Brett James, Lori McKenna Named To Recording Academy’s Songwriters & Composers Leadership Council

The Recording Academy’s newly launched Songwriters & Composers Wing has named its new Leadership Council. Made up of music creators that span diverse backgrounds and genres, this group will further the Wing’s mission of supporting and advocating on behalf of songwriters.

“The Wing’s mission is to provide composers and songwriters a home base in the industry that presents opportunities, advocates on their behalf, and celebrates their important contributions to our music community,” shares Susan Stewart, Managing Director of the Recording Academy Songwriters & Composers Wing. “We’re thrilled to take action alongside our newly established Leadership Council to help further the Wing’s mission of amplifying the work and voices of creators that call these crafts home.”

The Leadership Council will join the previously announced Honorary Chairs Lamont Dozier, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Ashley Gorley, Carole King, Jimmy Jam, Tania León, Gustavo Santaolalla, Valerie Simpson, Diane Warren, and Hans Zimmer. Recording Academy Trustee Evan Bogart serves as the Songwriters & Composers Wing Chair and Stewart is the newly appointed Managing Director.

The Council will meet regularly to inform the Wing’s direction and help foster recognition for songwriters of all genres. The Wing has also partnered with The Latin Recording Academy to better serve global creators who identify as songwriters and composers. Through offerings such as panels, mixers, songwriting retreats, and mentorship, the Wing provides opportunities for recognition, networking, and collaboration. It also spotlights emerging opportunities for song and scoring achievement, and amplifies songwriters and composers’ role in policy discussions for fair compensation for creators.

Hailing from the Academy’s 12 Chapters and The Latin Recording Academy, the Leadership Council consists of:
Ivan Barias
Edgar Barrera
Mason Bates
Emily Bear
Claudia Brant
Bryan-Michael Cox
Erika Ender
Sue Ennis
J.J. Hairston
Sam Hollander
J. Ivy
Brett James
Savan Kotecha
Luciano Luna
Lori McKenna
Eduardo Osorio
Tayla Parx
Bruce Robison
Georgia Stitt
Justin Tranter
Christopher Tin
Emily Warren
Jay Weigel