Multiplatinum singer-songwriter Megan Moroney and music industry ceiling-breaker Sylvia Rhone will both be honored at She Is The Music’s second annual Sharing the Spotlight ceremony. The event will take place Feb. 18 in Los Angeles.
Moroney, whose third studio album Cloud 9 is being released Feb. 20, will be celebrated as the Artist Spotlight. Known for her career-building platinum hits “Tennessee Orange,” “Am I Okay?” and “No Caller ID,” the country artist will also be recognized for her commitment to working with diverse, female-led teams both on and off the stage.
“I’m so honored to receive this recognition from She Is The Music,” Moroney said in a press statement. “I wouldn’t be where I am today, in my career and in life, without the support of all the incredible females around me. Knowing that some of the most talented women in the business always have my back gives me the creative space to focus on my artistry and for this I’m beyond grateful.”
Rhone, who exited her post as chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records last September, will be honored as the Trailblazer Spotlight. During her storied career, the former record label secretary broke the music C-suite glass ceiling twice before her Epic tenure: when she was named chairwoman of Atlantic’s East West Records America in 1990 and again in 1994 as the first Black woman appointed chairman and CEO of a major record company, Elektra Entertainment Group. In addition to working with a diverse roster from Missy Elliott and AC/DC to Erykah Badu and Travis Scott, Rhone simultaneously advocated for diversity and inclusion.
“Throughout my career, I’ve believed that real power is about using it to create opportunity for others,” commented Rhone. “I’m deeply honored to be recognized by an organization that understands progress requires both vision and action.”
She Is The Music co-founder and Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys, who will present the Artist Spotlight to Moroney, said of both honorees, “Megan represents something so important for this moment in music — the way she builds her teams and shows up for other women is leadership. Sylvia has been doing this for decades, and [the night] is about recognizing that none of us get here alone. And when we share our spotlight, we make the whole industry brighter.”
Added fellow SITM co-founder and Universal Music Group Publishing chairman and CEO Jody Gerson: “We are honoring Megan and Sylvia for using their platforms and influence to broaden the path for other women. We are also thrilled to welcome our new executive director, Laura Segura, as this is her first big SITM community event.”
In addition to Keys and Gerson, She Is The Music was co-founded by Grammy-nominated recording and mix engineer Ann Mincieli and UTA’s co-head of music Sam Kirby Yoh. In keeping with their mission to increase the number of women working in the music industry while lifting each other up, SITM’s Sharing the Spotlight will once again select a group of music industry powerhouses who will each invite a woman working in the music business with whom to share their spotlight. The concept was introduced at SITM’s inaugural Share The Spotlight event last year, which honored Gracie Abrams as the Artist Spotlight recipient.
