The Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter hosted a welcoming celebration for its new class of members at Harriet's rooftop in West Hollywood, Calif. on Sept. 5. At the exclusive event, which included music, mingling and a grand view of Los Angeles, John Legend and fellow Los Angeles Chapter Governor Julie Pilat welcomed the newest class to the Academy with words of encouragement and some ways they can put their new membership to work.
Photo: Alison Buck/WireImage
The Academy's rich history dates back 62 years, when it was founded back in 1957. Los Angeles Chapter Executive Director Qiana Conley underscored this history and the importance for creators to continue preserving and celebrating music. "It's a privilege and an honor to be a member of this organization," she said before introduction Legend and Pilat.
Pilat gave a warm welcome to the new members and mentioned the upcoming District Advocacy day on Oct. 2, the largest grassroots music advocacy event of the year, as a great way to get involved and speak up on key issues affecting music creators. Legend echoed her call to action, inspiring the new members gathered on the rooftop to make the most of their membership.
The class is the first a part of the new membership model established in late 2018. The new community-driven model considers diversity, craft and genre more than ever as a push to make membership more inclusive. In October, the Recording Academy invited 900 music creators to join as members, and, in June, invited its new class of 2019 members.
Photo: Alison Buck/WireImage
Recording Academy National Board Chair Harvey Mason Jr. was also in attendance, greeting the new members. GRAMMY nominee Ledisi, who was among the many artists in attendance, and hit songwriter and Los Angeles Chapter President Evan Bogart also shared his eagerness to work with this new class.
"I can't wait to get the involved and put them to work with so many amazing things we're doing, every different front from advocacy to foundations to mentorship and a lot of community outreach and engagement," Bogart said.
As the L.A. summer sun set over the skyline, the rooftop celebration continued. And if this gathering is any indication, there is a bright road ahead for members of the L.A. Chapter.
