WASHINGTON, DC. (Top40 Charts/ Recording Academy) - Legendary artist and producer
Quincy Jones - 27-time GRAMMY winner and 50th Celebration Ambassador for The Recording Academy - will headline a day of music advocacy as part of The Academy's GRAMMYs on The Hill activities in the nation's capital on Wednesday, Sept. 5, it was announced today by The Recording Academy. Events will include a unique afternoon jam session with GRAMMY-winning artist Keb' Mo' and members of Congress. Later that evening at an awards gala, Jones will be honored for his lifelong contributions to American music, and honorees Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) will be recognized for their legislative support of the arts and music creators.
Among the luminaries joining Keb' Mo' to salute the honorees will be four-time GRAMMY winner and Recording Academy Chair Jimmy Jam, Academy President Neil Portnow, nine-time GRAMMY winner Ray Benson (of Asleep At The Wheel), "Godfather of Go-Go" Chuck Brown, GRAMMY-winning songwriter Brett James ("Jesus Take The Wheel"), country superstar John Rich (of Big & Rich), four-time GRAMMY winner BeBe Winans and seven-time GRAMMY winner CeCe Winans.
"GRAMMYs on the Hill connects top music makers - from singers and songwriters to producers and engineers - with members of Congress in Washington to shed light on the effect music has in enriching our lives," said Portnow. "This year, as part of our 50th Celebration activities, we will highlight the importance of music preservation and education so that it continues to thrive in our culture for years to come."
Throughout the day, more than 120 music professionals from across the country will come to Washington to speak to legislators about promoting policies that improve the environment for music and its makers. Earlier in the day on Capitol Hill, the GRAMMY Foundation will showcase its programs with a special performance by Keb' Mo', who will jam with members of the Recording Arts and Sciences Congressional Caucus (the "Congressional GRAMMY Band" - a group of musician members of Congress who have informally jammed at previous Academy advocacy events) in the Cannon House Office Building Caucus Room on Capitol Hill (Independence St. and New Jersey St., SE).
That evening, GRAMMYs on the Hill will move to the ballroom of the Willard Inter-Continental Hotel (1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.) for its 7th annual gala dinner where The Recording Academy will honor Jones, Sen. Kennedy and Rep. Blackburn. Chesnee High School of South Carolina will receive the GRAMMY Foundation's Signature School Award and Scholarship for its outstanding commitment to music education.
GRAMMYs on the Hill Events - Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007
1 - 2 p.m. Music Preservation Event with Keb' Mo'
Cannon Caucus Room, Capitol Hill
6:30 - 10:30 p.m. GRAMMYs on the Hill Gala (Cocktail Reception, Silent Auction, Dinner and Tribute Performances) Honoring Quincy Jones, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and Rep. Marsha Blackburn
The Ballroom of the Willard Inter-Continental Hotel
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards - the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music - The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.
