"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.
Will the Academy ever reveal vote counts in Grammy voting? The idea isn't off the table.
Gracie Abrams, G Flip, Moore Kismet and Paul Klein from LANY will be this year's guest artists.
Two HBCUs will also receive a $10,000 grant each for equipment for their music programs.
