The Recording Academy, renowned for hosting the annual Grammy Awards announced a significant stride towards diversity by revealing that half of its incoming member class is composed of individuals from diverse racial backgrounds.
This move aims to foster a more inclusive membership and voting body within the organization.
Each year, the Recording Academy welcomes over a thousand new members across its three membership categories: voting members (comprising professional musicians and creators), professional members (encompassing music industry professionals such as writers and publicists), and GRAMMY U members (representing emerging music professionals).
Breaking down the gender composition of the new members, the statistics show 58% male, 32% female, 9% unknown, 1% non-binary or gender non-conforming, and less than 1% individuals who prefer self-description. This marks a notable shift from the organization’s 2021 figures, where 48% of the 2,700 members invited were women. The Recording Academy aims to extend invitations to 2,500 female voting members by 2025.
In terms of age demographics, 45% of the new members are aged 39 and under, 39% are over 40, and 15% fall under the unknown category.
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Analyzing the racial diversity among the new members, the breakdown indicates that 37% are white or Caucasian, 27% are Black or African American, 9% are Hispanic or Latin, 5% are Asian or Pacific Islander, 2% are South Asian, 1% are Middle Eastern or North African, and less than 1% are indigenous or Alaskan Native. Additionally, 14% chose not to disclose their racial background, while 4% preferred self-description.
The Recording Academy’s commitment to diversity is evident in its upward trajectory. In 2022, people of color constituted 44% of new members, marking a positive trend.
Despite these strides, the Grammy Awards have faced criticism from artists like The Weeknd, who voiced concerns about the voting process. In a Billboard cover story, The Weeknd highlighted disparities and emphasized the need for greater acknowledgment of Black artists in prestigious categories. The upcoming Grammy Awards feature nominations for artists like SZA and Victoria Monet, reflecting the ongoing efforts towards inclusivity in the music industry.
