Continuing its mission to ensure that music remains an indelible part of our culture around the world, the Recording Academy has partnered with the U.S. Department of State and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to help launch the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, an international initiative that will promote peace, diplomacy and democracy through music worldwide. Using music as a diplomatic tool globally, the initiative will leverage public-private partnerships to create a music ecosystem that expands economic equity and elevates the creative economy, ensures societal opportunity and inclusion, and increases access to education. The Global Music Diplomacy Initiative will also build on existing public diplomacy music programs to create partnerships with American companies and nonprofits to convey American leadership globally and create connections with people worldwide.

The Global Music Diplomacy Initiative also includes the American Music Mentorship Program, a partnership between the State Department and the Recording Academy, which will bring international mid-career music industry professionals and musical artists to the United States for mentorship and networking opportunities. The program will invite Recording Academy professionals and members to provide international participants with mentorship opportunities and professional development.

See a full outline of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@recordingacademy)

Secretary Blinken announced the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative Sept. 27 during a lively celebration at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. He signaled the start of the inaugural event by highlighting its attendees. "We have a few dignitaries come through this building, but it is a special treat to have so many members of music royalty here tonight," he said excitedly.

The evening engendered a melodic blend of music, peace and policy. The private event featured breathtaking performances from Dave Grohl, Herbie Hancock, Mickey Guyton, Armani White, and many other leading American and international artists. U2's Bono shared a special video message from Las Vegas as well.

Singer/songwriter Aimee Mann performed her 1999 song "Save Me" with the admission that she was "deeply honored but also a bit freaked out to be here."

Perhaps less nervous, Secretary Blinken added that he couldn't "pass up" the one-in-a-lifetime chance to "combine music and diplomacy," as he performed Muddy Water's 1954 classic, "Hoochie Coochie Man."

"If this doesn't clear the house, I don't know what will," Blinken said playfully ahead of his performance.

In addition to the performances, Secretary Blinken and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. presented 28-time GRAMMY winner Quincy Jones with the inaugural Peace Through Music Award.

A collaboration between the Department and the Recording Academy, the award recognizes and honors an American music industry professional, artist, or group that has played an invaluable role in cross-cultural exchanges and whose music work advances peace and mutual understanding globally.

"His work, his actions continue to advance peace through music, and I am sure they will for generations to come," Mason jr. said. "It's my true honor to recognize my friend and mentor, Mr. Quincy Jones, as the first-ever recipient of what will now and into the future be known as the Quincy Jones Peace Through Music Award."

Read More: Mogul Moment: How Quincy Jones Became An Architect Of Black Music

The Global Music Diplomacy Initiative was developed pursuant to the bipartisan Promoting Peace, Education, And Cultural Exchange (PEACE) Through Music Diplomacy Act, which was championed by the Recording Academy and its members in 2022 at GRAMMYs On The Hill and during the annual grassroots District Advocate Day. The legislation, introduced by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden in December 2022.

Here's a complete breakdown of the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative:

• American Music Mentorship Program

The American Music Mentorship Program, a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the Recording Academy, will bring international mid-career music industry professionals, which may include musical artists, to the United States for mentorship and networking opportunities, with an aim to cultivate a professional music industry ecosystem locally and globally, to support creative talent, and to strengthen the creative economy globally. It will leverage the networks and experience of Recording Academy professionals and members to provide international participants mentorship opportunities, boost their technical skills, and build the foundation for professional networks.  The first American Music Mentorship Program will be held in the fall of 2024.

• Fulbright-Kennedy Center Visiting Scholar Award in Arts and Science

The Fulbright Program, the United States' flagship international academic exchange program, will collaborate with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to create a new fellowship opportunity for foreign scholars.  The new Fulbright-Kennedy Center Visiting Scholar Award in Arts and Science will focus on the intersections of the arts (music, dance, theater, etc.) and science, including how the arts can contribute to individual and global health and well-being, and the environment. An award competition will be announced in fall 2023, and the Kennedy Center will host the first scholar in academic year 2024-25.

• Boosting English-Language Learning Through Music

Recognizing the strategic importance of English-language learning overseas, especially for youth and underserved communities, the Department will incorporate music into its existing $40 million investment in English-language learning worldwide, including through exchanges, curriculum, and scholarships to provide access to English-learning classes for promising students between the ages of 13 and 20.

The Department will augment broader global English-language learning by supporting Sing Out Loud, a program that provides resources for teaching English through music in collaboration with American Music Abroad (AMA), bringing music and lyrics into classrooms across the world.

In addition to the Secretary's announcements, the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative will include vast programming around the world, including:

• Arts Envoys to Travel to the Middle East, People's Republic of China

Herbie Hancock, along with Dee Dee Bridgewater and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Ensemble at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), will be performing in Jordan in October to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1963 Jazz Ambassador tour of the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

The Herbie Hancock tour will then travel to Saudi Arabia for a four-day Arts Envoy program – the first of its kind between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

From November 9-18, 2023, The Philadelphia Orchestra is slated to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its historic 1973 tour of the People's Republic of China (PRC) with Ensemble Performances and Residency Activities in multiple cities in the PRC.

• Ten American Bands to Travel to 30 Countries Starting in October Through American Music Abroad; AMA Academy Cleveland to Host Young Professional Musicians from Ukrainian Diaspora

Beginning in October 2023 and representing multiple genres, Birckhead, The Beatbox House, The Invisibles, Marielle Kraft, Matthew Whitaker, Pipeline Vocal Project, Raining Jane, Sihasin, Sub-Radio, and Tap Music Project will travel to 30 countries from October 2023 through June 2024.

In November 2023, the 2023 American Music Abroad Academy Cleveland will bring together young professional musicians from the Ukrainian diaspora and around the world for collaboration and mentorship opportunities from American instructors with a focus on cultural preservation through music. Learn more about AMA here.

• Next Level to Use Hip Hop in Nigeria, Bring International Artists to the U.S. to Focus on Conflict Transformation

In September 2023, four U.S. hip hop artists focusing on conflict transformation will travel to Lagos for a two-week Next Level Academy.  In addition, 10 international participants will travel to Washington, D.C. and New York, New York for a two-week professional development program on conflict transformation through hip hop. Learn more about Next Level here.

• Scaling Social Entrepreneurship Projects, Strengthening Creative Economy Through OneBeat

From November 6-20, 2023, musicians from Ghana and Nigeria will come together to collaboratively create and discuss how music can bring people together through social entrepreneurship projects, as part of the OneBeat program. Learn more about OneBeat here.

• Harmundi International Music Summit to Welcome Students from Every Continent in November 2023

Virtually connecting more than 60 international students from every continent through music, the Harmundi Summit will provide intense music training, cross-cultural collaboration, studio recording, and live performances under the mentorship of world-class musicians and producers.  The Summit, which will take place November 3-5, 2023, will be led by alumni of the Department's exchanges, and is part of the Department's Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund.  This fund provides grants of up to $10,000 for public service projects that utilize the skills, knowledge, and networks exchange alumni gained through their exchange experiences.

Learn more about the Global Music Diplomacy Initiative.

How Vice President Kamala Harris And The Recording Academy Celebrated The 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop: 'Hip-Hop Culture Is America's Culture'

The Recording Academy is taking the beat to Capitol Hill next week for GRAMMYs on the Hill 2024, where GRAMMY winners and nominees and music professionals will visit lawmakers to advocate for legislation advancing music creators' rights. 

The Recording Academy's annual GRAMMYs on the Hill is the signature music event in Washington, D.C., where music creators and congressional members come together to celebrate our progress in the music space, shed light on the issues the music community is currently facing, and advocate for real change. GRAMMYs on the Hill 2024 comprises three marquee events: the annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards on Tuesday, April 30, which this year honors nine-time GRAMMY winner Sheryl Crow and Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); the annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day on Wednesday, May 1, Capitol Hill's largest and most prestigious legislative event for music; and the inaugural GRAMMYs on the Hill Future Forum on Friday, May 3, which will explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the music community.

This year, the Recording Academy is focused on two critical issues affecting the music industry and fans everywhere: AI fraud and live event ticketing reform. Several key pieces of legislation are being furthered toward these efforts, including the No AI FRAUD Act in the House of Representatives and the Senate's No FAKES Act discussion draft, to protect the image and likeness of artists everywhere. The Fans First Act and the TICKET Act represent the most comprehensive set of reforms to strengthen the live event ticketing marketplace and protect fans, artists, and independent small businesses.

"The Recording Academy is in the business of celebrating human excellence and human creativity," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said. "That was the biggest concern when we crafted our GRAMMY Award policies. We understand that AI is a part of our industry and here to stay, but our awards guidelines stay true to our mission to honor the people behind the music we love so much. Only human creators are eligible to be submitted for consideration for, nominated for, or win a GRAMMY Award."

Today and forever, it is essential that we protect the people in music. Because music makes us human. As a nonprofit organization that supports advocacy across the music industry, the Recording Academy champions rights for all music creators — not just our Academy members. Being a music advocate means championing music creators' rights year-round, and Recording Academy members have the power to enact true change in music. 

In the guide below, learn more about the important actions and issues driving GRAMMYs on the Hill 2024, which are aimed at protecting the livelihoods of present and future generations of music creators. And learn more about the Recording Academy's efforts to safeguard human creativity and help creators navigate the use of AI across the music industry today.

Learn More: GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards 2024: Everything You Need To Know Including Mission, Goals, Honorees & Achievements

No AI FRAUD Act & No FAKES Act

Across our landscape, technology like generative AI and bot automation threaten to rob our society of human-made music, the timeless, essential craft of expression that transcends cultures and has defined what it means to be human across eons. 

The Recording Academy is leading the national conversation about AI in music, using GRAMMY Week in Los Angeles as a platform for a congressional hearing to explore how AI digital replicas threaten individual artists. 

GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day will further these efforts, with a focus on the bipartisan No AI FRAUD Act, the first federal solution with protections for all Americans who could be vulnerable to fraudulent replicas. The bill was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives by Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Madeline Dean (D-PA). In the Senate, the Recording Academy is also pushing for support of Senator Chris Coons's (D-DE) bipartisan effort to introduce a draft of the No FAKES Act with the strongest possible protections for individuals. 

Read more: How The House's No AI FRAUD Act And Tenn.'s ELVIS Act Will Protect Human Creativity

"AI increasingly affects every single one of us," said GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Lainey Wilson during her testimony in front of the House Judiciary Committee during its GRAMMY weekend hearing. "We need artists to keep telling stories and connecting with fans and bringing people together authentically. We need to keep humanity in art — we cannot lose that. The No AI FRAUD Act is a great place to start."

Although AI technology holds promise, its rampant expansion without reasonable controls has resulted in real wage theft of working-class musicians and artists. We're rapidly headed toward a world of machine-made music and, worse, the disenfranchisement of millions of human music creators, the repercussions of which would be nothing short of catastrophic. The No AI FRAUD Act and its Senate counterpart establish that everyone's image, likeness and voice are federally protected and that they have the ability to enforce this right against misuse.

 "The bill [No AI FRAUD Act] establishes in federal law that an individual has a personal property right in the use of their image and voice. That's just common sense, and it is long overdue," said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. "The bill also empowers individuals to enforce this right against those who facilitate, create, and spread AI frauds without their permission." 

The risks of AI are also being addressed at the state level with new laws setting a precedent for national policy. The ELVIS Act (Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security,) signed into law in Tennessee on March 21, marked a historic milestone as the first legislation in the nation focused on safeguarding the core elements of artistic identity, including voice and likeness, in the context of AI. The Academy is also working closely with lawmakers in Illinois to update the state’s laws to better protect individuals from digital replicas. 

Protecting the image, likeness and voice of individual creators from AI fakes through legislative measures such as the No AI FRAUD Act in the House of Representatives and the Senate's No FAKES Act discussion draft are integral components to the Recording Academy's year-round mission. 

Live Event Ticketing Reform: Fans First Act & the TICKET Act

The human connection that forms between artists and fans through live music is at the heart of what makes music special. Today, that special connection between artists and fans is threatened by predatory online ticket resellers employing bot automation.

This year's Advocate Day will focus on reforming the live event ticket marketplace to better protect artists and fans through legislation including the Senate’s Fans First Act and a similar House bill, the TICKET Act. The Fans First Act is an active effort of this year's GRAMMY on the Hill political honorees, John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN.), who introduced the bill in 2023.

"We urge Congress to act on [the TICKET Act] quickly and continue its effort to protect both artists and fans by increasing transparency and limiting bad actors that take away from the joyous experience of live music," said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr.

Read more: Ticketing Reforms Make A Big Leap In Maryland: Here's What You Need To Know

Deceptive trade practices in live event ticketing hurt consumers, performers, and small businesses across the country. Artists want to protect their fans from bulk resellers, bots, and predatory practices, while stakeholders in the secondary market want to restrict the ability of artists to tour and sell tickets the way that they want.

The Fans First Act and the TICKET Act will introduce comprehensive reforms that safeguard consumers from fake tickets, price gouging, and other deceptive practices, provide transparency in ticket pricing, and restore integrity to the ticketing marketplace.

"While fans suffer because of this broken system, so do artists" declares a collective statement of support from the Fix the Tix Coalition, which includes the Recording Academy as a founding member. "Predatory resellers view tickets as nothing more than commodities to be traded for outrageous sums, throwing away the cultural and communal value they provide for our society. They exist to undermine the hard work, talent, and livelihoods of artists, inserting themselves as unnecessary and unwanted middlemen who make their money off the backs of the artists and venues who partner to make these events happen."

The Recording Academy is advocating for congress to listen to the artists on the stage and pass meaningful, bipartisan ticketing reforms that protect consumers, elevate creative economic development, and restore trust in the ticketing experience for fans and artists. In fact just this past week, more than 300 artists, including dozens of GRAMMY winners and Recording Academy members, sent a letter to Congress in support of passing the Fans First Act. 

The Recording Academy invites members to engage in one of our actions here with the hope of creating positive change in the music industry. For non-members, your support means the world. Please use your voice to advocate for the rights of creators' and fans on these key issues so we can all enjoy the music we love so much. 

House & Senate Take Critical Steps Toward Ticketing Reform: Learn How

The Recording Academy's annual GRAMMYs on the Hill will kick off Washington, D.C.'s biggest week in music on Tuesday, April 30, with the 2024 GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards, followed by Advocacy Day on Wednesday, May 1, and the first-ever Future Forum on Friday, May 3.

For more than two decades, the Recording Academy has returned to Washington, D.C., to advocate for equality, fairness and justice in music law and celebrate the intersection of music and politics by honoring congressional leaders and music creators who lead the fight for creators’ rights.

This year, the Recording Academy GRAMMYs on the Hill music honoree is nine-time GRAMMY winner Sheryl Crow. A powerhouse of activism and philanthropy, Crow co-founded the Recording Artists' Coalition in 2000 to champion creators' rights with previous GRAMMYs on the Hill honoree Don Henley. Her relentless advocacy efforts span congressional testimonies and artistic expressions like her recent song "Evolution," and her fervent support of a plethora of charitable causes.

The awards will also honor Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN.)

Cornyn and Klobuchar are the congressional honorees being recognized for their stalwart support of creators and their collaborative efforts championing key policies in support of the music community. Together, they have championed the Save Our Stages Act, which provided $16 billion to venues closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest ever U.S. federal investment in the arts. This year, they are working to reform live event ticketing through the Fans First Act. 

Read more: GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards 2024 Honorees Announced: Sheryl Crow, Sens. John Cornyn & Amy Klobuchar

As this year's GRAMMYs on the Hill draws near, discover all you need to know about the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards Dinner, Advocacy Day and Future Forum during Washington D.C.'s biggest week in music.

What Is GRAMMYs on the Hill?

GRAMMYs on the Hill is a three-day event consisting of the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards, Advocacy Day and this year's premiere event, the Future Forum. 

Over the course of these events, music creators come together with members of Congress to advocate for the passage of legislation that will further improve those rights while celebrating those who have been exceptional in their support of music maker's rights.

At the Awards Dinner, the Recording Academy honors an individual or group from the music industry who has used their reach to advocate for, and take positive action in support of, advancing creator's rights. These honorees have gone above and beyond fighting for their peers. Additionally, the Recording Academy honors two elected officials who have been leaders in advancing creator's rights by supporting legislation and passing policy that benefits music creators.

During GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day, the Recording Academy brings recent GRAMMY winners and nominees to Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress and their staff. Throughout the day, these artists utilize meeting time to tell their stories and urge congressional offices to take action on key issues facing the music community.  

This year, the Recording Academy is expanding GRAMMYs on the Hill to include one more day of programming on May 3 that will explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in music and its ethical implications and future applications. The inaugural GRAMMYs on the Hill Future Forum will explore one of the music industry’s most pressing topics today — the impact of artificial intelligence on human creativity and connection. Programming will include engaging panel discussions around leveraging the potential power of AI and the ethical and political implications of this new technology.

Who Are Some Past GRAMMYs on the Hill Honorees?

For over 20 years, GRAMMYs on the Hill has recognized the achievements of people making an impact on creator's rights. Past honorees include: 

Music icons: 

• 13-time GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams

• Five-time GRAMMY-winning duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

• Four-time GRAMMY Winner Yolanda Adams

• Two-time GRAMMY winner Garth Brooks

• 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys

• Three-time GRAMMY winning group Zac Brown Band

• Seven-time GRAMMY winner John Mayer

• Four-time GRAMMY winner Missy Elliot

• Four-time GRAMMY winner Keith Urban

• Three-time GRAMMY winner Kelly Clarkson

• Five-time GRAMMY winning group Lady A

• Three-time GRAMMY winner Gloria Estefan

Congressional Honorees: 

• Then-Vice President Joe Biden

• Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

• House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)

• Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

• Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)

• Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

• Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL)

• Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)

• Former Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT)

• Former Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)

• Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA)

What Has Advocacy Day Accomplished?

PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act: In 2022, the Recording Academy worked closely with our GRAMMYs on the Hill honorees, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) introduced the PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act in the House of Representatives. And shortly following meetings during GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Thom TIllis (R-NC) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

The bill, which directs the State Department to use music and music-related global exchange programs as a tool to build cross-cultural understanding and advanced peace abroad, was ultimately signed into law by President Biden in December 2022.

Music Modernization Act: In 2018, Rep. Bob Goodlatte brought the Music Modernization Act to the House floor during GRAMMYs on the Hill.

Throughout the Advocacy Day, our advocates met with congressional offices urging them to support this bill, which included provisions to improve compensation for songwriters, help pre-1972 legacy artists get paid by music streaming services, and recognize producers and engineers in music copyright protection. 

In the months following GRAMMYs on the Hill, the bill was unanimously passed by the House and Senate. On Oct. 11, 2018 the historic bill known as the Orrin G. Hatch–Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act (aka Music Modernization Act) was signed into law.

Who Do The GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards, Advocacy Day and Future Forum Benefit?

The GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards Dinner, sponsored by City National Bank, is a charitable event benefiting the GRAMMY Museum. The GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day and this year's Future Forum, in partnership with the Human Artistry Campaign, benefit the music industry and the public at large by advocating for their rights and interests.

What Will The Recording Academy Be Advocating For At This Year's GRAMMYs on the Hill?

• No AI FRAUD Act: Protecting the image, likeness and voice of individual creators from AI fakes through legislative measures such as the No AI FRAUD Act in the House of Representatives and the Senate’s No FAKES Act discussion draft. 

• Fans First Act: Reforming the live event ticket marketplace to better protect artists and fans through legislation including the Fans First Act and a similar House bill, the TICKET Act.

While the Recording Academy's Advocacy Team tirelessly tackles these critical issues throughout the year, this year's Advocacy Day and Future Forum serve as a significant and impactful continuation of these ongoing legislative efforts.

Be sure to stay engaged for opportunities to participate remotely during this year's GRAMMYs on the Hill.

Ticketing Reforms Make A Big Leap In Maryland: Here's What You Need To Know

Last week, spanning from Springfield to Sacramento, the Recording Academy continued to empower artists and creators through impactful state Advocacy Days. These Advocacy Days highlighted the Academy's unwavering commitment to championing legislative measures that protect and favor artists in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

In Springfield, Illinois, Recording Academy members from the Chicago Chapter convened with members of the Illinois General Assembly to address pressing concerns surrounding the misuse of individuals likeness in the age of generative artificial intelligence.

Central to the discussion was the proposed legislation, HB 4875/SB 3325, which aims to modernize Illinois's Right of Publicity law to specifically address the challenges artists face from AI-generated creations. Since the legislation's introduction the Recording Academy has been a staunch advocate for HB 4875/SB 3325 and how it establishes key safeguards and enforcement mechanisms to ensure an individual's identity is not misappropriated.

Just 24 hours after Advocacy Day in Illinois, the legislation swiftly passed the House by a vote of 79-24 and is now headed to the Senate. Should it be enacted into law, Illinois would become the second state in the nation to proactively protect creators from having their likeness misused by generative AI, setting a vital precedent for other states and the federal government to follow suit. The Recording Academy's advocacy efforts in Springfield reflect a broader commitment to fostering an environment where artists can thrive without fear of exploitation or infringement.

Meanwhile, across the country in Sacramento, California, Recording Academy members from the San Francisco and Los Angeles Chapters joined California for the Arts for its annual Arts Advocacy Day, amplifying their voices in support of legislation that empowers creators and protects their interests. In addition to advocating for robust support for the arts and arts-related funding, among the bills discussed were AB2602 and AB1836, which tackle critical issues ranging from informed consent regarding the use of digital likeness to posthumous protections for deceased individuals.

AB2602 represents a significant step forward in empowering creators by granting them greater control over their digital identity. By requiring informed consent in contracts or negotiations involving digital likeness, the bill promotes transparency and fairness, ensuring that creators retain agency over how their likeness is represented and utilized.

Similarly, AB1836 addresses a glaring gap in California's current Right of Publicity law by extending protections to include deceased creators. In an era dominated by AI-generated replicas, safeguarding individuals' likeness from unauthorized use, even after death, is paramount to preserving their legacy and protecting their families' interests.

As Recording Academy members continue to advocate tirelessly on behalf of artists nationwide, these advocacy days serve as a reminder of the Academy's pivotal role in shaping legislation that fosters a more equitable and supportive environment for creators. By working with creators and amplifying their collective voice, the Academy is effecting meaningful change and paving the way for a brighter future for the music community.

The New York State Senate Passes Bill to Protect Creative Expression: Here's What You Need To Know

On Tuesday, April 30, the Recording Academy will host its annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards, Washington's premier annual celebration of music and advocacy, bringing together congressional leaders and music makers to recognize those who have led the fight for creators' rights. 

Sponsored by City National Bank and benefitting the GRAMMY Museum, this year's awards will honor nine-time GRAMMY winner Sheryl Crow and Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) for their contributions to support music creators. Hosted by singer and actress Candiace Dillard Bassett, the awards dinner will be held at the Hamilton Live in Washington, D.C., and will feature live performances and special guests. 

"Protecting the rights of creators lies at the core of the Recording Academy's mission," said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. "GRAMMYs on the Hill is an opportunity to celebrate the artists and our nation's leaders who champion this cause, and to acknowledge music's unifying power. We're grateful to Sheryl and Sens. Cornyn and Klobuchar for their tireless efforts in safeguarding the music community and are thrilled to be recognizing them later this month in our nation's capital."

"Receiving this award from the Recording Academy is a tremendous honor for me, because protecting the rights of creators is more important now than ever before,” said Crow. “In this age where technology is changing the world faster than we can adapt, we need clear eyes to see both the opportunities and the challenges ahead, so that artists are not disadvantaged any more than they already are. Music nourishes our humanity, and I am proud to be recognized as an advocate for the protection of the people who make it."

"As a Texan, a love of live music is in my blood, and I've been proud to lead the charge on legislation that helps artists, entertainers, and venues meet the needs of their fans, including the Save Our Stages Act and the Fans First Act," said Sen. Cornyn. "I want to thank the Recording Academy for honoring me, and I look forward to continue to work on behalf of performers and fans across Texas and the nation."  

 "It's an honor to be recognized by the Recording Academy, an organization that uplifts performers, songwriters, and other music professionals in our country," said Sen. Klobuchar. "Music has the power to bring us together and it is something we can never take for granted. That’s why I fought to pass the bipartisan Save Our Stages Act with Senator Cornyn to ensure independent arts venues survived the pandemic, and why we are working together to improve the ticketing experience with the Fans First Act. There's nothing like live music and concerts, and I remain committed to ensuring artists can continue to share their music with the fans who love it." 

Crow has dedicated much of her life to activism, supporting policies and philanthropic endeavors close to her heart. In 2000, she co-founded the Recording Artists' Coalition with previous GRAMMYs on the Hill honoree Don Henley to protect creators' rights and change unfair industry practices. Her advocacy for artists and songwriters continued through congressional testimony, editorials, artist petitions, and more. In 2009, the Recording Artists' Coalition formed an alliance with the Recording Academy to continue its mission as a program within the Academy's Advocacy office. Recently, she has been vocal about the threat that AI presents to music creators, including on her new song "Evolution," which grapples with the future impact of artificial intelligence on humanity and the planet. As a philanthropist, Crow is known for her passionate support of multiple charities, including MusiCares, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The World Food Program, Feeding America, ADOPT A CLASSROOM, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Pelotonia, the Delta Children's Home and many other worthy causes. 

Read more: How The Recording Academy Is Redoubling Its Efforts To Protect Creators From AI Risks

Crow is a nine-time GRAMMY winner and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. Her first nine studio albums have sold 35 million copies worldwide; seven charted in the Top 10, and five were certified for multi-platinum sales. Her songs defined the third wave of feminism, a rocker's ability to sweep the pop charts without losing any edge and enough wide-open Midwestern joy to captivate the world.

Cornyn and Klobuchar are the congressional honorees being recognized for their stalwart support of creators and their collaborative efforts championing key policies in support of the music community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sens. Cornyn and Klobuchar provided a critical lifeline for music through the Save Our Stages Act, which provided $16 billion in federal assistance to shuttered venues and represents the largest federal investment in the arts in U.S. history. In this Congress, they are working to reform live event ticketing through the Fans First Act. Introduced in December 2023, the legislation would address flaws in the ticketing marketplace by increasing transparency, protecting consumers from deceptive practices, and holding bad actors accountable. 

The day after the event, on May 1, the Recording Academy will host the annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day, which brings current and past GRAMMY winners and nominees, along with other esteemed industry leaders, to meet with lawmakers to discuss issues facing today's music creators. The day is recognized as Capitol Hill's largest and most prestigious legislative event for music. This year, music creators will convene with members of Congress to advance key issues that the Academy and its members continue to advocate for, including: 

• Protecting the image, likeness and voice of individual creators from AI fakes through legislative measures such as the No AI FRAUD Act and the No FAKES Act discussion draft.

• Reforming the live event ticket marketplace to better protect artists and fans through legislation including the Fans First Act and the TICKET Act.

For the first time in 2024, GRAMMYs on the Hill will expand beyond the traditional two-day event to reflect Music's Biggest Week in Washington. On May 3, the GRAMMYs on the Hill Future Forum will be held in partnership with the Human Artistry Campaign, and will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on the music community.

Since its inception, GRAMMYs on the Hill has hosted award-winning artists and applauded congressional leaders alike, including 13-time GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams, then-Vice President Joe Biden, two-time GRAMMY winner Garth Brooks, former United States Secretary of State and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), four-time GRAMMY winner Missy Elliott, former Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), 28-time GRAMMY winner Quincy Jones, seven-time GRAMMY winner John Mayer, former Speakers of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), 16-time GRAMMY Winner Alicia Keys, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and more. The annual advocacy event has also led to several major legislative wins for the music industry, most notably the Music Modernization Act. 

Ticketing Reforms Make A Big Leap In Maryland: Here's What You Need To Know