‘Grammys on the Hill’ Highlights Recording Arts Day

Posted in News on September 8, 2006

BMI partnered with the Recording Academy in presenting "Grammys on the Hill" at a gala ceremony held at the legendary Willard Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., just steps from the White House. The agenda: recognize the contributions of members of Congress -- on both sides of the aisle -- who have championed the issues of America's songwriters, composers, recording artists and music professionals.

BMI's Fred Cannon, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY) and BMI's Robbin Ahrold at the Congressional recording session in the Cannon House Office Bldg. Rep. Crowley helped host the event and performed as a member of the "Congressional House Band."

Honored at the event were California Senator Diane Feinstein and Florida Representative Mark Foley, as well as Grammy-winning artist Kelly Clarkson, who devoted time over the past year to the Academy's "What's the Download" anti-piracy program, and Minneapolis' Brooklyn Center High School Band, which had been selected as an outstanding music program for the Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Award.

BMI's Fred Cannon and NMPA President David Israelite

Earlier in the day, Academy officers from around the country met with dozens of members of Congress to talk about several pressing challenges in safeguarding their property and livelihoods, including international piracy via the Internet, and the need for domestic regulations of satellite-delivered radio download services. To demonstrate the hard work that goes into making a record, Clarkson and her bandmates performed a live recording session in a Congressional hearing room on Capitol Hill.

BMI's Del Bryant, Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), legendary r&b singer/songwriter David Porter, Congresswoman Betty McCullum (D-MN) and BMI's Fred Cannon

Leading the BMI delegation were BMI President & CEO Del Bryant and Government Affairs Sr. Vice President Fred Cannon. "This marks the sixth year BMI has partnered with the Recording Academy to host this event," said Bryant. "By joining with the Academy, we are able to show Congress that the entire industry speaks with a single voice in support of our intellectual property, and in recognition of those members who help us fight the battle to protect it. As the digital age brings huge telecommunications and technology conglomerates into our business, we are struggling with an unprecedented series of IP issues, and we rely on our Congressional friends more than ever before."