Country music legend Randy Travis made a poignant appearance before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet on Wednesday, advocating for the American Music Fairness Act. This proposed legislation aims to ensure that radio stations pay royalties to performing artists for the use of their work, a practice that has long been in place for songwriters but not for performers.
Travis, a seven-time Grammy Award-winner, has been unable to speak or sing since suffering a debilitating stroke in 2013. Accompanied by his wife, Mary Travis, he listened intently as she testified on his behalf. Mary Travis passionately argued that radio stations should compensate performers for their contributions, highlighting the financial struggles they have faced since Randy’s stroke.
“What would sheet music sound like without a voice, and what would radio sound like without a song?” Mary Travis asked the lawmakers. She emphasized that since her husband’s stroke, they have relied heavily on his streaming royalties for income, survival, and long-term care. “This piece of legislation is essential to correct a 100-year-old issue regarding artists and non-payment for their work performed on the most prominent music platform in America, one of which they helped to build and sustain,” she added.
The American Music Fairness Act, currently under debate, would require AM/FM radio stations to pay royalties to performers when their songs are played on the air. This is a significant shift from the current practice, where only songwriters receive royalties. Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., supported the bill, stating that it is “long past time for performance to be fairly compensated.” He noted that the traditional benefit to performers from radio airplay has diminished as music consumption has shifted from buying albums to streaming individual songs.
Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., echoed this sentiment, pointing out the drastic changes in the music industry. “After hearing a song, listeners who like it could head to their nearest music store to buy the whole album. There was a clear benefit to both parties, the station and the performer,” he said. “But if you look at American towns today, you won’t see music stores at the mall and no CD sections at your local big box store.”
Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange, also testified in favor of the bill. “Creators deserve to get paid, no matter where their music is played,” he asserted. Huppe criticized the current system, stating, “AM/FM radio has been stealing the music. Why? Because the broadcasters hide behind the outdated concept of promotion. Which is ironic, given that 72% of music on the radio today is not even new music.”
Huppe further argued that other industries, such as film and sports, require licenses for promotional use, and music should be no different. “You must obtain a license to make a movie based on a book. You must get the rights for Major League Baseball to broadcast a Nationals game. These are both clearly promotional,” he said. “Why should music be any different?”
In addition to advocating for radio royalties, Mary Travis also addressed the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the music industry. She highlighted Randy Travis’s recent release of a new song, “Where That Came From,” which utilized AI technology to create the vocals. This marked his first musical release since his stroke. “Artificial Intelligence … I call it artistic intelligence because it enabled Randy to release a new song utilizing AI in its most authentic and artistic way,” she explained.
However, Mary Travis also warned of the potential dangers of AI. “This is good, but there is bad no, there’s terrible AI out there,” she cautioned. “And it’s increasing exponentially daily.” She urged lawmakers to protect legacy artists and ensure a prosperous future for the next generation of artists.
The hearing also featured testimonies from other industry leaders, including Curtis LeGeyt, President and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, and Eddie Harrell Jr., Regional Vice President and General Manager of Radio One, Inc., Cleveland. The discussion centered on the need to modernize copyright laws and address the longstanding inequities faced by performers.
Mary Travis concluded her testimony with a heartfelt plea to the committee. “It’s time to do right by the ones that created that sound, that melody, that emotion that keeps the listeners coming back and the advertisers buying into radio,” she said. “Passing the American Music Fairness Act would make many old wrongs, finally, right.”
The American Music Fairness Act has garnered support from various artists and industry stakeholders. In a recent op-ed published by Rolling Stone, rapper Master P also championed the bill, urging Congress to pass it. “It’s time for change, and we all have a part to play,” he wrote. “We recently launched a new effort to help elevate the grassroots voices of artists and their allies, and ensure our voices are heard by the people with the power to finally fix this injustice.”
As the debate continues, the music industry and its supporters remain hopeful that the American Music Fairness Act will bring long-overdue justice to performers, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their contributions to the world of music.
Source: UPI, Rolling Stone
