Playback - Fall 2008 - (Page 25)

Johnson and U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.). Former U.S. Secretary of Education and former Governor of South Carolina Richard Riley moderated the lively panel. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper began the event with strong, passionate statements about the arts and city development. “A strong cultural scene equals a strong economy,” he said. A former pub owner, Hickenlooper added, “Those cities with lots of live music simply do better.” Mayor Diaz added, “A city that does not promote art lacks identity.” Diaz further called the impact of the arts in Miami’s development as “substantial.” Johnson told her own personal story about how music shaped her life. “When I came out of the womb, I heard music in our house,” she said. “Music taught me how to focus, how to - Louise Slaughter, be organized.” U.S. Congresswoman She warned the groups not to make the mistake of separating the arts from everyday life. “Art is a vital part of your life,” she said. No one on the panel created more buzz at the event than GRAMMY winner John Legend who, the night before, performed his new song, “If You’re Out There,” to rave reviews during primetime at the DNC. Legend said, “I’m here today out of passion. I have a very personal understanding of what music and the arts can do. As a nation, we need to keep investing in the future and give our children more of the arts.” The final panelist, Congresswoman Slaughter added her valuable perspective as well. “The economic benefits of the arts in communities are wonderful, but they don’t compare to the human benefits,” she said. “Nothing helps kids be more creative and come up with new ideas like music and the arts.” When asked why she was so passionate about music and the arts, she said, “I, like many of us, believe in the arts because we feel that a child that creates…will not destroy.” NAMM Members Liane and Tobin Rockley of Rockley Music in Denver also attended the event and said, “We’re taking all of this great information and inspiration back to our business so that we, as business leaders, can be better advocates for music and the arts in our community. It’s only when you give to your local community that you really get something back.” “The economic benefits of the arts in communities are wonderful, but they don’t compare to the human benefits.” GRAMMY Award-winning musician John Legend, President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Sheila C. Johnson and Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz FALL 2008 25

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Playback - Fall 2008

Playback - Fall 2008 Contents From the President NAMM Events Music in the News Voices of Our Past, Present and Future: NAMM Oral History Program Celebrates a Major Milestone Commercial Retail Reps in the Field NAMM@AARP New Domestic Members Washington Watch International NAMM Foundation Music Notes Resources Viewpoint

Playback - Fall 2008

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