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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

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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."

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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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Sen. Durbin, Jason Mraz and Daryl Friedman meet to discuss the CASE Act
Photo: Recording Academy

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The CASE Act Empowers And Protects Songwriters, So Why Is It Being Blocked?

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Despite bipartisan support and rallying from all corners of the music world, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden opposes the bill
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Dec 13, 2019 - 3:20 pm

"Have you heard? Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, who also tried to block the MMA last year, has now put a hold on the CASE Act. Here's how you can help…" –Conversations In Advocacy #70

Sure, sometimes copyright law can be complicated. But some truths are simple: the current system makes it expensive and complex for creators to fight against infringement of their work in a federal court. The Copyright Alternative Small Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act) seeks to fix this and empower all songwriters, artists, and creators by setting up a simpler and more streamlined small claims court. So what's holding it back?

Despite bipartisan support and championing from the music community, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), who previously opposed the Music Modernization Act (MMA), has placed a hold on the CASE Act and is unwilling to compromise on this much needed copyright reform.

In a Bloomberg Law article, a Wyden spokesman stated that the Senator is holding up the bill due to the new claim board’s ability to award "virtually unappealable" infringement damages of up to $30,000 for posting memes on the internet."

In fact, copyright trolling of this kind, where the troll attempts to coerce a legitimate copyright holder or user into court by bringing frivolous claims against them, is specifically safeguarded against in the CASE Act beyond even current federal law. There are severe penalties for bad faith or frivolous claims, and the Copyright Claim Board has the authority to award attorney fees up to $5,000 to the respondent, ban the claimant from filing for a year and even dismiss all pending cases filed by the claimant. Simply put, the CASE Act creates an expensive nightmare for trolls.

And while the claim made by Sen. Wyden's spokesman is incorrect, it will not deter artists of all mediums from fighting for their rights.

For instance, in Sen. Wyden's home state of Oregon, there has been a grassroots surge of creators speaking up to help their Senator realize the importance of the CASE Act in protecting their work. It's not just songwriters who will benefit from the bill, but everyone from photographers to filmmakers to creative small business owners as well.

During October's District Advocate day, Recording Academy members met with Sen. Wyden’s office to explain the positive impact of the CASE Act. Additionally, Academy members, including former national trustee Tyler Stone and her bandmate Patrick Hinds, have met with Sen. Wyden’s district office to further explain their support of this bill in greater detail.

But the reality is the CASE Act is gaining steam. It recently passed by a landslide 410-6 vote in the House and as it moves to the Senate, support continues to grow. This past Tuesday, GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Jason Mraz met with several lawmakers, including the bill’s bipartisan lead sponsors, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), to discuss a path forward for the bill.

So what can you do to join the cause in support of equal copyright protection for all creators? Contact Sen. Wyden, who is blocking the CASE Act from a vote, to let him know you stand with the bill that will simplify and streamline the process for all creators to defend their work against infringement.

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

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Jason Mraz & Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
Photo: Majority Leader Hoyer Twitter Post

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Jason Mraz Meets With Law Makers In D.C. To Talk Music Issues

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The GRAMMY winner met with a bipartisan and bicameral group of law makers to talk about the CASE Act, AM-FM Act and other issues impacting music creators
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Dec 11, 2019 - 3:46 pm

Musical and judicial worlds collided yesterday in D.C. as singer/songwriter Jason Mraz visited Capitol Hill to meet with law makers to advocate for music creators rights. In addition to discussing legislation affecting music makers, Mraz struck up some live music, leading an impromptu jam, reminding everyone within ear shot how music makes our lives better in so many ways.

During the meetings Mraz was able to lay out how he and his fellow songwriters and performers are affected by bills currently in process, speaking with a bipartisan and bicameral group of law makers, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL).

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In the year that has passed since the historic Music Modernization Act (MMA) was signed into law, artists are still making their voices heard through direct advocacy.  

"The MMA works because of Advocacy, because music creators spoke. We deserve to be treated fairly. There are still some issues on the table that we'd like to move through the House and Senate," Mraz said, before going into detail on the policy at hand.

In an instant proof of the value of these meetings, Majority Leader Hoyer tweeted, "We won't give up on ensuring artists are duly compensated!" along with some photos of he and the GRAMMY winner.

But Mraz is not new to leading these talks with law makers. He was named District Advocate day ambassador and led the nearly 2,000 Recording Academy members across the country who met with local lawmakers to raise their collective voices on behalf of musicians, artists, producers and engineer.

This time around, he spoke about the importance of passing The Copyright Alternative Small Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act), which establish a small claims court to ensure all songwriters can enjoy the same copyright protection for their work. The bill recently passed by a landslide 410-6 vote in the House and will move next to the Senate, making Mraz's timing perfect.

They also discussed the new Ask Musicians For Music (AM-FM) Act, which was introduced just last month by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in the Senate and House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) in the House. The bill focuses on removing a loophole enjoyed by large broadcasters who have subsidized their business by using music at will and without paying the hard-working performers. Mraz was able to explain how the AM-FM Act would finally fix this and empower music creators to grant permission and seek payment.

But it wasn't all business. For an impromptu performance at Speaker Pelosi’s holiday reception in the Capitol, Mraz joined a six-piece army band, the Six-String Soldiers, launching into a rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas."

Following the meetings, members of Congress, Congressional staff, and other industry members joined Mraz and the Advocacy team at a reception in the Recording Academy's D.C. office. As another reward for a day of good work, Mraz performed a few songs for the crowd.

Mraz's day on Capitol Hill reminds us of this: advocacy works. And you don't have to be a GRAMMY winner to raise your voice of support for the CASE ACT, AM-FM Act, and other legislation affecting the livelihood of music creators. Contact your Members of Congress today and urge them to support the music they love and the people who make it on these issues. 

Let Your Representatives Know You Stand In Support Of Music Creators' Rights