Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.

As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.

The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.

Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.

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Tag Archives: Billie Holiday

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Jazz Superheroes: Billie Holiday and Lester Young

August 1, 2018 IM

Jazz musicians are real American heroes, but their true stories are rarely told. Find out how they created an original American art form while battling discrimination, poverty, violence, even defying death. This series of books is a salute to these heroes. The first two books in the series are Billie Holiday: Lady Day and Lester Young: Prez. Holiday believed in telling the truth through her music. At age 24, her haunting song “Strange Fruit” shocked conservative America and defined her as a talented singer and social activist. Lester Young has been called the most mysterious and influential jazz musician of all time, paving the way for contemporary bebop and avant-garde styles.

Jazz Superheroes, Billie Holiday: Lady Day and Lester Young: Prez,
by Eve Zanni of Local 802 (New York City), www.evezanni.com.