‘Grammys on the Hill’ Gala Lauds Music Advocates

The Recording Academy hosted the 7th annual “Grammys on the Hill” dinner gala, which recognizes the achievements of legislators and artists who have campaigned to improve the environment for the music community. BMI is a founding sponsor of the event, held September 5 at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington.

Pictured (l-r): BMI’s John Cody and Fred Cannon, Chuck Blackburn, Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

Honored guests included Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), a staunch supporter for music education; Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), a protector of intellectual property; and Grammy-winning artist/producer Quincy Jones. In addition, the Academy bestowed the Chesnee High School of Chesnee, South Carolina with the Grammy Foundation Signature School Award for its outstanding commitment to music education.

Pictured (l-r): Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), BMI’s John Cody, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), BMI’s Fred Cannon.

BMI songwriter/artists Chuck Brown, BeBe Winans and CeCe Winans were among the performers taking part in a musical salute to the honorees.

Pictured (l-r): Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), BMI’s Fred Cannon and John Cody , the Smithsonian’s John Hesse, BMI’s Robbin Ahrold and Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC).

“BMI is proud to partner with the Recording Academy each year in honoring lawmakers for their efforts in supporting the music community,” noted Fred Cannon, BMI Senior Vice President, Government Relations. “Their support is vital in helping our industry enrich both the cultural and economic climates in the United States and abroad.”

Pictured (l-r): The Songwriters Guild’s Rick Carnes, BMI’s John Cody, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Victoria Reggie Kennedy and BMI’s Fred Cannon.