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Academy Kicks Off 50th Celebration

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Year-long celebration will include GRAMMY Museum launch, retrospective book and GRAMMY Brand fashion line.
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Recording Academy
Dec 2, 2014 - 4:06 pm

Year-long celebration will include GRAMMY Museum launch, retrospective book and GRAMMY Brand fashion line

GRAMMY.com

The Recording Academy today announced its plans for a year-long celebration of its milestone 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards, which will air live on CBS from Los Angeles' Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. Recording Academy President Neil Portnow was joined by 27-time GRAMMY winner and 50th Celebration ambassador Quincy Jones, as well as multi-platinum recording artist and GRAMMY winner Joss Stone.

Jones, who was one of the founding members of The Recording Academy, and Stone helped unveil the official artwork for the 50th GRAMMYs and announce a slate of activities for music fans and the music industry, including the GRAMMY Museum, a retrospective illustrated coffee table book, and the GRAMMY Brand fashion line. The Celebration starts today and will continue through 2008. Also in attendance were Recording Academy Vice Chairman Jimmy Jam and Los Angeles Chapter Governor Dave Koz, as well as other music industry executives and VIPs.

"For some it's a milestone — but we're just getting started," said Portnow. "Over the past 50 years, the GRAMMY Awards has become the world's most famous music telecast and the highest honor bestowed upon music makers. The GRAMMY Awards continue to push the envelope for never-before-seen live musical performances from new and established artists across all genres while The Recording Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture."

As part of its 50th Celebration activities, The Recording Academy has named Jones its official ambassador. A member of The Academy for more than 40 years and a member of the GRAMMY Foundation's Board of Directors since 1992, Jones will participate in various hallmark cultural and educational events spotlighting music and the arts over the next year and a half as The Academy celebrates its remarkable 50-year history with an eye toward the future.

"I am so proud to be one of the founding members of this organization that now represents 18,000 music makers," said Jones. "I am honored to be an ambassador as The Recording Academy celebrates its influential 50-year history with a celebration of events and activities for music fans and music makers, all while keeping the importance of music education and preservation at the forefront of its efforts."

Jones will also be honored for his lifetime commitment and dedication to social, cultural, economic and educational issues with the GRAMMY Foundation Leadership Award at the Starry Night  benefit concert and dinner on July 28. For more information about the 50th Celebration initiatives and events, please click here.

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Best Musical Theater Album: Fast Facts

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From eligibility details to important dates and deadlines, here's everything you need to know to about the GRAMMY Awards process for Musical Theater recordings
Membership
Aug 7, 2020 - 9:41 am

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  • The Best Musical Theater Album GRAMMY® honors excellence in the performance(s) in and production of musical theater recordings. Elements of the corresponding stage production are not considered in evaluating the recording.
  • It’s not just Broadway cast albums that are eligible. All recordings of scores of musical theater works created to support an underlying dramatic intention or theme can be considered. This includes recordings of Off-Broadway, Broadway, regional works, studio cast recordings, concept albums, “live,” “in concert” television performances, and revivals.
  • As with all GRAMMY categories, if 40 or more eligible albums are submitted, five albums are nominated. Note: 25-39 submissions yield three nominated albums.
  • Similar to other categories, there is a Screening Committee, consisting of highly qualified experts in the field, who help ensure that the submitted albums meet all eligibility requirements for the category. Note: Committees do not determine the nominated albums.
  • And the GRAMMY for the Best Musical Theater Album goes to … the album producer(s), as many as (4) Principal Vocalist(s) who have contributed significant performance(s) OR Winners Certificates to all vocalists on the recording of an “ensemble-driven piece,” and lyricist(s) and composer(s) of more than half of the new score.

IMPORTANT GRAMMY SUBMISSION NOTES AND DATES
Don’t assume someone else has submitted the eligible recording.
The more submissions the better for the category.
Release Eligibility Period Sept. 1, 2019–Aug. 31, 2020
First Online Entry Process Access Period June 22–July 6, 2020
Second Online Entry Process Access Period July 15–Aug. 3, 2020
First-Round Online Voting Sept. 30–Oct. 12, 2020 Final-Round Online Voting Dec. 7, 2020–Jan. 4, 2021
64th GRAMMYs® New Member Submission Deadline March 1, 2021

For more information about the GRAMMY Awards® process, please visit GRAMMY101.com.

INTERESTED IN RECORDING ACADEMY™ MEMBERSHIP?

You may enter recordings if you are a Voting or Professional Member of the Recording Academy or an employee of a registered media company.

You can apply to become a Voting Member of the Academy if you’ve written, performed on, engineered or produced a musical theater album, and are a full-time music creator.
Note: If you’ve contributed to six qualifying physical tracks, commercially released in the United States through physical distribution outlets, or 12 qualifying digital tracks (or equivalent duration of content), at least one track must have been released within five years of application.

You can apply to become a Professional Member if the majority of your business activity is directly related to the recording of musical theater works.

All applicants must have two fellow music professionals (Academy members or not) submit recommendations on their behalf, provide career substantiation, and submit their completed candidate profile by March 1, 2021.

For more information about membership, please visit RecordingAcademy.com.

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Recording Academy Champions The HITS Act, Which Supports Independent Music Makers’ Recovery

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The Help Independent Tracks Succeed Act lets creators fully expense production costs for new music up-front to stimulate reopening of the music economy
Advocacy
Jul 31, 2020 - 7:00 am

Today, the Recording Academy joined Rep. Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) and Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) to announce the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, which allows an individual to fully expense for tax purposes the cost of new studio recordings on their taxes, up to $150,000, within the same year of production.

Music creators are among the American workers hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Tours are cancelled, venues, bars, and restaurants are shuttered, and recording studios remain closed. As independent artists and producers look for a new path forward, the HITS Act creates a foothold for recovery. Without it, the costs of making new music may be prohibitive to creators following months of lost income.

"The Recording Academy is proud to have worked alongside Reps. Sánchez and Estes to develop the key provisions in the HITS Act," said Harvey Mason jr., Chair and Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy. "The HITS Act will make a meaningful impact and help ease the financial burden for thousands of independent creators getting back on track, eager to share their creativity with the world. It will inspire new music and create opportunities for many of the vulnerable professionals in our community to persevere during these uncertain times."

Currently, individual recording artists and record producers are required to amortize production expenses for tax purposes over the economic life of a sound recording, typically 3-4 years. The HITS Act allows artists and producers to choose to deduct 100 percent of their production expenses for records created in the United States in the year such expenses are incurred, in the same manner that qualified film and television production expenses are allowed to be expensed. Expenses can include studio equipment, studio rental fees, staff costs, electricity, studio musicians, and much more.

"We are living through tough times and nothing helps you escape like turning on your favorite album," said Rep. Sánchez. "Similar to many families and workers across the country, the coronavirus has also had an enormous impact on music makers. Gigs have been canceled, studios shuttered, and creative writing sessions postponed. I'm proud to introduce the HITS Act with Rep. Estes. Our bill will provide small, independent creators with a bit of help getting back to work, making the music we turn to in good times and bad."

"Music is a powerful language that connects people of varying generations, backgrounds and experiences," said Rep. Estes. "The men and women who make music — either through writing, singing, playing or producing — deserve to have the same tax benefits as artists in the film, television and live theater industries. The HITS Act is sound legislation that supports our creative communities throughout the United States and encourages music makers of all sizes and notoriety."

Many music creators watched their incomes disappear as the pandemic ushered in a new normal of closures and cancellations. The median income for a professional musician is less than $25,000 a year, and independent music professionals will be among the last to return to work as the nation gradually reopens. As the only organization representing all music creators, the Recording Academy will continue to support government assistance that will help music creators navigate their way through this unprecedented time and subsequent recovery period.

Academy Endorses New Legislation To Support Creators, Venues & Small Music Businesses

Ruby Marchand attends 61st GRAMMY Nominee Celebration in 2019

Ruby Marchand attends 61st GRAMMY Nominee Celebration in 2019

Photo: Dave Kotinsky/WireImage

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The Recording Academy Streamlines Organization To Sharpen Focus On Service To Music, Adds Two Key Leadership Roles

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Branden Chapman takes new Chief Operating Officer position; A&R Executive Ruby Marchand takes newly created Chief Industry Officer role, overseeing membership & awards; moves are designed to improve operational efficiency and inspire staff creativity
Recording Academy
Jul 17, 2020 - 9:30 am

The Recording Academy today (July 17) announced a major reorganization, including the creation of two key senior leadership positions: Chief Operating Officer and Chief Industry Officer. The key features in the reorganization include the streamlining of most of the staff into three divisions: the Entertainment / Consumer Division, led by Branden Chapman, the Academy's new Chief Operating Officer; and the Trade / Industry Division, led by Ruby Marchand, the new Chief Industry Officer; and the Organization / Cross Verticals Division. Additionally, Rex Supa has been promoted to Vice President of Production & Business Development and will report to Chapman.   

New Functional Alignments

Chapman and Marchand will both report to Harvey Mason jr., the Recording Academy's Interim President/CEO, as will the Academy's CFO, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Chief People & Culture Officer, Chief Advocacy Officer, and the Executive Director of MusiCares, the Academy's philanthropic arm. 

As COO, Chapman will lead the Entertainment / Consumer Division, which will include Partnerships & Business Development, Communications, Digital Media, Marketing & Branding, Production and Talent Relations. 

As Chief Industry Officer, Marchand, a former A&R executive with deep experience in the music industry and a past Academy Vice Chair, will be responsible for both Membership & Industry Relations and Awards. 

As Vice President of Production & Business Development, Supa will take over many of Chapman's previous responsibilities, including oversight of telecast logistics, events, financial management, creative development, ticketing, credentialing, venue relations, and municipal relations. He previously served as Senior Managing Director, Production & Business Development.

The new overall org chart can be found here. The changes take effect Aug. 1.

Bios

Branden Chapman

With more than 25 years of production and entertainment industry experience, Branden Chapman most recently championed the Recording Academy's telecast logistics, including revenue and cost management, timeline scheduling, creative development, credentialing, venue relations, security, and municipal relations. As head of the Production department, he oversaw the Academy's telecast properties — the GRAMMY Awards and other annual GRAMMY-branded specials in addition to the Latin GRAMMY Awards. Chapman is responsible for the planning, management and execution of various special projects and productions for the Recording Academy and The Latin Recording Academy, including premier annual GRAMMY Week events. As Chief Business Development Officer, Chapman oversaw many of the Academy's business development initiatives, including the international sales of the telecast properties, telecast ticketing and brand expansion efforts. He was appointed as the Academy representative to manage the early development of the GRAMMY Museum, which opened in 2008, and he currently sits on the Board of that organization and the Advisory Board of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission.

Ruby Marchand

Ruby Marchand is a global strategist and A&R professional who has discovered, developed, and nurtured artists and songwriters across a broad array of musical genres. During her multifaceted career at Warner Music Group, she served as Vice President of International A&R, oversaw the Rykodisc label, launched a streaming portal in America for hundreds of international artists signed to Warner's global affiliates, and served as Senior Vice President of Revenue and Repertoire Assurance, where she drove innovative strategies at SoundExchange and other digital platforms. Having recently served as Vice Chair of the Recording Academy and as a National Trustee, Marchand has been deeply engaged in the Awards process, advocacy efforts, creating diversity within the Academy membership, and championing music education. A flute player and graduate of Oberlin College, Marchand is an Adjunct Professor at NYU Steinhardt Music Business program. She is a National Trustee of the T. J. Martell Foundation, a member of the GRAMMY Music Education Coalition Executive Advisory Council and a recipient of the 2016 T. J. Martell Foundation's Women of Influence Award.

Rex Supa

Rex Supa has been part of the Recording Academy for nearly 20 years beginning with an internship in 2000. He has overseen marquee productions and events for both the Recording Academy and The Latin Recording Academy. Supa has also served as a trusted production partner and advisor to both the GRAMMY Museum and MusiCares. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in radio, television, and film (production management emphasis) from California State University, Northridge.

Recording Academy Invites & Celebrates Its 2020 New Member Class

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The Recording Academy & Color Of Change Team Up To Promote Positive Change In The Music Industry

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In addition to the partnership, the Recording Academy has made a $1 million donation to Color of Change
GRAMMYs
Jul 7, 2020 - 6:31 am

The Recording Academy and the nation's largest online racial justice organization, Color of Change, have announced a partnership to promote positive social change within the music industry. In addition to the partnership, the Recording Academy has made a $1 million donation to Color of Change.

The organizations will work together to identify key opportunities to drive and influence change in the music industry, and will be dedicated to building power for Black music creators and professionals. This work will span several strategies, including the creation of a Black music advisory group, a membership campaign focusing on the Black music community to drive new voting members to the Academy, an industrywide diversity and inclusion summit, and partnership in advocacy and legislative efforts.

Additionally, Color of Change will provide advisory support on the development and implementation of the Academy’s previously announced industry Inclusion Rider and Toolkit, which will be introduced in later in 2020.

"Music plays a profound role in shaping our culture, and Black music has been the cornerstone in the development of the world's dynamic soundscape," said Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for the Recording Academy. "The Recording Academy has entered a new chapter of transformative change, and we are honored to partner with Color of Change as we work together to set new standards to elevate Black music creators and build a more diverse and equitable industry."

"Music has the power to reach new people and fuel social progress,” said Rashad Robinson, President of Color Of Change. "We look forward to building a long-term partnership with the Recording Academy and hope the work between our two membership-based non-profits will advance quickly accelerating changes in the industry."

Progress and future announcements regarding the Recording Academy's Diversity & Inclusion efforts can be found here.

From Aretha Franklin To Public Enemy, Here's How Artists Have Amplified Social Justice Movements Through Music