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Latin GRAMMY Advocates: Luis Fonsi, Gloria Estefan & More

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The 20th Latin GRAMMYs Made History In Las Vegas last night – here's a look at some of the Latin music communities most active advocates for creators' rights
Advocacy
Nov 15, 2019 - 1:26 pm

"Did you catch the Latin GRAMMYs live from Las Vegas last night? And did you know there are many Latin artists and music creators involved in the fight for creative rights?" -Conversations In Advocacy #69

The 2019 Latin GRAMMY Awards marked 20 years of the Latin Recording Academy honoring the best of the best in Latin music. Among its biggest stars and most successful music makers, the Latin music community is rich with passionate advocates for creators' rights. Let's take a look at just a few of those active in advocacy:

Latin legend Gloria Estefan is no stranger to fighting for creators' rights. The three-time GRAMMY winner and four-time Latin GRAMMY Winner attended the District Advocate Rally at The Wynwood Yard in 2018 in her hometown of Miami..

Another Florida-based singing staple of the Latin charts, Jon Secada lent his legendary voice to the cause, attending a meeting last month with Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) during the Recording Academy’s District Advocate day. With a pair of GRAMMY wins and one Latin GRAMMY win to his name, Secada's contributions to the conversation about creators' rights are invaluable.

That same day in Texas, Armando Lichtenberger of La Mafia met with Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) to discuss key issue to music creators. Lichtenberger has earned two GRAMMYs and two Latin GRAMMYs for his work with the band. The meeting with Rep. Garcia was one of the 24 meetings with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus—touching two-thirds of the caucus, including Chairman Joaquin Castro (D-Texas).

Smash hit songwriter Erika Ender performed at GRAMMYs On The Hill in 2018 alongside country stars Little Big Town. The two-time Latin GRAMMY winner and GRAMMY nominee best known for co-writing "Despacito" also met with her representatives as part of Advocacy Day to talk about songwriters rights.

Why GRAMMYs On The Hill Makes A Difference

Keith Nieto from the two-time GRAMMY nominees La Maquinaria Norteña also participated in last year’s GRAMMYs On The Hill . His band was also nominated for Best Norteño Album at last night's 20th Latin GRAMMYs.

Finally, Luis Fonsi, Puerto Rican international superstar and GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominee, visited with Members of Congress during GRAMMY week in 2018 to talk about issues near and dear to music makers. Fonsi was up for Album Of The Year at this year's Latin GRAMMYs for his tenth studio album, Vida.

The Latin Recording Academy has also raised its voice in support of creators over the years, most recently sending a letter in support of The Copyright Alternative Small Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act), which has passed in the House and now moves to the Senate for a vote, one step closer to the President's desk and becoming a law.

As we congratulate the Latin GRAMMYs on 20 years of excellence, we also thank the many members of the Latin music community for raising their voices in support of creators’ rights. You too can learn more about issues and policy affecting music makers and contact your Members of Congress today to urge them to support the CASE Act. For a full recap of the 20th Latin GRAMMYs, check out our GRAMMY.com coverage [LINK].

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

GRAMMYs

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Pass The Legislation, Please: 7 Things Music Makers Can Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving

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From the newly introduced AM-FM Act to the implementation of the MMA and more, here's a look at what music creators can be grateful for and what work is left to be done
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Nov 26, 2019 - 4:15 pm

The season of giving thanks is upon us. As Americans spend time with family and friends this Thanksgiving, many will reflect on the blessings in their lives. For music makers, the gift of music will surely make the list, but there's more than melody, harmony and groove to be grateful for this year…

From a new bill that aims to finally fix one of the biggest loopholes in music policy to the Music Modernization Act already working its magic, here are seven things that can help music makers put the "thanks" in Thanksgiving.

1. New AM-FM Act Introduced

Just last week, the Ask Musicians for Music (AM-FM) Act was introduced in the House and Senate. The AM-FM Act  would finally establish performance rights for terrestrial radio, giving artists the control to seek fair compensation for their work. . We can be grateful the bill is the first step toward fixing this glaring oversight.  

       

2. CASE Act Passing the House of Representatives

Another exciting piece of legislation on the table right now is the Copyright Alternative Small Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act), which would simplify and streamline the process for creators to defend their work against infringement by setting up a small claims court for independent songwriters and artists. With the bill passing 410-6 in the House and headed to the Senate, we can be grateful that copyright protection will soon no longer be reserved for those with big enough budgets to afford expensive federal lawsuits.

3. DOJ Reviewing Consent Decrees

True story: the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees, which govern the process by which the two performing rights organizations license rights to publicly perform music, have been in place for nearly 80 years despite the industry around them changing drastically. We can be grateful the Department of Justice is reviewing these consent decrees to ensure songwriters are getting a fair shake in the modern music industry.

4. "Pre-'72" Artists Are (Finally) Getting Paid

The passage of the Music Modernization Act last year marked a sea change in music legislation. While music makers of all types benefit from the historic bill, artists who released music prior to 1972 were among the first to see long overdue royalties—already more than $10 million—as the MMA closed a major loophole. We can be grateful the music makers of the prior era are finally receiving compensation for their work.

5. Mechanical Licensing Collective Gets Ready

Another way the MMA is improving the livelihoods of music makers is by preparing for the launch of the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), which will manage the new blanket mechanical license for songwriters and publishers and handle royalty collection and distribution as established by the MMA. We can be grateful the Copyright Office has made its Final Rule, designating both the MLC and the Digital Licensing Coordinator, the entity that will represent the interests of the digital streaming services that use the new blanket license.

6. Increase in NEA Funding

The arts, especially music, benefit the lives of young people in so many ways, big and small. Thanks to passionate advocacy from the music community and the Recording Academy, we can be grateful Congress actually increased funding for the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) in its annual budget, ensuring more programs will receive the critical dollars they need to bring and keep music into the lives of students nationwide.

7. Your voice matters

While there is much to be grateful for, there is also much work left to do. Learn more about the issues affecting music creators on the Recording Academy's simple and informative issues and policy page and contact your Members of Congress today and urge them to support the policy and initiatives above.

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

Ozuna

Ozuna

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2019 Latin GRAMMYs: Ozuna, Miguel, Alicia Keys, Residente, Farruko, Fito Páez & More Added As Performers

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The show will open with a special tribute to Latin music and its 20th anniversary, with 20 artists performing together collectively for the first time
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Nov 12, 2019 - 2:20 pm

Yesterday, Nov. 11, the Latin Recording Academy announced the final wave of performers for the upcoming 20th Latin GRAMMY Awards, taking place in two days. Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winners Beto Cuevas and Residente, as well as GRAMMY winners Alicia Keys and Miguel, will perform at the historic 20th anniversary show, hosted by Ricky Martin, Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega.

Current Latin GRAMMY nominees Calibre 50, Farruko, Leonel García, Ozuna, Fito Páez, Milly Quezada and Tony Succar also join the star-studded musical lineup. Past Latin GRAMMY nominee Prince Royce, along with Carlos Rivera, top off the newly revealed performers list.

These artists join the previously announced acts, which include current Latin GRAMMY nominees Alejandro Sanz, Rosalía—the top nominated artists this year at eight and five nods, respectively—Ximena Sariñana, Anitta, Bad Bunny, Sebastián Yatra, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, Alessia Cara and Juanes, the Latin Recording Academy's 2019 Person Of The Year, who will perform a special medley of his hits during the show.

Pepe Aguilar, Pedro Capó, Reik, Draco Rosa, Sech, Darell, De La Ghetto, Dimelo Flow, Christian Nodal are also among the artists previously revealed to perform. GRAMMY-nominated Mexican regional/pop singer Alejandro Fernández will sing together with his father, iconic ranchera singer Vicente Fernández, as well as his son Alex Fernández, for the first time.

Read: 2019 Latin GRAMMYs Viewer's Guide: Here's How, When & Where To Watch

The 20th edition of the legendary awards show will, of course, feature "historical moments, reunions, tributes and one-of-a-kind performances from nominees, past winners and legends."

To start things off accordingly, the show will open with a very special tribute to Latin music from 20 artists performing together collectively for the first time. The musical tribute "will interpret multiple iconic songs spanning various genres of Latin music, while commemorating the past 20 years of excellence." The Latin Academy also stated there will be "a special moment" with past nominee Thalía.

Additionally, yesterday's announcement also shared more presenters, who will hand out the prestigious awards during the evening: Ángela Aguilar, Eduardo Cabra, Sofia Carson, Emilio Estefan, Mon Laferte, William Levy, Rudy Mancuso, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Michael Peña and Dayanara Torres. The presenters will be joined by eight of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation scholarship recipients to help deliver the eight televised awards, "symbolizing the next generation of artists fostered through the Foundation's international programs."

Watch Shakira's Fiery Performance Of "Ojos AsÍ" At The First-Ever Latin GRAMMYs | GRAMMY Rewind

In just five years, the Foundation has offered $5 million in scholarships, grants, musical instrument donations and educational events in the United States and Ibero-America. One fun way to help support their work is by purchasing limited-edition 20th Latin GRAMMY merch. In collaboration with Footaction and streetwear designer Guillermo Andrade, the stylish T-shirts feature current nominees Bad Bunny, Greeicy, Christian Nodal and Sebastián Yatra.

Don't forget to tune in to The Biggest Night in Latin Music on Univision this Thurs., Nov. 14 from 8–11 p.m. ET/PST (7 p.m. Central). Check out our viewer's guide here for more info on the events leading up to the show, including where to see the red carpet. Stay tuned to GRAMMY.com for live coverage of all the magic.

Exclusive: Sebastian Yatra Teases 2019 Latin GRAMMY Performances & Reveals His Life's Purpose: "To Share Love With People"

GRAMMYs

Ricky Martin and the Blue Man Group performing at the 8th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards
Photo: courtesy of the GRAMMY Museum

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GRAMMY Museum To Celebrate 20 Years Of Latin GRAMMY Excellence With New Exhibit

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The inaugural exhibit on the Museum's newly constructed third floor will open with a special event and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 18 in Los Angeles
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Oct 21, 2019 - 3:19 pm

The GRAMMY Museum has teamed up with the Latin Recording Academy to present Latin GRAMMY: 20 Years Of Excellence, showcasing a variety of iconic moments and performances from two decades of the prestigious Latin GRAMMY Awards. 

From the tuxedo Juan Gabriel wore during his memorable 40-minute performance at the 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards to the outfit Luis Fonsi wore during his performance of "Despacito" at the 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, Latin GRAMMY: 20 Years Of Excellence is the Museum's inaugural exhibit on its newly constructed third floor.

Taking visitors on a walk through two decades of unforgetable moments that shaped our culture, the exchibit will also feature instruments played by Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winners, including Lila Downs, Alejandro Sanz, Julieta Venegas, and more, plus the paint-stained shirt Ricky Martin wore at his performance with the Blue Man Group at the 8th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards.

“Latin music is a worldwide influence and we are honored to partner with the GRAMMY Museum to showcase the talented musicians, monumental Latin music moments, and significant milestones that have contributed to its popularity,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., President/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “With the exhibit opening the week after this year’s Latin GRAMMY Awards, we can’t think of a better way to highlight the importance of our 20th anniversary celebration and look to the future to showcase our beautiful art form.”

The exhibit serves as the first in the new Latin music gallery, which is a result of The Latin Recording Academy committing more than half a million dollars over a three-year period to expand the Museum's Latin music-focused exhibits and education programs and toward the hiring of a Latin music curator.

"Our expanded partnership with The Latin Recording Academy will significantly increase the GRAMMY Museum’s impact by creating a consistent presence dedicated to celebrating the many genres of Latin music," said Michael Sticka, President of the GRAMMY Museum. "Latin GRAMMY, 20 Years Of Excellence and our newly renovated third floor will greatly amplify the Museum's mission to educate, inspire, and share the significance of all forms of music."

The new exhibit will kick-off with a full day of programming on Nov. 18, including an education program for students, live performances and special ribbon-cutting ceremony with Abaroa Jr. and Sticka. The evening portion of the event is free to the public, including entry to the Museum on a first-come, first-served basis.

The GRAMMY Museum's new third floor also includes a refreshed On The Red Carpet exhibit, including GRAMMY Awards fashion articles from BTS, Rihanna, Nipsey Hussle, Alicia Keys, Miranda Lambert, Lang Lang, Maren Morris, Michelle Obama, Rita Ora, Carlos Santana, Kanye West, and Amy Winehouse. Additionally, the Mono To Surround interactive will be upgraded to a Mono To Immersive experience and the interactive GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY timeline will now have user-controlled capabilities, giving new and treturning music fans many resons to visit.

Latin GRAMMY: 20 Years Of Excellence will open to the public on Nov. 20 and run through spring 2020. For tickets and more info, visit the Museum's website.

GRAMMY Museum Announces Arcadia High's Heather Moore As 2019 Jane Ortner Education Award Recipient

 

GRAMMYs

District Advocate Day 

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Music Creators Unite! Here's How You Will Make a Difference on District Advocate Day

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If you still haven't signed up for District Advocate Day, what are you waiting for? Read on to find out how you can influence policy
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Sep 5, 2019 - 4:22 pm

Registration for this year's District Advocate day closes Friday, Sept. 6. Last year, the Music Modernization Act passed due in part to the relationships  music creators forged with lawmakers during past District Advocate days.. But did you know there's so much more work that needs to be done? And that Congress is considering policies and laws that will affect you?

What Is District Advocate?

Last week we laid out five great reasons to register – now let's explore some of the key issues that might come up for discussion with your local lawmakers as part of the largest grassroots music advocacy event of the year, District Advocate day.

Performance Rights

Can you believe artists and producers don't get paid when their songs are played on terrestrial radio? Urge your representatives to stop big radio from using any recording they'd like on AM/FM without paying the performer. With your help, they can understand that if royalties were paid for music played on terrestrial radio, it would not only benefit the featured artist on your favorite track, but also the studio musicians and backing vocalists who performed on the track too. That’s because a portion of the royalties would flow through the AFM & SAG-AFTRA Intellectual Property Rights Distribution Fund. It's a long-overdue win for music creators, but it's the right thing to do.

Consent Decrees

If you're a songwriter, you may or may not be aware that for nearly 75 years, the same consent decrees have governed the process by which performing rights organizations ASCAP and BMI license rights to publicly perform the music you make. But with the Department Of Justice reviewing these consent decrees, Congress could also take action that would impact the modern songwriter. This is the perfect time to brush up on the Recording Academy's stance and groundwork on updating consent decrees and dig into what songwriters need to know about the DOJ's consent decree review.

CASE Act: Small Claims Solutions

For songwriters to protect their work in an infringement case is often cost prohibitive. The Copyright Alternative Small Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act) establishes a small claims tribunal making legal protection available for all creators, not just big-time labels and publishers who can afford big-time lawyers. Support for the bill is mounting, with over 80 Congressional co-sponsors and a long list of creative organizations and unions behind it. But now is the time to turn the tide and push toward the finish line, as the CASE Act could soon head for a vote.

Meet The Incoming Class

This year, there are a whopping 98 Freshmen in the new Congress, and District Advocate day is their first chance to meet with music creators in their district—spoiler alert, most probably did not run for office on the back of music policy yet are still eager to learn about how their voice in Congress affects you, their constituent. Register to make sure the first voices they hear are from the music makers affected most by the laws they support.

Not a member? You can still sign up to amplify your voice for District Advocate 2019

Rep Your Local Music Community

District Advocate Day is a great opportunity to show Congress that music makers live, work and create in every congressional district, especially yours! Being face-to-face with your local lawmakers will connect them to the community you work so hard to cultivate and champion every day. With their help, we can build better music policy for everyone – District Advocate day is the place to start.

Are you a music creator who still hasn't registered? This is your chance to create real and lasting change. Register now!

Recording Academy members: click here to register for District Advocate 2019