Neil Portnow, Yolanda Adams & P.J. Morton

Photo: Paul Morigi/WireImage

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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.

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.

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"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."

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.

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(L-R) Musician Philip Towns, Musician Anderson East, musician, songwriter and record producer Shane McAnally, musician Caitlyn Smith, Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN), musician and member of Lady Antebellum Dave Haywood and President and CEO of The Recording Academy Deborah Dugan attend the District Advocate Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee
Photo by Brett Carlsen/WireImage

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District Advocate Day 2019: Music Creators Raise Their Voices Across The U.S.

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From Los Angeles to New York and beyond here’s a few of the many standout moments when music makers and lawmakers met to talk policy on Oct. 2
Jennifer Velez
Advocacy
Oct 4, 2019 - 3:56 pm

District Advocate Day, Oct. 2, the largest grassroots movement in music, united politicians and music makers to talk about some of the things that affect music creators today the most: copyright protections, the CASE Act, establishing a performance right on terrestrial radio and more.

Jason Mraz, the District Advocate Ambassador, Recording Academy President Deborah Dugan, Nile Rodgers and more took to social media to show their support and how they participated during the empowering day in which singers, songwriters, producers and more met with their political leaders.

The Recording Academy has been working with music makers from all over to have their voices amplified in Washington. The success of the Music Modernization Act only fueled the mission and goals of Oct. 2.

From Los Angeles to New York and beyond here’s some of highlights from this year's District Advocate day, Oct. 2, 2019:

U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez, Peter Asher and Qiana Conley speak onstage at the District Advocate Meeting with U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez at the Grammy Museum L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California.
Photo: Rebecca Sapp/WireImage

New Orleans District Advocate Meeting w/ Field Rep. Ramona Williamson
Photo: Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images

District Advocate Day Is Here! Music Creators Meet With Lawmakers Across The U.S.

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) with Jon Secada, Rico Love and Marcella Araica
Photo by John Parra/Getty Images

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District Advocate Day Is Here! Music Creators Meet With Lawmakers Across The U.S.

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Catch the latest action around the country today as the Recording Academy connects Congress and music creators to discuss key music legislation issues
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Oct 2, 2019 - 10:22 am

The big day is upon us! Today is District Advocate day, and nearly 2,000 music creators across the U.S. are in the process of meeting with their local lawmakers for the nation's largest grassroots music advocacy movement of the year.

Nearly a year after the successful passage of the transformative Music Modernization Act, the Recording Academy is reuniting its members with members of Congress to address industry concerns, including copyright protections and establishing a performance right on terrestrial radio.

Spearheaded by singer/songwriter and two-time GRAMMY-winner Jason Mraz as the Academy’s District Advocate Ambassador, and supported by a diverse group of music creators ranging from Broadway performers to sound engineers, Academy members from coast-to-coast will address industry concerns, including copyright protections and establishing a performance right on terrestrial radio.

Your Voice Amplified: District Advocate Day 2019 Social Media Toolkit

In addition to Mraz today, District Advocate day participants include four-time GRAMMY winner Yolanda Adams, GRAMMY winner Claudia Brant, three-time GRAMMY nominee Taylor Hanson, seven-time GRAMMY-winning member of Lady Antebellum Dave Haywood, five-time GRAMMY winner Lalah Hathaway, three-time GRAMMY winner Shane McAnally, Latin GRAMMY-winning songwriter/composer/producer Rudy Pérez, singer/songwriter Caitlyn Smith and nearly 2,000 other music professionals.

Ahead of the big day, Recording Academy President/CEO Deborah Dugan weighed in on the importance of this uniting of music and politics. 

"Oct. 2, 2019, will be another landmark day for music advocacy in the United States," said Dugan. "Through District Advocate Day, the Academy will empower music creators from coast-to-coast, make their voices heard, and remind legislators of the vital role they play in our communities and our culture. I'm excited to be a part of this movement to protect music creators and preserve the future of the music industry."

To break down the movement even further, the Recording Academy and its members are raising their voices today to support independent music creators, artists, producers and songwriters on a few key issues. Here's how they are making history today:

Supporting Independent Music Creators

Advocates will urge Congress to co-sponsor and pass the CASE Act, which establishes a small claims court for copyright cases as a fair and voluntary alternative to federal litigation. Copyright protection is a constitutional right for all creators, including independent artists and songwriters who don’t have the unlimited resources to protect their work against infringement. Federal litigation is expensive and time-consuming, which means many small copyright owners are powerless to stop infringement. In effect, these creators have a right without a remedy.

The CASE Act, which has already passed out of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, would give creators the remedies they deserve. The bill is expected to be considered by both chambers for a vote this fall.

Read All About Key Issues & Policy Affecting Performers, Songwriters & Studio Professionals

Supporting Artists and Producers

The Recording Academy has long called on Congress to establish a terrestrial (AM/FM) radio performance right for artists and performers, giving these creators what they long deserve—the ability to give consent to broadcasters seeking to use their sound recordings. It is a simple principle nearly universal across industries and borders, with the domestic radio market being one of the lone exceptions in the world.

In fact, as radio broadcasters continue to lobby against giving artists and producers control over their recordings, the  National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is calling for a double-standard when it comes to their TV stations—lobbying Congress to give TV stations the right to consent when their content is used by satellite and cable providers.

The NAB should practice what it preaches when it comes to music played by AM/FM radio. Big radio, which reaps billions by broadcasting music, is the only industry in America that uses the intellectual property of others without permission or compensation. Congress should give artists and producers control over the music they create by requiring radio broadcasters to obtain their permission before using it. Don’t support consent for broadcasters without supporting consent for artists.

It's time to tell the NAB that consent to broadcast applies to all and urge Congress to establish a public performance right for radio.

Supporting Songwriters

ASCAP and BMI, two of the performing rights organizations (PROs) relied on by songwriters to collect royalties for public performances, are regulated by Department of Justice consent decrees that date back to 1941. These outdated decrees constrain the PROs from securing fair compensation for their songwriters.

DOJ is currently reviewing the consent decrees to determine if they are still relevant in the modern music marketplace, and the Academy and many other stakeholder groups recently weighed in on the utility of the decrees. As the DOJ conducts its review, it should remain free to do so without interference from Congress. Any presumptive congressional interference is not only unnecessary—the Music Modernization Act requires DOJ to consult with Congress before recommending any changes to the decrees—it is also potentially disruptive to the much-needed effort to build a better and fairer market for songwriters.

What Is District Advocate?

In addition to Academy members meeting face-to-face with their members of Congress, fans and other members of the music community have pledged to participate online as a show of unity in support of music and those who create it. And it's not too late for YOU to join them by showing your support by sharing a message on social media via Twitter and Facebook.

For more information, visit the Recording Academy's Advocacy website, and stay tuned for more from District Advocate day 2019!

District Advocate Day 101: Everything Every Music Fan Should Know On Oct. 2