Ray Charles performs in a still from the CBS special ‘Barbra Streisand and Other Musical Instruments,’ London on Aug. 8, 1973. CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
The Ray Charles Foundation has donated $2 million to the Grammy Museum Foundation to fund the museum’s Campaign for Music Education.
The Campaign, launched in October 2022, will expand access to the museum’s educational programs, including the Grammy in the Schools programming. Its co-chairs include Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Bruno Mars, Shawn Mendes, and Rosalía.
“As the Grammy Museum celebrates our 15th Anniversary, more than ever we are leaning into expanding music education and access to our renowned programs,” said Michael Sticka, president/CEO of the Grammy Museum in a statement. “We are incredibly grateful to our partners, The Ray Charles Foundation, for their generosity and investment towards the Museum’s Campaign for Music Education, which will help us further our educational mission. It’s an honor to deepen that longstanding partnership.”
“The Grammy Museum embodies the spirit of our mission to empower young people through education,” added Valerie Ervin, president of The Ray Charles Foundation. “We are thrilled to be able to continue our partnership with the Museum and help them achieve their goal of expanding music education and fostering a love of music in our next generation.”
The Ray Charles Foundation provides funding in the area of hearing disorders and in empowering young people through educational institutions and non-profit education programs.
In honor of the donation, the Grammy Museum is renaming its rooftop terrace The Ray Charles Terrace at the Grammy Museum. The renaming will take place as an official Grammy week event on Jan. 29 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Jimmy Jam, with music curation by DJ Khalil and a performance by Aloe Blacc. The terrace, which offers views of downtown LA and the Hollywood sign and hosts more than 150 events each year.
The Grammy Museum Terrace Bryan Schiller
