Recording Academy’s John Prine Song Fuels MusiCares Relief Fund Amidst Uncertainty

The country music community was saddened when John Prine, one of the most influential American folk singers and songwriters of his generation, died on April 7 at age 73 from complications related to the coronavirus. His song “Angel From Montgomery” lives on, and a new version recorded and released by the Recording Academy today will allocate all proceeds to the MusiCares Covid-19 Relief Fund. 

A diverse group of elected leaders from the Recording Academy collaborated in self quarantine to recreate the new track, which is being distributed by Stem, a digital distribution and payments platform that offers independent musicians and labels tools to grow their business.

The project was led by Recording Academy trustee Michael Romanowski and vice chair Tammy Hurt to honor Prine and also support the music community during the pandemic.Featured musicians include Christine Albert, Helen Bruner, Brandon Bush, John Driskell Hopkins, Tracy Hamlin, Eric Jarvis, Terry Jones, Lee Levin, Susan Marshall and Jeff Powell. 

“John was a much-beloved country and folk singer-songwriter, with a very giving spirit,” says Tammy Hurt, Vice Chair of the Recording Academy. “This project is a tribute to honor that spirit and, in turn, raise awareness for the work that MusiCares is doing to support music creators around the country affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The need is still so great and these times remain critical for music people.”

Live music events and touring have been the primary source of income for music artists, especially in recent years. Merchandise, licensing, partnerships and side businesses supplemented that revenue stream. With most live events around the globe cancelled or on pause, artists’ salaries are suffering, and the $35 billion U.S. concert and event promotion industry that grew 3.5% from 2015-2020 now faces an uncertain future. 

The MusiCares Covid-19 Relief Fund, which launched to support music industry professionals who have been affected by cancelled live events due to the pandemic, has reached a total of $15 million so far. All proceeds from the new track, including distribution revenue by Stem, will be donated to the fund. Stem’s unique splits technology makes it possible for all revenue generated from the song’s distribution on the platform to be donated directly to MusiCares.

“We’re so proud that a group of Recording Academy-elected leaders have chosen to honor John Prine’s memory by collaborating on a special version of his beautiful, iconic song,” said Debbie Carroll, vice president of health and human services at MusiCares, in a statement. “This moving tribute not only honors John, but will generate much needed funds to aid members of our music community in need during this unprecedented pandemic.” 

Stem CEO Milana Rabkin Lewis says that she considers it an honor to share the new track via the Stem platform. She was passionate about becoming involved in the project because MusiCares’ mission of providing support to creators during times of need resonates with her team’s goals. Stem aims to empower artists through financial clarity and literacy.

“The Recording Academy and MusiCares have been leaders in giving artists access to services and tools, which they have further extended with their Covid-19 relief fund,” Lewis says. “We are excited to do our part and donate our distribution revenue of this release directly to MusiCares.”

Over almost five decades, Prime built a music career honored with two Grammys and 11 Grammy nominations. Most recently, he was named a recipient of the 2020 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Produced by the Prine family and Oh Boy Records, “Picture Show: A Tribute Celebrating John Prine” will livestream at 6:30 p.m. on June 11 on Facebook and YouTube.

Source: Forbes Business