Recording Academy Names Taylor Hanson Co-Chair of Advocacy Committee

The Recording Academy has appointed Taylor Hanson as co-chair of its National Advocacy Committee, alongside the reappointment of Dani Deahl. This committee, composed of performers, songwriters, producers, and engineers, is committed to advocating for creators’ rights at both state and federal levels. The National Advocacy Committee plays a vital role in shaping legislative priorities and works closely with the Recording Academy’s Advocacy & Public Policy team based in Washington, D.C.

Taylor Hanson’s Commitment to Music Advocacy

Taylor Hanson, known for his role in the brother trio HANSON, has spent over three decades in the music industry. The group gained fame with their hit single “MMMBop,” which reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1997. This success earned them three Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year and Best New Artist. A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hanson has been a long-time supporter of music education and advocacy initiatives, participating in programs such as the Academy’s Grammys on the Hill and Music Advocacy Day.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Hanson founded Food on the Move, a nonprofit aimed at addressing hunger and food deserts in Oklahoma. His appointment marks his first term as co-chair of the National Advocacy Committee, where he aims to elevate the voices of creators and influence policy that supports their rights.

Dani Deahl’s Continued Leadership and Advocacy Efforts

Dani Deahl returns for a second consecutive term as co-chair. A DJ and producer, she has also served as the president of the Recording Academy’s Chicago chapter and currently holds a position as a national trustee. Deahl has been a vocal advocate for creators’ rights, notably testifying before the Illinois House and Senate in 2024 in favor of HB 4875. This legislation updates the state’s right of publicity law, providing protection for creators against the misuse of artificial intelligence. The bill was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2022.

Deahl participated in the Recording Academy’s Grammys on the Hill initiative and contributed to the inaugural Grammys on the Hill Future Forum in 2024. There, she engaged in discussions about the positive potential of AI in music alongside Grammy-nominated artist Kokayi and Todd Dupler, the Academy’s chief advocacy and public policy officer. Since 2022, she has also led communications and creator insights at BandLab.

The National Advocacy Committee has welcomed several new members, including Sean Patrick Flavahan, Matt Maher, Maggie Rose, and Divinity Roxx. They join Dr. Chelsey Green, the Recording Academy chair of the board of trustees; Harvey Mason Jr., the Academy’s CEO; and Dupler as ex-officio members. Together, these leaders and advocates aim to strengthen the representation of music creators and promote policies that enhance their rights and opportunities in the industry.