RECORDING ACADEMY TAPS ADVOCATES

Sax player/singer Mindi Abair and writer/producer Harvey Mason Jr. have been appointed co-chairs of the Recording Academy’s National Advocacy Committee, whose immediate focus is ensuring that the Senate passes the Music Modernization Act. The Committee is also focused on encouraging participation from the music community in the Academy’s annual District Advocate day, which will take place on 10/24 in congressional districts across the country.

ʺMusic creators have witnessed the transformation of the music industry, and they deserve a seat at the table,ʺ Academy topper Neil Portnow proclaimed in the 8/16 announcement. ʺThey want their voices to be heard when decisions are being made that impact their careers and livelihood, and they know that 2018 is proving to be a landmark legislative year for them. The knowledge these leading creators bring ensures the Committee will continue to be an effective advocate for the next generation, while working to improve everyday lives of today’s music creators.”

Abair and Mason’s fellow committee members are Sue Ennis, Lalah Hathaway, Booker T. Jones and Nile Rodgers; Board of Trustees Chair John Poppo, Portnow; and Academy lobbyist Daryl P. Friedman serve as ex-officio members.

Following the unanimous passage of the House version, H.R. 5447, with Senate companion bill S. 2823, having received bipartisan support within the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, the MMA awaits a vote before the Senate, expected within the coming months.