The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade body representing the interests of the recorded music business in the United States.
The org claims that nearly 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States is created, manufactured or distributed by RIAA members.
Those members include the three major record companies (Universal Music, Sony Music, and Warner Music), in addition to independent labels large and small, from Disney Music Group to Tommy Boy, Partisan Records, and Concord.
In addition to industry advocacy, RIAA issues its sales Certifications, including Gold and Platinum, in the United States.
RIAA is also a defender of the industry against piracy, taking legal action against repeated and widespread copyright infringers.
The org also publishes half-year and full-year information on the commercial fortunes of the US recorded music market.
RIAA hiring Mitch Glazier as CEO
In January 2019, Mitch Glazier became CEO and Chairman of RIAA, stepping up from his prior role of Senior Executive Vice President.
He succeeded Cary Sherman in the role. Sherman had been involved with the RIAA for over 40 years, starting out in 1974 as outside counsel at Arnold & Porter, before becoming General Counsel, then President and ultimately Chairman and CEO of the organization.
At the same time as Glazier’s promotion to CEO, RIAA also promoted Michele Ballantyne to the role of Chief Operating Officer.
On taking the CEO position, Glazier said: ““I am honored to lead the RIAA during these exciting times as we fight for a music ecosystem that works for everybody – from artists and fans to labels and publishers and songwriters and music services alike. That will require that we both embrace digital music innovations, and protect what has always made music great – keeping the dream alive for the next generation of artists and music creators.”Music Business Worldwide