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VINCINT-020619.jpg

VINCINT

Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for GLAAD

News
LGBTQ+ Artists Share Stories At The GRAMMY Museum vincint-brandon-stansell-linda-perry-more-lgbtq-artists-share-their-journeys-self

VINCINT, Brandon Stansell, Linda Perry & More LGBTQ+ Artists Share Their Journeys To Self-Acceptance

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Participating in the GRAMMY Museum's Empowered: LGBTQ + Voices in Music panel, seven creators discussed how to promote tolerance in the music industry—and beyond
Rachel Brodsky
GRAMMY Museum
Feb 6, 2019 - 5:55 pm

They came from many different backgrounds. But together, they formed an unshakable alliance on the Clive Davis Theater stage at the GRAMMY Museum. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, in the run-up to the 61st GRAMMY Awards, the Museum, in conjunction with Recording Academy, Ally Coalition, GLAAD and Out Magazine, hosted an hour-long panel titled Empowered: LGBTQ + Voices in Music. Moderated by the Recording Academy Editor In Chief, Digital Content & Strategy Justin Joseph and Out Magazine's Entertainment and Culture Editor Tre’vell Anderson, the hour featured seven panelists, most of whom identified as LGBTQ+ and ranged in age from 16 to 53, sharing their varied experiences breaking through in the music industry, and even striking out on their own.

One of those artists was up-and-coming pop performer VINCINT, whom many might recall from his breakthrough as a contestant on Fox's "The Four." While some might assume that such a level of visibility would bring almost certain success, VINCINT set the record straight: Yes, he was lucky to have been on TV. But, he alleged, because of the color of his skin, the show's producers were eager for him to put on a suit and "sing gospel songs." "I wanted to sing Bjork," he said. 

And the racial profiling didn't stop with the end of the show—once VINCINT got into the studio, some male producers would walk out, refuse to work with him, or push him back in the direction of R&B and gospel. But the singer held strong. “I’m unabashedly myself," he told the audience, firm in his stance. 

Steadfast self-acceptance was a constant theme in the hour, with trans soul singer Shea Diamond, fully clad in camo ("because we've always been in a war"), demanding that the goal of every single artist who falls outside of a record label's idea of "normal" should strive to make people "uncomfortable." If she can challenge the industry and proudly, consistently push back against the status quo, Diamond argued, then she'll help tomorrow's trans artists face fewer obstacles. 

"If you have great music and talent, people will respond." 

GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Linda Perry, too, was completely unapologetic about her status as a lesbian. "I’ve always been gay," she said. "It’s just who I was. I never ever let it be a problem. There are people like me who have never allowed people to look at me differently. I walked right through those barriers. ... when someone pushes you, they’re testing you. Just don’t let people push. You have to stay strong.” 

One performer likely reaping the benefits of the older panelists' hard work was 16-year-old Nhandi Craig, who performs under the name DJ Young 1. As a member of Gen Z, who are said to be the most inclusive age group, Craig talked about starting her middle school's first LGBTQ club, and asserted that it was "[her] job to bring the message of acceptance to people." 

"I have a lot of family members who are part of the LGBTQ community," she said. "It was the norm to be accepted. It was the norm to be different.” 

Meanwhile, songwriter and performer Asiahn, who has written songs for GRAMMY-nominated artists Jennifer Lopez ("Booty") and Miley Cyrus ("Hands In The Air"), spoke passionately about her ongoing mission to diversify the look of pop stars. When she was 15, Asiahn sang for a major label head, who praised her voice but said she was "too dark and too thick to do pop music." Undeterred, Asiahn dismissed them, saying, "I don’t need the exec’s opinion. If you have great music and talent, people will respond." 

Asiahn is one of the many LGBTQ+ artists who utilize social media to express themselves to the fullest extent, rather than let a label market and package you. That's certainly something country singer/songwriter Brandon Stansell could relate to as well, as his genre is one of the most conservative and homogenous in the business. He is making inroads, though: Back in August 2018, Stansell, who identifies as gay, released his music video for "Hometown" on CMT. The song, about his coming out, was the first LGBTQ-friendly music video to ever air on the cabel country network. 

"We need allies. Check your reservations at the door. Be educated, but do not be indifferent.”

Finally, in a brilliant display of allyship, Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds sat on the panel to speak about his LOVELOUD foundation, which seeks to "ignite the vital conversation about what it means to unconditionally love, understand, accept and support our LGBTQ+ friends and family." 

Reynolds, as the only straight, white male on the panel, spoke openly and honestly about leading a "privileged" life, and wanting to dedicate his time to both being an ally and teaching other men how to be allies. "Put the insecurities aside," he said, speaking to other straight, white men. "We need allies. Check your reservations at the door. Be educated, but do not be indifferent.”

As much progress as we've made, however, there still remains a long way to go, especially for members of the trans community. 

"The fight looks different for different people," said Diamond, who spoke valiantly about the many hardships she's faced in her life and career. "I would love to slide over to the lesbian or gay experience. But you can’t mask the [the trans experience]."

So, who can we count on to change the future? "I try to focus on the youth," continued Diamond. "Nothing can ever get done focusing on older generations. I try to focus my energies on the new minds. The youth spread (the message) faster than anyone else."

GRAMMYs

Left to right: Jasmine Lywen-Dill (GRAMMY Museum Communications Manager), Nick Vega (GRAMMY Museum Director of Curatorial Affairs), Rita George (GRAMMY Museum COO), LA City Council President Herb Wesson, Kaitlyn Naider (Director of Community Engagement); Photo Credit: Betsy Annas, Los Angeles City Council

News
November 18 Is Latin GRAMMY Day grammy-museum-receives-official-proclamation-nov-18-latin-grammy-day

GRAMMY Museum Receives Official Proclamation: Nov. 18 Is Latin GRAMMY Day

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The proclamation is in honor of the Museum's Nov. 18 launch party for the Museum's new exhibit, Latin GRAMMY: 20 Years Of Excellence
GRAMMYs
Nov 13, 2019 - 12:15 pm

The GRAMMY Museum has received an official proclamation from L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson announcing that Nov. 18 is hereby Latin GRAMMY Day. 

The proclamation is in honor of the Museum's Nov. 18 launch party for the Museum's new exhibit, Latin GRAMMY: 20 Years Of Excellence, which showcases a variety of iconic moments and performances from two decades of the prestigious Latin GRAMMY Awards. 

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

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 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 To Celebrate 20 Years Of Latin GRAMMY Excellence With New Exhibit

Flor de Toloache

Flor de Toloache

Photo: Piero F Giunti

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GRAMMY Museum Announces Latin Music Gallery Guests grammy-museum-reveals-flor-de-toloache-angela-aguilar-more-special-guests-opening-latin

GRAMMY Museum Reveals Flor de Toloache, Angela Aguilar & More As Special Guests For Opening Of Latin Music Gallery

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Christian Nodal and Ozomatli, with their OzoKids experience, will also be in attendance
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Nov 6, 2019 - 12:54 pm

Today, Nov. 6, the GRAMMY Museum, in partnership with the Latin Recording Academy, announced the performers for opening day of their brand-new Latin Music Gallery. On Nov. 18, two days before the exhibit officially opens to the public, there will be a full day programming, including special performances by Latin GRAMMY-winning mariachi group Flor de Toloache and GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Raquel Sofía.

GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominee Ángela Aguilar and Latin GRAMMY winner Christian Nodal—two bright, young stars making powerful renditions of traditional Mexican music—will also be in attendance to assist with the gallery's ribbon cutting.

To celebrate the milestone 20th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs, the #GRAMMYMuseum is proud to present, "Latin GRAMMY, 20 Years Of Excellence." The inaugural exhibition in our newly constructed third floor opens on November 20th! https://t.co/10PCRIy1mg

— GRAMMY Museum (@GRAMMYMuseum) October 21, 2019

Michael Sticka, President of the GRAMMY Museum, will also participate in the exciting day, along with Gabriel Abaroa Jr., the President and CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, which is celebrating 20 years of excellence in Latin Music this year.

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

Los Angeles-based GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-winning rock group Ozomatli will also participate, bringing their family-friendly, educational OzoKidz experience to kick off the day. The student program is followed by an invite-only ribbon-cutting ceremony, which begins at 4 p.m., followed by the live performances.

Finally, a free, open-to-the-public evening event will run from 7–10 p.m. (see schedule below and RSVP here).

Monday, Nov. 18 | GRAMMY Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

11 a.m.–Noon: Education Program for Students with OzoKidz

4–6 p.m.:          Official Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

6–7 p.m.:          Performances by Flor de Toloache and Raquel Sofía

7–10 p.m.:        Free public Museum entry (first come, first served)

Spaces for the public portion of the program on Nov. 18 are given on a first-come, first-served basis. The third-floor exhibit opens to the public on Nov. 20 and will run through spring 2020.

For more info and to RSVP for the Nov. 18 evening event, please click here. For more info on all the fun exhibits and events at the GRAMMY Museum, please visit their website.

And don't forget to catch the Ricky Martin-hosted 20th Latin GRAMMY Awards on Thurs., Nov. 14, live from Las Vegas on Nov. 14, by tuning into Univision around the world from 8-11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT). You can also stay tuned to GRAMMY.com, as well as @RecordingAcad and @LatinGRAMMYs on Twitter next week to catch the biggest wins and onstage magic from the show.

Charley Pride Honored With GRAMMY Museum Mississippi's Inaugural Crossroads Of American Music Award

GRAMMYs

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

News
GRAMMY Museum Celebrates 20 Years Of Latin GRAMMYs grammy-museum-celebrate-20-years-latin-grammy-excellence-new-exhibit

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. 

El @GRAMMYMuseum presenta Latin GRAMMY, 20 Años de Excelencia, en colaboración con La Academia Latina de la Grabación… https://t.co/wNt9bCod2S #LatinGRAMMY pic.twitter.com/TTzTNxPMFI

— Latin GRAMMYs (@LatinGRAMMYs) October 21, 2019

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."

It's #NationalBossDay! Get to know our GRAMMY Museum President, Michael Sticka, and his vision to expand the Museum's impact. https://t.co/F6pNa8xmrh

— GRAMMY Museum (@GRAMMYMuseum) October 16, 2019

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

Heather Moore

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Jane Ortner Education Award Recipient Announced grammy-museum-announces-arcadia-highs-heather-moore-2019-jane-ortner-education-award

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

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The Los Angeles County 11th grade history teacher has been selected by the museum for the award that "honors K-12 academic teachers who use music in the classroom as a powerful educational tool"
Ana Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Oct 17, 2019 - 2:55 pm

Today, the GRAMMY Museum announced 11th grade history teacher Heather Moore as the 2019 Jane Ortner Education Award recipient. "The award honors K-12 academic teachers who use music in the classroom as a powerful educational tool," the museum explains. They have also opened applications for the 2020 edition of the award.

The Arcadia High School (located in Arcadia, Calif.) teacher will receive a monetary honorarium—the second year this has been offered to the awardee—along with a grant for the Los Angeles County public school.

Moore will be celebrated later this year at a special GRAMMY Museum event in L.A., and has been invited to attend the 62nd GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 26, 2020.

"We look forward to honoring Heather Moore for her dedication to executing cutting-edge lesson plans and devotion to creating a positive influence on her students through the power of music," Michael Sticka, President of the GRAMMY Museum, said.

The award celebrates educators who integrate music into the classroom experience, who is selected based on the lesson plans they submit. The museum reviews the lessons via a panel of teachers and education administrators who evaluate for "creativity, teachability, transferability and level of student engagement."

Moore's lesson plan, along with other music-centered education tools from the Museum and past award recipients' lessons, can be downloaded for free and implemented by other teachers. Her plan focuses on examining the impact of the Great Depression on the American public through the lens of music at the time, highlighting artists like Louis Armstrong, Woody Guthrie and others.

"I am honored to receive the Jane Ortner Education Award," Moore stated. "I have always believed that music is a beautiful and important way to connect students with the people and stories of the past. The Jane Ortner Award is a wonderful acknowledgement and celebration of music's centrality to education and our human story."

"Arcadia High was recently distinguished as being in the top 1% for having the best public high school teachers in America, and Heather Moore exemplifies why we received this recognition," Angie Dillman, Arcadia High School Principal, added. "Heather goes above and beyond in her institution practices to challenge and inspire our students to have a positive and profound impact on their world. We are so grateful for all she brings to our students and our team."

As part of the Museum's deeply impactful music education programs and initiatives, the Jane Ortner Education Award for teachers and the Jane Ortner Artist Award were established by the Museum in partnership with entertainment attorney and Museum Board member Chuck Ortner. His late wife Jane Ortner was a devoted and beloved public school teacher who valued music as a tool for teaching academic subjects and building confidence and community. Previous recipients of the Jane Ortner Artist Award include Lady Gaga, Jackson Browne, Janelle Monáe and John Legend.

Applications for the 2020 Jane Ortner Education Award are currently open for K-12 English, social studies, math, science, and foreign language teachers and will be accepted through Dec. 4, 2019. Music teachers may apply (and be nominated) for the Music Educator Award, which is currently open for the 2021 award.

GRAMMY Museum Announces 'Face The Music' Richard Ehrlich Photography Exhibit

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Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.