Recording Academy welcomes diverse class of new members

The Recording Academy continued its diversity goals this week by adding nearly 2000 diverse music professionals as official members. According to Billboard, the news was shared by Recording Academy President and CEO Harvey Mason Jr during his annual address. 

A report followed Mason’s welcoming of the new members, revealing that of this year’s inductees, over 40% are women, 47% are under the age of 40, and 44% are persons of colour. During his address, Mason said of The Academy, “We now actively recruit prospective members and we extend invitations to people who will help us have a more diverse, engaged, and relevant membership base.” 

Mason assumed the role of President and CEO in May last year, following the dramatic departure of Deborah Dugan. Dugan was placed on administrative leave in January 2021, before being formally dismissed in March. During her time on leave she filed a complaint against her predecessor, Neil Portnow, alleging that the former Recording Academy President had raped a female perfomer at Carnegie Hall amongst other allegations.