WHASINGTON, DC. (Top40 Charts/ MusicFIRST Coalition) - Multi-platinum singer/songwriter
Jewel joined the musicFIRST (Fairness in
Radio Starting Today) Coalition. In doing so, she joins nearly 200 founding artists urging members of Congress to support the "Performance Rights Act of 2007."
"I am absolutely in favor of artists getting paid when radio plays our music. My band members work really hard, and I've always thought that it's unfair that these huge radio companies don't pay us anything, even though their whole business is based on playing our songs! I'm proud to say that I'm a member of musicFIRST, and am grateful to all the member of Congress and Senators who are supporting the bills," said Jewel, a three-time GRAMMY nominee.
The musicFIRST Coalition, comprised of 12 music community organizations and almost 200 founding artists, has been successful since its launch in June 2007. In late December 2007, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representatives Howard Berman (D-CA) and Darrell Issa (R-CA) jointly introduced the "Performance Rights Act" (S. 2500 and H.R. 4789).
"For too long corporate radio has made money on the backs of hardworking artists and performers," said Tod Donhauser, spokesperson for the musicFIRST Coalition. "We are honored to have Jewel join us in the fight for a fair performance right for all artists – from aspiring performers and local musicians, to well-known artists and legacy artists."
