Grammys

Friday, Feb. 6, 2009: Members of Congress U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), U.S. Representative Jon Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), and U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA), engaged in dialogue with leading music makers including GRAMMY nominee Josh Groban, GRAMMY winner Sam Moore and Mary Wilson of the Supremes. Other participants were music industry leaders President of the American Federation of Musicians Thomas F. Lee, National Executive Director of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Kim Roberts Hedgpeth, The Recording Academy® President/CEO Neil Portnow, artist manager Simon Renshaw and industry leaders from The musicFIRST Coalition.

Just two days after introduction of the “Performance Rights Act” in Congress, a bipartisan delegation of three leading legislators participated participate in the GRAMMY Town Hall to discuss the historic bill with the artist community. This legislation, introduced in both the House and Senate is backed by The musicFIRST Coalition (www.musicfirstcoalition.org), which represents the broad spectrum of artists and organizations from the music community including The Recording Academy.

About The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The 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. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.