23rd Annual Entertainment Law Initiative® Event & Scholarship Presentation

23rd Annual Entertainment Law Initiative® Event & Scholarship Presentation

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The 23rd Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Event & Scholarship Presentation Announces Winners Of Writing Competition

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The 2021 GRAMMY Week event will also honor the Black Entertainment And Sports Lawyers Association with Service Award
Recording Academy
Feb 23, 2021 - 8:00 am

The 23rd annual Entertainment Law Initiative Event & Scholarship Presentation has announced the winner and runners-up of its Writing Competition:

Winner
Sophia Sofferman
University of Miami
Miami, Fla.

 Paper Title
"It's My [Recapture Right], And It's Now or Never…"
Runner-Up
Evan Biegel
St. John's University 
Queens, N.Y.		 Paper Title
"Tuning the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Musical Work Infringement"
Runner-Up
Alberto Vargas
University of Chicago
Chicago, Ill.		 Paper Title
"Bare Possibility or Reasonable Opportunity? In Defense of a Defendant- Conscious View of 'Access' in a Digital Age"

The 23rd Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Event & Scholarship Presentation will take place Friday, March 12, at 11 a.m. PST during GRAMMY Week 2021 in a new virtual format and will gather  the nation's most prominent entertainment attorneys to promote discussion and debate about the most compelling legal issues facing the music industry today. The event will honor the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association — a nationally recognized leader in legal education and professional development within the United States for lawyers and professionals in the entertainment, sports and related industries—with the 2021 Entertainment Law Initiative Service Award. This honor is awarded to an attorney or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to advancing and supporting the music community through service. 

Sophia Sofferman, the winner of this year's Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition, along with runners-up Evan Biegel and Alberto Vargas, will be recognized during the virtual event. The annual Entertainment Law Initiative's Writing Competition invites law students to write a 3,000-word paper on a compelling legal topic facing the music industry today. The contest is open to Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LLM) candidates currently enrolled at any U.S. law school. 

Sofferman will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship; Biegel and Vargas will each be awarded a $2,500 scholarship. All three will be recognized during the 23rd Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Event & Scholarship Presentation to provide a forum for interaction with successful attorneys in the field.

Earlier this month, the Entertainment Law Initiative hosted an Info Session for students interested in submitting for this year's Writing Competition to learn from previous student winners, in addition to gaining career advice from top entertainment lawyers. 

Other program participants at this year's Entertainment Law Initiative event include Recording Academy Chair and interim President/CEO Harvey Mason jr., Entertainment Law Initiative Executive Committee Chair Laurie Soriano, Entertainment Law Initiative Executive Committee member Ken Abdo, and Recording Academy Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, the latter of whom will lead a roundtable discussion that will explore the current state of diversity in the music industry. 

The Entertainment Law Initiative event is the nation's preeminent gathering for entertainment attorneys and the music business community, and it provides a forum for the industry to honor its legal practitioners, hear from thought leaders, and support promising law students interested in entertainment law. This year's event is invite-only.

Read the complete Entertainment Law Initiative writing contest rules. For further questions, email eli@recordingacademy.com. 

GRAMMY Week 2020: Entertainment Law Initiative Event Celebrates Change-Makers And Discusses Today's Most Pressing Issues

Photo of GRAMMY trophies at the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2018

GRAMMY statues at the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2018

Photo: DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images

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The Recording Academy Announces Official GRAMMY Week 2021 Events

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The virtual events during GRAMMY Week 2021 aim to celebrate this year's nominees and the music that unites us
Recording Academy
Feb 25, 2021 - 1:00 pm

The Recording Academy has announced the events lineup for GRAMMY Week 2021 ahead of the 63rd GRAMMY Awards broadcasting Sunday, March 14, on CBS at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. All events will be virtual this year to ensure the safety of our staff and guests and to make the events as accessible as possible to attendees. 

See the full GRAMMY Week 2021 lineup of confirmed events and additional details here and below:

MARCH 8

GRAMMY In The Schools Fest
This four-day virtual event, presented by MusicPower, will celebrate music and music education featuring performances by students and professionals along with engaging, educational panels by artists, educators and other music professionals and will conclude on March 11, 2021.

Free to the public for those who register in advance by clicking on this link. 

Women In The Mix
This event will recognize the contributions of women in music and amplify female voices across the industry. Highlighting producers, engineers, artists and executives, this program champions women who set the tone for their own communities and work to close gender gaps on and off the stage.

The virtual event will take place publicly on GRAMMY.com. 

MARCH 10

The Inaugural Black Music Collective GRAMMY Week Celebration
The historic event, presented by Mastercard, will feature an array of esteemed Black music creators and professionals known for amplifying Black voices in music and beyond.

The virtual event can be viewed on GRAMMY.com. 

MARCH 11

GRAMMY U Masterclass With Tayla Parx
Join us for a masterclass with GRAMMY nominee, Tayla Parx, as she discusses the craft of songwriting and being a multi-faceted artist. A singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur, Tayla has penned tracks for Ariana Grande, Janelle Monáe and Anderson.Paak, in addition to her successful solo career as an artist. This program is in collaboration with the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective and Powered by Mastercard.

The virtual event can be viewed on the Recording Academy's Facebook channel.

Producers & Engineers Wing 20th Anniversary Celebration
This hour-long program will celebrate the 20-year milestone of the Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing with highlights from the past two decades and a look into the future. 

This is a private event.

MARCH 12

23rd Annual Entertainment Law Initiative
The event will honor the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA) — a nationally recognized leader in legal education and professional development within the United States for lawyers and professionals in the entertainment, sports and related industries — with the 2021 Entertainment Law Initiative Service Award.

This is a private event.

MusiCares Music On A Mission
This virtual fundraiser will honor the resilience of the music community, which has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will celebrate top moments in MusiCares' history, including legendary performances from the MusiCares' vaults and new performances from today's biggest stars.

Tickets are available to the public for $25 and are on sale now on MusiCares.org.

MARCH 14

63rd GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony
Get ready for Music's Biggest Night by starting with Music's Biggest Day. The Premiere Ceremony will present more than 70 GRAMMY winners and feature a variety of exciting performances across genres. 

Watch the live stream exclusively on GRAMMY.com.

63rd GRAMMY Awards
The 63rd GRAMMY Awards will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, March 14, at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

2021 GRAMMYs Awards Show: Complete Nominees List

Grammys Newsletter

John Legend

John Legend

 

Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

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The Recording Academy Announces Inaugural Black Music Collective Event During GRAMMY Week 2021: John Legend, H.E.R., Quincy Jones, Janelle Monáe, Issa Rae And More Confirmed

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The historic Black Music Collective event will feature an array of esteemed Black music creators and professionals known for amplifying Black voices in music and beyond, including PJ Morton, Jeff Harleston, Debra Lee and more
Recording Academy
Feb 24, 2021 - 6:30 am

The Black Music Collective (BMC), a newly launched initiative by the Recording Academy, has announced its inaugural GRAMMY Week event in celebration of Black creators' and professionals' countless contributions to the music industry. Taking place Wednesday, March 10, starting at 5 p.m. PST/8 p.m. EST and hosted live on GRAMMY.com, the virtual event is open to the public; no RSVP or registration is needed.

The historic event, presented by Mastercard and hosted by the BMC Executive Sponsor Jeriel Johnson, will feature an array of esteemed Black music creators and professionals known for amplifying Black voices in music and beyond.

The BMC event will feature unforgettable performances by some of today's biggest stars, including GRAMMY Award-winning artists Yolanda Adams, H.E.R., PJ Morton, and first-time GRAMMY-nominated rapper and producer duo Freddie Gibbs & Alchemist. 

In addition to performances, the event will feature intimate reflections and mogul moments from industry leaders, including Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for North America for Universal Music Group Jeff Harleston; songwriting maverick Jimmy Jam; legendary record producer Quincy Jones; former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks and businesswoman Debra Lee; Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason jr.; and BMC Chair and Atlantic Records Executive Riggs Morales. 

Lastly, powerful fireside chats with cultural icons regarding the Black experience in the wake of social justice will be led by Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer of the Recording Academy Valeisha Butterfield Jones; Los Angeles Chapter Governor and recording artist John Legend; renowned activist Tamika D. Mallory; singer-songwriter Janelle Monáe; and actor, writer and producer Issa Rae.

The topics to be discussed during the programming include the Impact of Black Music, The Culture Shifting Power of Black Music, Impact of Black Women in Music, and the Power, Purpose, and Progress of the State of Black Music.

"As the first of its kind, we created this event with every intention to amplify Black voices and each of our experiences within the industry," Harvey Mason jr. said . "The BMC will continue to foster a space for members and industry professionals to educate and elevate Black creators during GRAMMY Week and beyond."

"We are thrilled to announce this virtual program as the BMC continues to celebrate Black music and those who share our mission to foster and accelerate Black representation, equity and inclusion throughout the music industry," Morales said. "The Black Music Collective will continue to tailor events for Black creators to feel uplifted and supported and we are excited for this GRAMMY Week kickoff."

Stay up to date on the BMC's progress here.

The Recording Academy Announces "Women In The Mix" Virtual Celebration: Cyndi Lauper, Ingrid Andress, MC Lyte, Sheila E., Tina Tchen And More Confirmed

US singer Cyndi Lauper arrives for the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020, in Los Angeles

Cyndi Lauper at the 62nd GRAMMY Awards in 2020

 

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

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The Recording Academy Announces "Women In The Mix" Virtual Celebration: Cyndi Lauper, Ingrid Andress, MC Lyte, Sheila E., Tina Tchen And More Confirmed

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Taking place on International Women's Day (Monday, March 8) and kicking off GRAMMY Week 2021, "Women In The Mix" will recognize the contributions of women in music and amplify the female voices across the industry
Recording Academy
Feb 23, 2021 - 7:00 am

The Recording Academy has announced the inaugural "Women In The Mix," a virtual celebration recognizing the contributions of women in music and amplifying the female voices across the industry. Taking place on International Women's Day (Monday, March 8) and kicking off GRAMMY Week 2021, "Women In The Mix" will highlight female producers, engineers, artists, and executives in the music industry and will champion women who set the tone for their own communities and work to close gender gaps on and offstage. 

Following in the footsteps of the Recording Academy's Women In The Mix Pledge launched in 2019, the event will spotlight female producers and engineers in the music industry while encouraging and facilitating mentorship between established women in the industry and aspiring female music professionals. 

"Women In The Mix" will take place publicly on GRAMMY.com Monday, March 8, starting at 5 p.m. PST. Panels, discussions and performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

Confirmed participants include:

  • Christine Albert, Chair Emeritus, Recording Academy Board of Trustees
  • Ingrid Andress, current three-time GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter
  • Denisia "Blu June" Andrews (Nova Wav), current three-time GRAMMY-nominated songwriter
  • Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Recording Academy
  • Brittany "Chi" Coney (Nova Wav), current three-time GRAMMY-nominated songwriter
  • Rocsi Diaz, television personality 
  • Maureen Droney, Sr. Managing Director, Recording Academy Producers & Engineers Wing
  • Chloe Flower, classical pianist & composer
  • Tera Healy, Sr. Director, East Region, Recording Academy
  • Tammy Hurt, Vice Chair, Recording Academy Board of Trustees
  • Leslie Ann Jones, five-time GRAMMY-winning engineer and Recording Academy Trustee
  • Cyndi Lauper, two-time GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter
  • EveAnna Manley, president, Manley Laboratories
  • Ruby Marchand, Chief Industry Officer, Recording Academy
  • Harvey Mason jr., Chair & Interim President/CEO, Recording Academy
  • MC Lyte, GRAMMY-nominated rapper 
  • Piper Payne, mastering engineer 
  • Kelley Purcell, Vice President, Membership & Industry Relations, Recording Academy
  • Sheila E., GRAMMY-nominated artist and percussionist 
  • Ebonie Smith, music producer, engineer & singer/songwriter
  • Tina Tchen, president & CEO of TIME'S UP

Additional participants to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective Partners With Amazon Music To Award Scholarships For Students At Black Colleges & Universities

GRAMMYs

Photo: Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images

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The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective Partners With Amazon Music To Award Scholarships For Students At Black Colleges & Universities

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The multi-year scholarship and mentorship program will provide selected students with dynamic networking opportunities and donations of music equipment to HBCU music programs
Recording Academy
Feb 22, 2021 - 7:00 am

The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC), a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals who share the common goal of amplifying Black voices within the Academy and the music community, has announced today a new multi-year mentorship and scholarship program in partnership with Amazon Music that will provide select students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) the opportunity to learn all facets of the music industry. Select students will receive scholarships from Amazon Music, the opportunity to meet and network with members of the music industry, including Amazon Music executives and the Black Music Collective, and will accumulate a network of mentors who will help them realize their dreams and bring them to life.

"We are proud that the newly-established Black Music Collective is already making an impact in developing the next generation of Black talent in music and creating a direct pipeline to career opportunities," Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy, said. "This is a collaborative industry, and we’re incredibly grateful to our partners at Amazon Music for being equally committed to cultivating a more equitable and inclusive music community."

The Black Music Collective will select three students enrolled at an HBCU who will be awarded $10,000 each for a 2021/2022 scholarship and the application process will open in summer 2021. The scholarship recipients will also participate in a two-week immersive rotation program with Amazon Music department leads. Additionally, Amazon Music will provide a $20,000 donation for musical equipment to two HBCU music programs.

"We've teamed up with the Black Music Collective to build this program, and ensure we're taking the steps toward creating an inclusive environment where Black creators can realize their career objectives," Ryan Redington, VP of Music Industry at Amazon Music, said. "We couldn’t have asked for better partners to develop a multi-year commitment with, that will utilize our resources to give students more opportunities to reach their own goals while ushering in a new generation of Black leaders."

More details on the scholarship and mentorship program, including eligibility requirements, will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information on the Black Music Collective, visit here. Progress and future announcements regarding the Recording Academy's recent initiatives can be found here.

The Recording Academy Reveals Leadership Council For Newly Launched Black Music Collective