LEE GREENWOOD: Trump Can Help Finish the Fight Frank Sinatra Started

The Ongoing Battle for Fair Music Royalties in America

Music has always been a powerful thread woven into the fabric of American culture. Songs like Lee Greenwood’s iconic “God Bless the U.S.A.” have become anthems of patriotism, played across the nation during celebrations and moments of reflection. Yet, behind the stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics lies a troubling reality: many musicians and artists do not receive fair compensation when their music is played on AM/FM radio stations.

For over a hundred years, a legal loophole has allowed traditional broadcast radio to profit from playing recorded music without paying the performers or session musicians who bring those recordings to life. While streaming platforms, satellite radio, and internet services compensate artists for their work, AM/FM radio remains the lone exception. This disparity not only shortchanges American musicians but also impacts royalties worldwide, as other countries withhold payments due to America’s outdated laws.

Why Musicians Deserve Fair Compensation

When a farmer harvests crops or a factory produces goods, those who do the work receive payment. The same principle should apply to music. The artists, session players, and backup singers who create recordings contribute real value, yet they have been excluded from receiving royalties from AM/FM radio plays. This is not about punishing local radio stations, which serve communities and provide valuable programming. Instead, it is about holding large broadcast corporations accountable for profiting off artists’ work without sharing the revenue.

The argument that radio provides “free advertising” for musicians does not justify the lack of compensation. Unlike AM/FM radio, every other platform that plays music pays artists fairly. Spotify, SiriusXM, YouTube, and internet radio all ensure that musicians receive royalties. The continued exemption of traditional radio is a government-granted privilege maintained by powerful industry lobbyists, leaving hardworking musicians without their rightful earnings.

Frank Sinatra’s Legacy and the Path Forward

This fight for fair royalties is not new. Legendary singer Frank Sinatra once led a movement to close the radio loophole, advocating for artists’ rights decades ago. Unfortunately, Congress did not act then, and the issue has persisted. Today, Lee Greenwood is determined to carry on Sinatra’s legacy and push for meaningful change.

The American Music Fairness Act is a bipartisan bill designed to address this long-standing injustice. Sponsored by Senator Marsha Blackburn and Congressman Darrell Issa, the legislation requires major radio corporations to pay royalties to artists while allowing small, independent stations to continue playing music affordably. Passing this bill would not only ensure fair pay for American musicians but also unlock royalties held by foreign countries due to America’s current laws.

President Donald Trump’s previous support for musicians, demonstrated by signing the Music Modernization Act, shows promise for advancing this cause. The American Music Fairness Act represents the unfinished business of that legislation, and Greenwood believes Trump can help bring it to fruition.

The Broader Impact of Closing the Loophole

Fixing this loophole has implications beyond just American borders. Because the U.S. does not pay performers for AM/FM radio plays, countries like those in the European Union have withheld hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties from American artists. The EU’s recent proposal to withhold an additional $287 million annually threatens to deepen this financial harm.

If the American Music Fairness Act becomes law, it would signal to the world that the U.S. values and protects its artists. This change would encourage other countries to release withheld royalties and strengthen the global music economy. It would also reaffirm America’s commitment to rewarding hard work and creativity, a promise that resonates deeply as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Conclusion

The fight to ensure musicians receive fair compensation for their work on AM/FM radio is a vital step toward honoring the artists who have shaped America’s cultural identity. Lee Greenwood’s call for President Trump to help finish the fight Frank Sinatra started highlights the urgency and importance of closing this century-old loophole. By supporting the American Music Fairness Act, we can finally ensure that the voices behind America’s soundtrack are paid what they deserve.

If you believe in fair pay for artists and want to support this cause, reach out to your local representatives and urge them to back the American Music Fairness Act today. Together, we can help finish the fight and give musicians the respect and compensation they have earned.