Nancy Sinatra joins the fight for radio royalty

WASHINGTON (Hollywood Reporter) - Continuing her father's legacy of fighting for musicians, Nancy Sinatra will urge lawmakers Wednesday to approve legislation giving performers a royalty for songs aired on traditional radio.

In 1988, Frank Sinatra pushed for legislation instituting a performance royalty, and his daughter is expected to do the same almost two decades later during a congressional hearing on the Fair Performance Right on Radio legislation, according to the MusicFirst Coalition.

In a letter to artists and musicians dated December 12, 1988, Frank Sinatra wrote: "We are of the opinion that legislation has not been enacted in part because recording artists have not been aware of the problem while others with vested interests have lobbied heavily for the defeat of such legislation. We believe that with a unified effort from fellow recording artists, we may be able to pass such legislation."

The MusicFirst coalition is comprised of the record labels, musicians and other music industry organizations. It is pushing for legislation sponsored by Reps. Howard Berman, D-Calif., and Darrell Issa, R-Calif.

A number of musical performers plan to make their voices heard Wednesday as well. Rock guitarist Dave Navarro, hip-hop groups Sugarhill Gang and Whodini, and pop singer Kristine W are among the artists in D.C. supporting the bill.

The Copyright Alliance, a broad-based copyright industry group, also is planning a push for the IP-PRO bill that sets up a "copyright czar" and is scheduled for a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing June 17.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter