Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, is determined to restore the integrity of the annual Grammy Awards after a turbulent period of controversy. The 66th edition of the prestigious awards show is set to take place on February 4 in Los Angeles, with Mason leading the charge for positive changes.

In 2019, the Recording Academy faced allegations of wrongdoing, including sexual harassment, as well as criticism for a lack of diversity and cutting short winners' speeches. To address these issues, the organization underwent a significant restructuring process that resulted in a financial settlement with former CEO Deborah Dugan. The ensuing backlash led to notable stars like Kendrick Lamar declining invitations to attend the Grammys.

However, since being named CEO in May 2021, Mason has been spearheading a reformation of the nonprofit organization. One of the notable changes includes eliminating secret voting and expanding membership to make the Academy more inclusive. Currently, 19% of the Academy's 11,000 voting members identify as Black, showcasing progress in diversifying its membership. Mason believes that these efforts are instrumental in rebuilding the relevance and reputation of the Recording Academy.

Mason's passion for music dates back to his upbringing in Boston, where he immersed himself in a musical environment. His father, Harvey Mason Sr., was a drummer for the acclaimed jazz band Fourplay. As a child, Mason honed his songwriting skills and received his first production credit when one of his compositions was featured on saxophonist Grover Washington Jr.'s album.

After playing college basketball at the University of Arizona, Mason ventured into the music industry and enjoyed breakthrough moments in the late 1990s when he produced songs for R&B star Brandy. His talent and dedication also led him to work with legendary icons such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and an 18-month collaboration with Michael Jackson. Mason greatly admires these music legends for their refusal to settle or compromise, mentioning Michael Jackson's approach of always striving for the best and then pushing boundaries even further.

Financially, the Recording Academy has been supported by a significant contribution from Paramount Global, the owners of CBS, who pay over $20 million annually to broadcast the Grammys. The Academy's revenue reached $89.3 million in 2022, $73 million the year before, and over $85 million in 2020.

Despite financial success, viewership for the Grammy Awards has experienced a decline since 2019. In 2021, the show garnered an average of 12.4 million viewers, an increase from 8.9 million in 2022. The decline continued in 2020, with an average of 18.7 million viewers compared to the previous year's roughly 20 million. Nevertheless, the Grammys remain a highly-watched awards show, earning CBS nearly $100 million in advertising revenue and positioning it as the second-most-watched awards show after the Oscars.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of media and content consumption, Mason acknowledges the need for adaptation and innovation. He envisions a future where viewers can enjoy the Grammy Awards through various platforms, moving beyond traditional television broadcast. Mason is committed to working out these changes to ensure that music enthusiasts can fully engage with the show in ways that suit their preferences.

As the 66th Annual Grammy Awards draw near, Harvey Mason Jr. is determined to restore the Grammys' prestige and retain the event's prominence in the music industry. With a restructured voting system, an emphasis on diversity, and a willingness to adapt to new forms of media consumption, Mason and the Recording Academy are poised to bring forth a revamped and relevant awards show for music lovers worldwide.