"Many members of Congress have no idea that there are people making music in their own backyard," says Todd Dupler, the Recording Academy’s chief advocacy & public policy officer.
Quincy Jones received the inaugural Peace Through Music Award from the State Department and The Recording Academy.
Nearly 2,000 Academy members took part in the event last year.
"Not everyone has the same path to success," says Jessie Allen, who was a member of the first Grammy U class in 2006 and has headed the program for the past 2-1/2 years.
The inaugural recipient was "Baraye" by Iranian singer/songwriter Shervin Hajipour.
Dues submitted on or before July 31 will reflect the old rate. And a "hardship" exception will continue, says Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr.
The Recording Academy plainly spells out what is permitted -- and what isn't.
However, he added, no Grammys or nominations will be given to the AI portions.
Launched by Reps. Ted W. Lieu and Ben Cline, the bi-partisan caucus will focus on policies that benefit independent songwriters and intellectual property concerns.
The program will kick off in eight key cities, including hip-hop hubs New York and Los Angeles/Compton.
