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Yolanda Adams performs during the 2016 GRAMMYs On The Hill
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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.

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."

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

 

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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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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-Iowa), the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), 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.

CRB Appeal: Inside The Battle For Fair Streaming Rates

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Photo: Sam Mellish/In Pictures/Getty Images

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Behind The Record + Advocacy: Moving Music Creators To The Front

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Learn how the latest Recording Academy initiative to #GiveCredit is supported by the year-round work of its Advocacy efforts to champion music creators' rights
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Oct 25, 2019 - 2:14 pm

"Just as album credits are essential for inspiring and educating listeners with information about their favorite recordings, they are also a critical first step in ensuring those credited are paid proper royalties." –Conversations In Advocacy #67

The tide is shifting in the music industry, and album credits are officially back. Today the Recording Academy launches Behind The Record, a global social media initiative to bring the names of producers, engineers, songwriters, composers and other collaborators who worked on the record to the front.

For many music professionals, album credits played a key role in their inspiration to work in the music field. Most music makers flipped over a vinyl record cover or thumbed through a CD booklet to find out exactly who made the sounds that moved them. But with the advent of streaming, this critical information was lost in favor of convenience of on-demand anywhere listening.

Behind The Record Celebrates All Music Creators

Behind The Record leads the surge to put this information back in the hands of the fans. Supporters of the initiative further prove the resurrection of album credits is here to stay and include on line database Jaxta, and streaming service Tidal, and internet radio service Pandora, who has also added song credits to their platforms.

This exciting new movement underscores the tireless, year-round work the Recording Academy Advocacy team to fight for music creators' rights on Capitol Hill. Just as album credits are essential to inspiring and educating listeners with information about their favorite recordings, they are also critical in ensuring those credited are paid proper royalties.

But album credits are only the first step in the process. Next, our laws must reflect what’s needed in digital world and that all creators on a track are able to get fair compensation. Through our Advocacy work in concert with the Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing

Specifically, the Allocation For Music Producers (AMP) Act, introduced last year to codify into law the way producers and engineers are paid for their work, "mark[ed] the first time U.S. legislation would protect the rights of the studio professionals who help create the essence of the recordings we love," according to Daryl Friedman, Chief Industry, Government, & Member Relations Officer for the Recording Academy. With bipartisan support in Washington and support from studio professionals across the industry, the AMP Act was included in the historic Music Modernization Act (MMA), which has benefitted songwriters, artists and studio professionals immensely since being passed one year ago.

The MMA also requires a comprehensive database to be built and managed by the Mechanical Licensing Collective that will be inclusive of the many creatives who contribute to a song. The fight for the landmark legislation and its ultimate passing into law also helps boost fair compensation for the behind-the-scenes songwriters and backing musicians and vocalists, proving that Advocacy works.

So as we celebrate the return of album credits with the launch of Behind The Record, we are reminded of the important role lawmakers play in building a better future for music. Earlier this month, nearly 2,000 members of the Recording Academy met with their local members of Congress during District Advocate day to do just that.

It can be a long road from the moment inspiration strikes a music maker to the moment royalties land in their band account. Shouldn't every creator be entitled to credit for their work? Shouldn't our laws protect and support them to ensure they are fairly compensated for their work? Today, as we celebrate Behind The Record and the work of the Recording Academy's Advocacy efforts, we answer proudly: absolutely.

For more information on Behind The Record, please contact givecredit@recordingacademy.com or visit www.grammy.com/behindtherecord.

How The Music Modernization Act Has Already Benefited Legacy Artists

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Assistant Atorney General Makan Delrahim

Photo: Tasos Katopodis/WireImage

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ASCAP and BMI Consent Decrees Debate Discussed In Senate Judiciary Hearing

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As stakeholders' comments on consent decrees are reviewed by DOJ, Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim weighs in
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Sep 18, 2019 - 3:35 pm

At yesterday's Senate Judiciary Hearing, a number of antitrust issues were raised, but the Department Of Justice's ongoing review of the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees were center stage for music creators. The consent decrees, which govern the process by which the two performing rights organizations license rights to publicly perform music, have stayed the same for nearly 80 years while the industry around them has changed drastically. The DOJ’s review has led to significant interest from stakeholders affected by the consent decrees, who have weighed in with hundreds of comments. And Congress has noticed.

And, following the passage of Music Modernization Act last October, Congress might have more of a say in the future of the consent decrees.  The Music Modernization Act contained a reporting requirement instructing the DOJ to inform the Senate and House Judiciary Committees of any planned actions affecting the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees. 

During yesterday's hearing, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) asked Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim, one of the panel’s two witnesses, if the DOJ had complied with the Music Modernization Act ahead of their review of the music decrees. Delrahim reassured the committee that they've given reasonable advance notice to both the House and Senate committees before opening the matter to public comment, and pledged to keep lawmakers informed of any further action or decision.

Delrahim also explained the reasoning behind the agency’s review of the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees, the process his department is undertaking, and a rough timeline on when to expect next steps. The Assistant Attorney General, who served as keynote speaker during GRAMMYs on the Hill in April, did not give any indication on the outcome of the review.

Everyone from songwriters to publishers to non-music trade groups to small town venues have submitted comments for consideration. The Recording Academy spoke up on behalf of the thousands of songwriters represented by its membership, urging the DOJ to keep its focus on promoting competition through fair compensation.

"The consent decrees, which were initially put in place to promote competition, now constrain competition," the Academy's comments read. "ASCAP and BMI do not have the ability to experiment and innovate with new kinds of licenses that meet the needs of different customers. Accordingly, the outcome of any review of the consent decrees governing ASCAP and BMI should be less regulation, not more."

As the DOJ considers perspectives from all affected by consent decrees, the Recording Academy's comments also advise them to, "Pursue an outcome that provides every songwriter with the opportunity to secure compensation for their work in a fair marketplace,"

The hearing went on to cover other topics relevant to the music industry, including issues surround the ticketing marketplace, and with District Advocate day right around the corner on Oct. 2, music makers are becoming more involved in the outcome of their lawmakers' moves. For instance, with the CASE Act moving closer and closer to the president's desk and the long overdue need for Congress to pass radio performance rights looming, can the momentum of the Music Modernization Act continue to fill the sails of change to more outdated music policy? If yesterday's hearing is any indication, the answer is on the way soon.

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