When Garth Brooks announced he was “coming out of retirement” no one would have guessed he meant in the halls of Congress.
By: Tommy McFLY
Garth Brooks
The actual comeback will happen in Vegas at the Wynn Encore, but we still get Garth for a few days in DC as he’s honored by the GRAMMYs. The GRAMMYs on the Hill is one of the most random and fantastic mixes of music and politics. In years past the GRAMMY awards have honored musicians such as Quincy Jones and Kelly Clarkson while tipping their hat to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Orrin Hatch, Congressman Steny Hoyer and the late Senator Ted Kennedy. This year at an event at the Liaison Capitol Hill hotel Garth Brooks, the number one most selling solo artist in US History, will be recognized along with Majority Whip Senator Dick Durbin and Darrell Issa from California. “This year’s honorees truly define leadership, and GRAMMYs on the Hill gives us the opportunity to thank our political and musical leaders for their work to advance the rights of music makers,” noted Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow.
The GRAMMYs on the Hill awards are followed by a day of lobbying when hundreds of music professionals descend on Capitol Hill. The mission will be to promote “advancing pro-music policies that improve the environment for music and its makers.” After a day of hoofing it from Hart, to Dirksen, to Russell, and back the festivities culminate with a Musical Event on Capitol Hill chocked full of special guests. Past surprises have included Gloria Estefan, BeBe Winans, and honoree Kelly Clarkson.
Check out all the philanthropic work the GRAMMY foundation performs year round.
The GRAMMYS on the Hill – April 14 & 15th 2010
