Recording Academy brings back advocacy event Grammys on the Hill to Washington, DC on Sept. 22 to honour Jam & Lewis, Reps. Ted Dutch and Michael McCaul

By Emmanuel Legrand

The Recording Academy, which organises the Grammy Awards, is bringing back its advocacy event Grammys on the Hill to Washington, DC as an in-person event to be held on September 22, 2021. 

 The event gathers congressional leaders and music makers and through its awards, it recognises those who have led the fight for creators' rights. This year's honourees include songwriters and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, as well as Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) and Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas).

  "The pandemic has shown us just how crucial it is for the Academy and Congress to work together to find equitable solutions that protect the music community," said Harvey Mason jr. (pictured, below), CEO of the Recording Academy. "We're thrilled to celebrate the legislators and artists who have improved the environment for creators with the return of Grammys on the Hill — a celebration of the music community and Congress coming together to achieve policy advancements in the name of music."

Contributions to creators' rights

  Added Mason: "To have Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Representatives Deutch and McCaul join us at the 20th anniversary of the event is truly an honour, and we're looking forward to recognising their invaluable contributions made toward the fight for creators' rights."

 

  Deutch and McCaul are recognised "for their stalwart support of creators, especially in the past year when many in the industry lost income and needed help." Jam & Lewis – who have worked with such artists as  Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Boyz II Men – will be celebrated for they 40-year career. 

  Deutch is lead Democratic sponsor for the American Music Fairness Act, which introduces performance royalties on sound recordings when played by radio stations, while McCaul has co-sponsored legislation like the Help Independent Tracks Succeed Act (HITS Act), which updates the federal tax code to bring in line music production with other industries and create parity. 

Honouring creators and policy-makers

  Sponsored by City National Bank, this year's awards will take place at the Hamilton, with live performances from the musical honorees and additional special guests. 

  Previous honourees include artists such as Quincy Jones, John Mayer, Yolanda Adams, Garth Brooks, Missy Elliott, among others, as well as policy -makers such as then Vice President Joe Biden, former United States Secretary of State and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), former Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), former Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and more.