The GRAMMY Awards recognize excellence in music each year, but the Recording Academy works year-round to advocate on behalf of the music creators its membership represents. It is a pillar of the Recording Academy to involve music makers in the fight for policy changes on Capitol Hill, and each year thousands of Academy members advocate for creators’ rights.
In honor of Sunday's 62nd GRAMMY Awards, we applaud a handful of current nominees who have joined the fight for creators' rights… with one extra bonus surprise!
Yolanda Adams
Four-time GRAMMY-winning gospel artist Yolanda Adams has a proven track record as an activist for creators. As a result of her advocacy, Adamswas honored with the Academy’s Creators Leadership Award in 2019 at GRAMMYs on the Hill Most recently, Adams participated in District Advocate Day by meeting with Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) this past fall. This year, Adams seeks her fifth career GRAMMY, as she's up for Best Gospel Performance/Song for "Talkin' Bout Jesus," her collaboration with the great Gloria Gaynor.
Danny Gokey
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song and Album nominee Danny Gokey is no stranger to the cause of creators' rights. Gokey attended 2018’s GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards dinner to show his support for music makers. This year, his album Haven't Seen It Yet and its title track seek to earn him his first career GRAMMY win.
Little Big Town
Country hit squad Little Big Town were honored at the 2018 GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards dinner. The band, who is currently nominated for the Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "The Daughters," entertained the enthusiastic Washington crowd with a few of their greatest hits. The dinner was held as an opportunity to push for the Music Modernization Act, which passed later that year.
PJ Morton
Versatile R&B artist PJ Morton is not only nominated for three GRAMMYs, but he has also served as an advocate for years. Morton most recently participated in 2019’s District Advocate Day by meeting with House Minority Whip Steve Scalise’s (R-La.) office to support the passage of the CASE Act and to advocate for a legislative solution that would close the loophole the doesn’t require terrestrial radio to pay a performance royalty. Also a member of Maroon 5, Morton has attended previous GRAMMYs on the Hill advocacy days and has called on lawmakers to pass creator friendly legislation.
Rodney Jerkins
Legendary producer Rodney Jerkins, who tallied up his 14th and 15th GRAMMY nomination this year for his work on H.E.R.’s “Hard Place,” has also contributed to the Academy’s Advocacy activations over the years. Jerkins has attended multiple GRAMMYs on the Hill and has met with legislators to provide his firsthand testimonial about the positive impact creator-friendly legislation can create on the industry.
Bonus Advocate: Alicia Keys
Fifteen-time GRAMMY-winner and this year’s host Alicia Keys was the recipient of the Recording Academy’s Coalition Award in 2015 for her artistry, philanthropy and her passion for creators’ rights. Keys was honored at the ceremony by former First Lady Michelle Obama, who is also nominated for a GRAMMY Award this year.
We salute all the nominees and thank those who have lent their voice to the fight for creators' rights. Together, we can achieve a more fair system for all to ensure future music makers can sustain a living and continue to contribute to our economy and our culture.
Be sure to catch the 62nd GRAMMY Awards, broadcast live on CBS, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
