What does the Russia-Ukraine War have to do with music? On the surface, nothing — these atrocities are steeped in myriad other sectors and issues. But what does music have to do with the well-being of the global human race? Everything — music can heal emotional wounds, bring communities together, give voices to the voiceless, and shine an unforgiving light on injustice.
So it was only appropriate that the Recording Academy — a community dedicated to advancing the interests and needs of all music people — tackled the atrocities in Ukraine head-on during the 2022 GRAMMYs rather than shying away.
During the 2022 GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony, which took place right before the 2022 GRAMMYs telecast, Recording Academy Board Of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt acknowledged the tragic war in a riveting speech.
"Today, as we recognize the best of the best, we don't take a break from the troubles of the world. Rather, we celebrate music's indispensable role in healing them," Hurt said. "The Recording Academy's mission extends beyond the recognition of excellence through the GRAMMYs. We serve music so that music can serve the world."
Hours later, via a pre-taped segment during the 2022 GRAMMYs telecast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a tender yet furious speech in which he urged the global community to raise their voices against the war happening in his country. "We defend our freedom — to live, to love, to sound," Zelensky said. "On our land, we are fighting Russia, which brings horrible silence with its bombs."
Zelensky's speech then led into John Legend's equally powerful performance of his new song "Free," during which he invited Ukrainian musicians and a poet to perform along his side on the GRAMMY stage.
These speeches, however bold, are only two components of a larger initiative by the Recording Academy to support those impacted by the Russia-Ukraine War. Our partnership with Global Citizen and "Stand Up For Ukraine" aims to raise awareness about the situation in Ukraine and give opportunities for viewers and music lovers worldwide to take action and contribute to the global "Stand Up For Ukraine" campaign.
Global Citizen has played a key role in organizing a "Stand Up For Ukraine" pledging summit, which helps mobilize funding to support humanitarian efforts for Ukraine and shows support to refugees worldwide. Hundreds of revered musicians and artists have pledged to join the global social rally and urge world leaders to commit to aiding refugees.
Global Citizen's "Stand Up For Ukraine" campaign includes a global social media rally on Friday, April 8, and a pledging event on Saturday, April 9. The campaign aims to mobilize billions of dollars to address the crisis in Ukraine as well as support people mobilizing worldwide.
To participate in "Stand Up For Ukraine," join the social media rally on Friday, April 8, to exhort world leaders to provide critical relief to refugees globally.
You can also take the pledge to join the "Stand Up For Ukraine" rally for regular updates and more info on how you can participate. Music lovers are also encouraged to take action with Global Citizen to "Stand Up For Ukraine" through various avenues, like donating to organizations supporting Ukraine.
Learn more about how to get involved with the "Stand Up For Ukraine" campaign and use the hashtag #StandUpForUkraine to join the conversation.
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