard to know how to travel safely with your crucial companion, the Recording Academy is here to help. 

Thankfully, the Recording Academy and its members have not only helped secure important regulations to help musicians travel with instruments, they've also laid out a step-by-step resource for making a trip safely and securely. From what to know when booking a flight, to what to do at the gate, to handling any issues once you land, these helpful instrument travel tips have got you covered.

More good news for musicians on the go: American Airlines recently announced they've eliminated oversize bag fees for music equipment, which the airline hopes will be "music to the ears of musicians who fly on American," according to a statement. The new policy went into effect May 21 and covers all instruments up to the maximum allowed dimensions and within the 50-lb. weight requirement.

Air travel can be a hectic experience, so be sure you're ready with the rules in hand. Before you travel, print out this copy of the Department of Transportation's Final Rule regarding Carriage Of Musical Instruments. Keep it with you for easy reference if you encounter an airline employee who is unfamiliar with the rules.

"What's really great," says renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine says, "you can go to [Recording Academy's Advocacy page}and right there you can print out so you can print out the current federal regulation and have it with you at all times in your instrument case, so you can whip it out and say, 'hey, here's the regulation, and these are what my rights are, and I need to get to my rehearsal, so please let me and my better half on board."

So whether you're playing at a summer festival or just keeping your chops up while you visit family and friends, knowing how to get your instrument to your destination can make all the difference.

You Lobbied, They Listened: New Travel Regulations Take Flight For Musical Instruments

Harvey Mason Jr.

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From Advocate To Board Chair: Harvey Mason Jr.'s Tireless Quest For Creators

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The GRAMMY-nominated producer/songwriter and last year's Advocacy Committee Co-Chair prepares for his new role as Recording Academy Chair of the Board Of Trustees
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Jun 12, 2019 - 2:31 pm

Last week, the Recording Academy announced its new National Officers, with producer/songwriter Harvey Mason Jr. elected Chair of the Board of Trustees effective June 1. His selection not only brings passion and experience to this critical leadership role in music's most influential membership organization, but it also means music makers will be represented by a proven strong advocate for their rights.

Mason Jr. most recently served as the Co-Chair of the Academy's National Advocacy Committee this past year, ensuring he is not only aware of the issues nearest and dearest to music creators, but he's knowledgeable of their nuances and adept at enacting change for the betterment of musicians livelihoods.

"If you are in the music business and not paying attention to advocacy and what the [Recording] Academy is doing, you are sleeping," Mason Jr. told us last year. "Unless you are doing music as a hobby, everyone should be putting energy into advocacy."

As a five-time GRAMMY nominee, nominated most recently for his work on "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert," which was up for Best Music Theatre Album earlier this year, Mason Jr. was one of several 61st GRAMMY Awards nominees to put his energy to Advocacy issues—in addition to leading the Advocacy Committee, he has been supporter of and participant at GRAMMYs on the Hill, District Advocate Day and other Academy advocacy initiatives. Also, bringing this level of awareness and fire to the platform of Chair bodes well for making sure Advocacy issues remain high on the minds of music makers, especially in today's music industry landscape. As a very active working producer, songwriter and advocate, Mason Jr. has an intricate understanding of the double-edged complexities of the modern model.

"It has been both harmful and helpful," he said of how the streaming era has affected his business. "Obviously, the reduction in royalties generated has affected our bottom line, but the opportunity to release more music faster and more efficiently has been a huge benefit."

Mason Jr.'s lament about reduced royalties pinpoints one of the main creators' issues at hand. In fact, last year happened to mark a pivotal time for the Recording Academy's Advocacy, as it saw the passage of the Music Modernization Act, a historic step forward for all music creators to ensure they are properly credited and paid.

"Music is such a valuable part of our society and our country's culture," he said. "Creators need to be treated fairly. People who make music shouldn't have to be concerned if they are ever going to get the money that they are owed."

That vision is the very goal of the Recording Academy's Advocacy efforts. Looking ahead, Mason Jr. will be joined in his new position by fellow newly elected National Officers Tammy Hurt, who will serve as Vice Chair, Terry Hemmings, who returns as Secretary/Treasurer and Christine Albert, who assumes the position of Chair Emeritus. With the wind of a successful year of meaningful policy change in its sails, the Academy's Advocacy efforts continue to make a meaningful difference every day as its leaders keep their eyes on the horizon in pursuit of a better system for all.

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