Washington D.C. (Top40 Charts/ Recording Academy) The Recording Academy (www.grammy.com), known internationally for the annual 0GRAMMY Awards, announced that Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and eight-time GRAMMY winner and Recording Artists' Coalition co-founder
Don Henley will be honored at its 10th Annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards for their commitment to improving the environment for the nation's music community. Henley will receive the inaugural "Recording Artists' Coalition Award" for his work advancing the rights of music creators.
The ceremony, dubbed "Washington's most interesting mix of music and politics," will take place on Wednesday, April 13, in Washington, D.C., at the Liaison Capitol Hill hotel with special guest presenters and performers to help recognize the achievements of Biden, Corker and Henley.
"GRAMMYs on the Hill gives us the opportunity to spotlight political and musical leaders for their tireless work advocating for the rights of music makers, and this year's honorees are exceptional," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "Through his leadership in the Senate and the White House, Vice President Biden has led the effort in promoting artists' rights and protecting intellectual property; as the co-sponsor of the Performance Rights Act and PRO-IP Act, Senator Corker truly understands the importance of a legitimate music marketplace; and as one of the most respected and socially conscious artists, Don Henley is an inspiration to his community and the world."
About Vice President Joe Biden
Since his election as Vice President, Joe Biden has maintained the same commitment to intellectual property rights that was a hallmark of his career in the Senate. As Vice President, Biden leads the Administration's efforts in promoting the U.S. creative industries as an economic engine at home and as a key source of exports. While serving as a senator from Delaware for 36 years, Biden served for 14 years as both the Chairman and Senior Democrat of the Senate Judiciary Committee. During those years of music's momentous transition to a digital economy, Senator Biden championed tremendous support for the music community.
About Senator Bob Corker
Sen. Bob Corker has represented the state of Tennessee since 2006. With his state's renown as a major music center of the world, it is no surprise that Corker has been a consistent champion of music creators and intellectual property rights. Most recently, Corker was an original co-sponsor of the Performance Rights Act, legislation that seeks to ensure fair compensation for performers when their music is played on the radio. He has also backed legislation, such as the PRO-IP Act, to increase penalties for trademark and copyright infringement. He has worked closely with the copyright industries to find ways to curb piracy and promote a legitimate music marketplace.
About Don Henley
Don Henley is internationally known as a musician, philanthropist and activist. As a founding member of the Eagles, he wrote and recorded some of the great American anthems for one of the most successful bands in history, followed by a productive solo career. He has earned a combined eight GRAMMY Awards. As founder of the Walden Woods Project and co-founder of the Caddo Lake Institute, he has been at the leading edge of environmental causes and protection of natural resources. At GRAMMYs on the Hill, Henley will be honored for his work with the Recording Artists' Coalition, which he co-founded with Sheryl Crow in 2000. They established the nonprofit advocacy organization to protect artists' rights and change unfair industry practices. Through editorials, public speaking and congressional testimony, Henley championed the rights of recording artists in the California legislature and Congress. In 2009, the Recording Artists' Coalition formed an alliance with The Recording Academy to continue its mission as a program of The Academy's Advocacy & Government Relations office.
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. 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. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thegrammys), Twitter (www.twitter.com/thegrammys), and YouTube (www.youtube.com/thegrammys).
