News & Blog

The Grammys are nothing compared to...

You know the Grammys, right? Once a year, the hottest music stars perform and are showered with awards.

But did you know that the Grammys are only a tiny part of The Recording Academy? I am a longtime member of the Academy for reasons you may not know about.

Helping One Another
When musicians are in trouble - can't pay medical bills, can't pay electric bills or rent, can't deal with substance abuse issues - The Recording Academy helps through MusiCares. And when I say musicians, I don't mean Recording Academy members. I mean musicians, the men and women of the world who are making a living (great or small) playing music - members or not. Right now, MusiCares is helping flood victims in Nashville, not to mention countless others, some of whom I know personally, who have found themselves in tight spots.

Being a part of The Recording Academy allows me to help out fellow musicians that I couldn't otherwise help. I'm part of something larger than myself that can reach out and make a difference.

Watchdog on Capitol Hill
I write and perform music. I'm not a political genius, I hate politics. I'm not a lobbyist, nor could I afford one. But the Advocacy & Government Relations office works to protect the rights of the creative community on Capitol Hill. Most recently, they are concentrating on radio performance royalties to create a fair performance right. They are also working to ensure wireless microphones are protected from interference, and on expanding health insurance access for artists.

Being a part of The Recording Academy is my way of making sure my/our rights are protected now and in the future.

Kids need music
I believe that kids need music. They need to be exposed to people who create music and they need to have the opportunity to create music for themselves. I also believe that they should be encouraged to continue playing/creating music outside of their structured school environment. The Recording Academy's Grammy In The Schools program provides amazing opportunities for students to be involved in the music community and to be recognized for their musical achievements.

Being a part of The Recording Academy makes me excited about the next generation of musicians.

Who should join?
People who work in the music industry. I know artists, producers, engineers, songwriters, agents, attorneys, promoters, photographers, graphic designers...
I belong to the Memphis Chapter. We serve Memphis and the Mid-South throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri. If you fall within that area, we'd love to have you as a member.

So, how much does it cost?
Membership is $100/yr. Yeah, it's hard to find $100 each year. But I do it. Because I know it brings help to people who need it, protects rights I need now and in the future, and it keeps our kids involved in music.

When I think of it that way, I find the money and I stay involved.

Want to be a part of it?
Yes? Thank you - from me and all the folks you're going to help this year. Click here to join The Recording Academy via www.grammy365.com.

Not sure yet? That's fair. Maybe you'll learn more online - OR - maybe you'll join me next week, Tuesday, July 13th, 2010, for a mixer at the Memphis Music Foundation's Musicians Resource Center (431 S. Main St., Memphis, TN) around 6pm. Meet Recording Academy members and talk with them, ask questions. Find out why they joined. Then decide.

Bottom Line...
I want you to know about The Recording Academy and all of the wonderful things they are responsible for outside of the Grammy awards. I'm proud to be a part of it. Nobody asked me to post this. I don't get anything for doing it. I just want you to know why I'm involved in case you want to be involved, too.

Thanks for reading. I appreciate it.