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.
November 5, 2018
IM -Tim Atwood, member of Local 257 (Nashville, TN), was honored with both a Proclamation from the 18th Congressional District of Illinois and the City of Peoria. US Representative Darin LaHood and City of Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis honored Atwood with the award.
“I’ve spent 38 years of my life in Nashville, Tennessee, performing on the Grand Ole Opry,” says Atwood. “Today I travel the country taking my music to the fans. But, no matter where I find myself, Illinois is in my heart, and Peoria will forever be my home. It was a great honor to be recognized by Mayor Ardis and Representative LaHood. I hope I make Peoria proud, because I’m proud to be from my hometown.”
Atwood is country music veteran of 50 years. He began his career playing gospel music at age 13. He has toured with a variety of musicians including Mel Street, Lynn Anderson, and Jim Ed Brown. Before beginning a 38-year career backing musicians at the Grand Ole Opry, Atwood appeared on many television shows and broadcasts. Some of his television credits include Late Night with David Letterman, Nashville on the Road, Opry Live, Hee Haw, and features on CBS, NBC, and FOX National News.
On November 10 and 11, Atwood will appear on a special Veteran’s Day episode of Huckabee, a show on TBN. He will perform his single, “I’ll Stand Up and Say So,” from his album Livin’ the Dream. Having a son who is a Purple Heart veteran has brought Atwood to profoundly appreciate everything veterans have done; “I understand the sacrifices our veterans made to ensure our freedoms. I don’t take that for granted, and anything I can do to support our veterans, I consider an honor and a privilege.”