MusicUnited.org

June 27, 2005

Music Coalition Reacts to MGM V. Grokster Supreme Court Ruling

Statements of Music United Coalition Leaders

"Every facet of the music community -- songwriters, musicians, recording artists, music publishers, record labels large and small, retail stores and many others -- are affected by what the Court decided today. Music fans must understand that they can and do play a direct role in the investment and creation of music. By utilizing the wide array of legal online music, they help ensure the health, diversity and dynamism of the music that's created. Moreover, they show respect and support for the people who give their lives and passion to creating music,” said Rick Carnes, Chairman of the Music United Coalition Communications committee and President of the Songwriters Guild.

"Today is a good day for music fans and the 17,000 musicians, composers, artists, engineers, producers and songwriters that are the members of The Recording Academy. By unanimously upholding the rights of creators, the Supreme Court has defended an environment for legal online music services to thrive. As the National Academy of Recording Arts AND Sciences, our membership embraces new technologies that deliver their music to fans in innovative ways. The court is forging the way for the legal digital services — those that compensate the creative professionals — to enable music fans to hear their favorite artists wherever, whenever and however they want. The unanimous Supreme Court opinion sends a clear message to those who use technology to encourage copyright infringement, while recognizing the importance of honest, legitimate innovation that fosters protection of the rights of creators of music. Previously The Recording Academy submitted an amicus brief on behalf of the creative community, which depends on sales of its works to earn a living. We thank the Court for its insight into this important case and for the protection of music makers. The Academy will continue to defend its members' rights wherever and whenever necessary."
Neil Portnow, President of The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences

“The Supreme Court's unanimous Grokster decision is unequivocal in holding that businesses cannot knowingly build a foundation for their enterprise based on promoting and encouraging the theft of intellectual property," said NARM President Jim Donio. "It is also extremely important to note that by preserving the Sony Betamax decision, the Court is ensuring technological innovations that will lawfully bring more entertainment to more consumers can continue to develop and flourish."
Jim Donio, President of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers

"This decision affects every artist in the United States. By ruling in favor of the entertainment industry, the Supreme Court has ensured that Grokster and the creators of other unauthorized P2P systems will have no other choice but to enter into licenses and to create authorized systems incorporating a means to pay artists."
Rebecca Greenberg, National Director, Recording Artists' Coalition

“Speaking on behalf of the over 27,000 music publishers and songwriters that were represented by the National Music Publishers’ Association, we are tremendously gratified by the Court’s unanimous decision that peer-to-peer services which promote piracy can be sued. Grokster and Streamcast knowingly facilitated piracy on a massive scale. This decision is an enormous victory for all of those who value the creative process, and will promote the growth of legitimate, legal entertainment services on the Internet while sending a clear message to those who promote piracy that they can no longer profit at the expense of the creative industry.”
David Israelite, President & CEO of the NMPA

“SESAC applauds this important decision from the Supreme Court. We stand with the Music United Coalition and all those who understand and respect the inherent importance of copyrights in our culture.. Coming from the nation’s highest court, the Grokster ruling sends a clear message to illegal downloaders and those who would provide them the means to obtain copyrighted material free of charge. Music is not free; songwriters and publishers must be compensated for their work.”
Pat Collins, President/COO, SESAC

“Today a clear and unmistakable message has been sent – that work created by our members deserves the same basic financial protections as every other product in the marketplace. Unauthorized file-swapping of copyrighted material is property theft, plain and simple, and this theft destroys the very protections that allow our members to sustain a career and provide for their families. We applaud the Supreme Court’s decision that advances in technology serve to enhance and promote, rather than undermine, the vibrant and diverse cultural and artistic traditions of this country. Today’s decision marks an economic and creative victory for every creator whose livelihood has been threatened by the blatant copyright infringement running rampant on peer-to-peer sites across the Internet. What is most important about it is the determination that just because something can be distributed freely, does not mean that it is free, and that the financial rights of creators and copyright holders can no longer be ignored.”
American Federation of Musicians (AFM), American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)

"With this unanimous decision, the Supreme Court has addressed a significant threat to the U.S. economy and moved to protect the livelihoods of the more than 11 million Americans employed by the copyright industries. The Supreme Court has helped to power the digital future for legitimate online businesses – including legal file sharing networks – by holding accountable those who promote and profit from theft. This decision lays the groundwork for the dawn of a new day – an opportunity that will bring the entertainment and technology communities even closer together, with music fans reaping the rewards."
Mitch Bainwol, Chairman and CEO, Recording Industry Association of America

"As an active member of the MUSIC COALITION, and one of the amici curiae to this Supreme Court petition, the Church Music Publishers Association feels this decision makes it clear that Internet file-sharing services will be held responsible if they intend for their customers to use software primarily to swap songs and movies illegally while, at the same time, it encourages continued responsible development and growth in the hi-tech communication industry for the future."
Elwyn Raymer, Church Music Publishers Association

“I’m so pleased that the Court unanimously supported the rights of those that work to create, promote, and legally distribute music. I have worked hard all my life to make a living creating music that people love, and this decision creates a firm foundation for the next generation of songwriters to flourish. Everyone that truly loves music should be happy with this decision.” Lamont Dozier, Legendary songwriter (one of the named plaintiffs in the U.S. Supreme Court case that the NMPA brought on behalf of over 27,000 music publishers and songwriters against Grokster and Streamcast. One of the creators of the “Motown Sound,” Lamont Dozier has written some of the best-loved songs of the past 40 years, including “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “Nowhere to Run” and “You Can’t Hurry Love.” Over the years, his songs have been recorded by a diverse group of artists, including Aerosmith, The Beatles, Joss Stone, and The Supremes. For more information, see his website at www.lamontdozier.com/home.html)

Individual Musicians Weigh In

"I am overjoyed that the Supreme Court has rendered a judgment supporting artists thereby allowing us to be able to feed our families from the revenue generated by our hard work in the music industry." -- Anita Baker

"When my fans download my music legitimately it's a clear sign of respect and appreciation for what I do as an artist - it's great that the Supreme Court has recognized and reinforced that." -- Terence Blanchard

“Hopefully, this ruling is the beginning of the end of the rapid growth of illegal downloading. I think it’s often forgotten that there are so many people who are affected by this issue. From tour bus drivers to music retailer sales clerks to aspiring young artists that may never have a chance to be heard if this problem isn’t addressed. All in the music community need to continue to stand together, to share the gift of music and to promote all the ways – traditional and newer technologies – that can get music properly to the fans.” -- Steven Curtis Chapman

“Today's decision is a big victory for all artists. I am glad that our music is being protected.” -- Sara Evans

"There are so many ways my fans can legitimately download and share my music on the internet today - this has helped me build a stronger relationship with my fans." -- Al Green

"This is a great victory for artists, songwriters and all of those who make their living through the creative process." -- Jay-Z

"We’re really glad that the Supreme Court ruled the way they did. Anything that makes it easier for our fans to access legitimate sources of music is a good thing." -- Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks

"This is a great win for all of those up and coming artists who want to entertain people and have the same opportunities that I have been so fortunate to experience." -- Nelly

"The Supreme Court has given a voice to countless individuals like me who make their living in the creative arts, and are constantly jeopardized by the epidemic of illegal downloading. Their decision is an important victory for us....and a clear warning for many others." -- Nicole Nordeman

"It's one thing to fall prey to unethical behavior of an individual; it's another to organize unethical behavior for profit." -- Liz Phair

"Artists are not against technology. We fully embrace P2P technology. But artists must have a choice between systems offering music for free and systems that pay us." -- Bonnie Raitt

“This is a big victory for young artists that are coming up. It is getting harder and harder to break new artists and without decisions like this that protect them, we may lose some of the artistic voices of the next generation.” -- TobyMac

"Artists work very hard to do what they love and share creativity with the world. When fans legitimately download music it shows their gratitude. I think its awesome that the Supreme Court reinforced that stealing music is wrong and unfair to both artists and their fans.” -- Brooke Valentine

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Music United is a coalition representing virtually every segment of the music community which comes together on broad industry concerns to represent how those issues affect those who bring music to life. Its member organizations include: AEC One Stop Group, Alliance of Artists and Recording Companies, Association for Independent Music, American Federation of Musicians, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Christian Music Trade Association, Church Music Publishers Association, Country Music Association, Gospel Music Association, Hip Hop Summit Action Network, Jazz Alliance International, Music Managers Forum-USA, National Association of Recording Merchandisers, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences National Music Publishers' Association, Nashville Songwriters Association International, Recording Industry Association of America, Recording Industries Music Performance Trust Funds, SESAC, SoundExchange, Tennessee Songwriters Association International, The Songwriters Guild of America. ( For further information go to http://www.music united.org)