Randy Travis appeared in front of a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing Wednesday to ask Congress to pass the American Music Fairness Act, a bill that would require American radio stations to pay royalties to a song’s performers. As Randy has been unable to speak since suffering a major stroke in 2013, his wife Mary Travis testified on his behalf. “I’m kind of like a bad version of AI, but with consent,” Mary quipped at the onset, alluding (kind of) to Randy’s new song that makes use of the technology.
While songwriters have long received royalties when their music was played over American terrestrial radio, the same hasn’t been true for performers. The American Music Fairness Act aims to rectify that, Travis’ testimony stated. “What would sheet music sound like without a voice, and what would radio sound like without a song?” Mary Travis said on behalf of her husband.
“This piece of legislation is essential to correct a 100-year-old issue regarding artists and non payment for their work performed on the most prominent music platform in America, one of which they helped to build and sustain.” The testimony continued, “The advent of streaming has all but replaced physical records and CD sales, and there are no guarantees that listeners are running out to buy concerts and T-shirts. Folks can hear all the music they want on demand for pennies a day.
Of all the things that we do differently than we did a century ago, one thing remains the same, and that i.
