Each year, the structure of the Recording Academy undergoes ambitious changes to showcase diversity and inclusion as well as the enthusiasms of qualified music influencers. Its National Board of Trustees team gets 19 new and familiar additions for its 2022-2023 term.
PJ Morton, whose new album Watch The Sun dropped in April, rejoins as a National Trustee. At this year’s Grammy Awards, he received his fourth statuette when Jon Batiste’s album We Are won Album of the Year.
But, most impressive, Morton has carried home a Grammy for four consecutive years. In 2019, he accepted the Best Traditional R&B Performance award for “How Deep Is Your Love,” featuring Yebba.
John Legend returns as National Trustes. His reappointment comes on the heels of his new single “Dope,” featuring JID. The news also comes behind him receiving the Global Impact Award from the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective (BMC).
Legend, an EGOT winner, has been awarded 12 Grammys, dating back to 2006. At the 48th ceremony, he picked up three honors, including Best New Artist. His most recent victory was in 2021 when Bigger Love netted Legend his third Best R&B Album win.
Super producer Rico Love resumes his role as Vice-Chair. He reports to Chair Tammy Hurt. At the same time, Om’Mas Keith holds tight to his position as Secretary/Treasurer. Both assumed their titles last year.
The Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees collaborates with the Academy’s CEO/President Harvey Mason Jr. to “help strategically guide and shape the mission and policies of the Academy and its commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, fight for creators’ rights, protect music people in need, preserve music’s history, and invest in its future.”
Mason added, “I’m honored and excited to welcome this diverse and accomplished group of creatives to the Academy’s leadership team.”
“These newly elected leaders will be instrumental in continuing the Academy’s transformation by serving as representatives for their peers on all things from refining the Grammy Awards process, to advocating for creators’ rights and beyond. We thank the Academy members who participated in this year’s elections and look forward to the continued progress that this esteemed group of Trustees will achieve.”
Hurt mentioned, “I can’t wait to work alongside this stellar group of leaders as we continue to build on the Academy’s progress these past two years. Our Board reflects the diverse music community we represent, and I know these talented minds will help expertly guide the organization with music creators’ best interests at heart.”
