(The following is a transcript of Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow's remarks on the 58th GRAMMY Awards telecast. Portnow was joined by GRAMMY winner Common and 58th GRAMMY nominee Joey Alexander.)

Neil Portnow: We live in challenging times. Here's what we in the creative community know: We cannot let anything stop us from making our music — not the lack of funding for music in our schools, not business practices that don't pay music creators fairly, and not violence at a concert hall in Paris — or anywhere.

Common: As an artist I know how much heart and soul we put into our music, and how much we give of ourselves to create the art that will connect with you. We have to ensure that the work of these gifted artists is truly valued so that our industry not only survives, but thrives for our next generation. Speaking of which, here's this year's youngest GRAMMY nominee: 12-year-old Joey Alexander.

[Performance by GRAMMY nominee Joey Alexander]

Portnow: Wow, Joey, that was incredible. I actually remember being around Joey's age when I first learned to play guitar. And while not exactly GRAMMY caliber, my passion for music thankfully got me to this stage too. It's that passion and GRAMMY-winning talent that also brought my friend Common here too.

Common: Thank you Neil. I'm proud to be here to thank the thousands of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all those behind the scenes who dedicate their lives to making great music and deserve to make a living doing it.

Portnow: So what is hearing your favorite song worth to you? Well, it’s priceless, of course. But what would you think all of those talented people who create that music should earn? Would anybody ever say it's only worth a penny? Well, it might surprise you to know that when you stream a song, all the people who created that music collectively get paid a small fraction of a penny. Isn't a song worth more than a penny?

Listen, we all love the convenience and we support technologies like streaming, which connect us to that music. But we also have to make sure that creators and artists like Joey grow up in a world where making music is a viable career.

Common: So tonight, my comrades of The Recording Academy would like to thank the fans who support our work by going to a concert, subscribing to a music service, collecting vinyl, or speaking out for artists' rights.

Portnow: Yes, the show must go on, because we can't let anything stop us from making our music — for all of you.