Michael Bublé Kicks Off Give The Gift Of Music’s Holiday Campaign

Michael Bublé, one of music’s most popular and successful acts, stepped into the spotlight today to talk about the joys of giving and receiving music as a holiday gift, while joining the ranks of more than 50 top musicians currently supporting the industry’s “Give The Gift Of Music” (GTGOM) initiative.

In his video created exclusively for the givethegiftofmusic.info website, Bublé recalls how during the holidays, Christmas music – especially Bing Crosby’s – was a huge part of his life. “It inspired me to sing, and it inspired me to love Christmas even more,” says Bublé. “I hope you can share that with your family. Give the gift of music.”

Other GTGOM campaign supporting acts who share holiday musical gifting memories at givethegiftofmusic.info include Greyson Chance; Kelly Clarkson; Riley Etheridge, Jr.; Good Charlotte; Darius Rucker; and more.

On the heels of the Consumer Electronics Association’s news that one in four consumers plan to give gift cards that can be used for digital music purchases this season, the GTGOM campaign today launched a contest asking fans to share a poignant, humorous or otherwise memorable story about a meaningful music gift (song, album, instrument, music lessons, tickets, etc.) that they have received for the Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza holidays. Entries can be submitted as a brief written essay or via a video of no more than 90 seconds by December 31, 2011 at http://givethegiftofmusic.info/post-your-music-memory/2011-holiday-contest/.

The grand prize winner will receive $1,000. Additional winners will get either music gift baskets or music gift cards. Two autographed items from Michael Bublé will be included in the prizes. Full contest details, deadlines, rules and regulations can be found at http://givethegiftofmusic.info/post-your-music-memory/2011-holiday-contest/.

Earlier this month, the GTGOM campaign announced the winners of its successful “Countdown to CMA” essay contest. From near 700 thoughtful entries submitted, speech-language pathologist Jennifer Dotson from Goodlettsville, Tenn. was selected as the grand prize winner and awarded two tickets to attend the CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn. and a cash prize of $1,000.

Beginning in late 2010, NARM, the music business association, and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), launched an industry-wide effort to reenergize the 30-year old “Give the Gift of Music” campaign and remind consumers that they can give the gift of music today in more ways than ever due to increasing physical, online and mobile music purchasing options.

A variety of industry organizations and more than 50 artists have since joined to support the initiative and help spread the gifting message. Artists continue to contribute original anecdotes to the givethegiftofmusic.info website where consumers can hear how music gifts have touched the lives of their favorite acts; share their own gifting memories; discover new music gift ideas; and tell friends and loved ones what’s on their own music wish lists all year long. In addition, industry groups have supported the campaign by using the GTGOM logo and website URL on product, in advertisements and on their websites.

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About NARM: NARM (National Association of Recording Merchandisers) advances the promotion, marketing, distribution and sale of music by providing members with diverse meeting and networking opportunities, information and education resources, and advocacy for their common interests. NARM is based in Marlton, New Jersey.

About RIAA: The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States. In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi- Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.

Source: Warner Bros. Records