#United States #Washington, D.C. #Boyz II Men #American Music Fairness Act #music royalties

Boyz II Men Advocates for Music Fairness in Congress

On February 13, 2025, the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men took a significant stand on Capitol Hill, advocating for the passage of the American Music Fairness Act (S.326/H.R.861). This legislation aims to close a longstanding loophole that has allowed major radio companies to profit from playing artists' songs without paying royalties. The day coincided with the 14th Annual World Radio Day, a celebration highlighting the vital role of radio in global communication and community engagement.

The group's visit, backed by over 300 major recording artists, including legends like Aerosmith, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey, underscores a collective push for fairness in the music industry. Boyz II Men members Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanyá Morris expressed their commitment to this cause, emphasizing that the fight for a fair royalty structure is fundamentally about justice for artists who create music that brings joy to audiences worldwide.

In their meetings with influential lawmakers, including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Boyz II Men shared a letter advocating for the bill. The letter highlighted the urgent need for reform, as currently, the U.S. is one of the few democratic nations where artists do not receive compensation for their music played on AM/FM radio. This legislative change would not only support American artists domestically but also help regain lost revenue from international markets that currently withhold payments due to the lack of a performance royalty.

The American Music Fairness Act proposes a balanced solution. While ensuring that artists receive just payment, it also accounts for small, local radio stations. In fact, nearly two-thirds of these stations would face a minimal annual fee of $500 or less, allowing them to play unlimited music. This consideration aims to preserve the viability of community broadcasters while providing artists with much-needed compensation.

Artists rallying behind this bill come from diverse genres and eras, showcasing a united front in a fight that transcends individual interests. Carly Simon, a prominent voice in pop music, shared her perspective on the changing radio landscape, pointing out how radio, once a catalyst for emerging artists, has shifted to a model that prioritizes corporate profits over the livelihoods of creators. She stated, “In the digital age, fewer and fewer Americans are discovering new music on the radio. Instead, AM/FM is making billions without compensating those who create that music.”

The coalition supporting the American Music Fairness Act includes not only artists but also a broad spectrum of stakeholders from the recording industry, such as major labels, independent labels, and music unions. The bill has received bipartisan support, with significant advocacy from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, indicating a growing recognition of the issue across party lines.

Music artists and supporters argue that this change is overdue. Over the decades, AM/FM radio stations have profited tremendously from ad revenue generated by the music they play without sharing it with the artists. This antiquated system stands out as a clear injustice, particularly as the music industry has evolved into a multifaceted arena with various platforms compensating artists for their creative output.

Supporting the American Music Fairness Act could open the door to a more equitable future for artists, allowing them to receive fair compensation for their work. As this collective effort continues to gain traction, music creators hope that Congress will heed their call. The ultimate goal is to level the playing field, aligning U.S. practices with those of the rest of the world where artists are fairly compensated for their contributions.

In conclusion, Boyz II Men's decisive action and the backing of hundreds of artists illuminate a pivotal moment in the fight for music fairness. As discussions around the American Music Fairness Act progress, the hope is to see a policy shift that recognizes and rewards the hard work of artists, allowing them to thrive in an industry that is ever-evolving and increasingly reliant on their creativity.

This campaign not only aims to right a historical wrong but also seeks to ensure the future sustainability of music as an art form that enriches lives around the globe.