Music Business Association To Present Sony Music Entertainment’s Julie Swidler With 2022 Presidential Award
February 7, 2022 — The Music Business Association (Music Biz) announces that it will present its 2022 Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement to Julie Swidler, Executive Vice President of Business Affairs and General Counsel for Sony Music Entertainment, in recognition of her accomplished industry leadership and many contributions to the success of the music business over the course of her career. Swidler will receive her award during the first-ever Bizzy Awards program, taking place Wednesday, May 11 at the JW Marriott Nashville as part of the Music Biz 2022 Conference.
“After needing to forgo hosting the Music Biz Conference in 2020, we’re truly grateful for the opportunity to recognize Julie this year for all the good she’s done in our industry,” said Music Biz President, Portia Sabin. “Tumultuous times like the past two years we’ve all weathered truly make you thankful for the example set by folks like her, and I’m thrilled to honor someone who’s inspired me personally throughout my professional journey!”
In her current role, Swidler advises Sony Music Entertainment’s labels and operating units on all legal agreements and situations, as well as public policy initiatives on a worldwide basis, including strategic partnership negotiations, artist contracts, litigation, transactions, global government affairs and joint venture operations. She also was a member of the Recording Academy’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion, serves on the board of directors for the RIAA, the board of trustees for Union College, and is a Vice Chair of the TJ Martell Foundation. Swidler has been prominently recognized by a number of industry publications throughout her career, most recently named to Billboard’s 2022 Power list. In 2016, she was the first woman to be awarded the Grammy Foundation’s ELI Service Award.
Swidler began her music career as a senior attorney for PolyGram Records, where she eventually became the Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for Mercury Records. In 1999 she was named head of business and legal affairs for Arista Records, working under Clive Davis. The following year she joined Davis and other Arista executives in launching J Records, which eventually merged with RCA Records to form the RCA Music Group.
“I am truly honored for this recognition,” Swidler said. “I have great admiration for the work that Music Biz and its predecessor organization have done over the years on behalf of the organizations and individuals that are responsible for bringing all of our artists’ wonderful music to their fans.”
The Music Biz Presidential Award is one of the Association’s highest and longest-standing honors, presented to individuals or organizations who have contributed greatly to the overall success of the music industry. Past recipients have included Sony Music Nashville’s Randy Goodman, Cary Sherman of the RIAA, Universal Music Group Nashville’s Mike Dugan, Epic Records’ Sylvia Rhone, the Country Music Association, the Recording Academy, and Dick Clark.
Swidler will receive her award on May 11 during the Bizzy Awards, Music Biz’s revamped awards program recognizing Music Biz member companies and executives who have made positive contributions to the industry. Now through February 25, Association members can nominate their peers for the 2022 Bizzys via the Association’s website. Award winners will be crowned during the organization’s annual awards dinner on Wednesday, May 11.
Music Biz 2022 takes place May 9 – 12, 2022 at the JW Marriott Nashville, and is the first in-person Music Biz event to be held since January 2020. Attendees can expect four days of industry-defining conversations and connections, as well as important discussions on how our industry may evolve to become more inclusive and better serve the needs of all industry professionals. Music Biz has confirmed that Sony Music Publishing Chairman & CEO, Jon Platt will take part in a keynote Music Biz LIVE conversation on Tuesday, May 10 at 5 pm CT. Visit musicbiz2022.com for the preliminary conference agenda, event registration & lodging information, COVID-19 protocols, and more.
About The Music Business Association
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) is a not-for-profit membership organization that advances, promotes and invests in the future of the music business by providing a trusted forum where ideas and cooperation flourish. Through events, education and engagement, the Association brings together the full breadth of the industry for unparalleled access to networking, resources and thought leadership.
Music Biz Media Contact
Nicole Hennessey, Vice President — nicole.hennessey
Sony Media Entertainment Contact
Devan Schulte – devan.schulte@sonymusic.com
