GRAMMY U Serves Up Another Hit

By: Jewel Benton

For nearly two decades, the Recording Academy, best known for the GRAMMY Awards, has provided aspiring and established music professionals with opportunities to connect and gain industry access. In 2018, that vision expanded with the launch of the GRAMMY U Conference. The event most recently took place at RACKET NYC on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26 at The Bowery Electric. 

The conference gathered GRAMMY U members, including students and emerging professionals, as well as industry executives, ambassadors, and moderators. Notable participants included Atlanta Chapter representative Jasmine Gordon, filmmaker and entrepreneur Jack Coyne, and GRAMMY-winning artists Coco Jones and Laufey, who served as this year’s keynote panelists. Another GRAMMY winner, Samara Joy, delivered a standout performance as well as contest winners The Millers; Isea; and Jax Coopersmith. 

The event opened with career guidance and networking sessions. GRAMMY branding was ever-present, reflected in a visual palette of purples and pinks, branded pins, and even latte art featuring the iconic logo. Mastercard served as a major sponsor. For many student attendees, the conference was an opportunity to explore internships, jobs, and mentorships within the music industry. Many were referred to the GRAMMY U program by professors at their respective institutions. There was also a panel called Sync, Sound & Strategy, which aspiring music producers in the crowd appreciated. 

Among the standout members was record executive Nikki Tucci, a former Def Jam Records executive with over 20 years of experience, who recently launched her own label, and was celebrating the release of one of her new artist’s projects. She grew emotional when recalling her journey that started as a teenage GRAMMY U member. 

Jessie Allen, the GRAMMY U, Managing Director, also exemplifies the program’s impact. A former musician, Allen joined the program while in college, starting as a student rep. She first connected with GRAMMY U at a career fair in Florida, and over the years, rose through the ranks to lead the conference—a role she has held for four years.

“What was so profound to me was the relationships I was able to help foster and create between the reps,” Allen told NYABJ Pulse. “When I was a rep, there wasn’t Zoom or other easy ways to communicate, so I didn’t know the other reps. Here, I have the capability to connect all 15 of them. They’re friends, they go on trips together, and they’re friends with all the members. I didn’t really understand how far it would go. It’s something I always hoped for, and as I continue my job, I am so touched and honored to be in this role and help make it happen every day.”

GRAMMY U currently operates across 12 chapters in cities including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Florida, Los Angeles, Memphis, Nashville, Philadelphia, the Pacific Northwest, San Francisco, Texas, and Washington, D.C.

Before interviewing Jones, Jasmine Gordon, a graduating senior at Spelman, praised the artist for being an inspiration to young Black girls and women. Their conversation was warmly received, both by the audience and online. Reflecting on her goals for the panel, Gordon shared, “I’m definitely hoping that aspiring professionals in the audience will take away valuable gems—not just from Coco Jones, but even from seeing me on stage as a college student. I feel like Coco Jones is such a powerful role model for a young Black girl just trying to thrive in an industry that wasn’t always made for us. I hope people are able to see themselves in her.”For more information on the Recording Academy and their various programs, visit the website here.