Today, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and YouTube Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen announced an inaugural roster of U.S. Global Music Ambassadors as part of a U.S. Department of State-YouTube Global Music Diplomacy Partnership. These Global Music Ambassadors will, on behalf of the American people, use their music to bring people together and promote peace worldwide. The Department and YouTube will announce additional U.S. Global Music Ambassadors in the months ahead.
These American music artists, songwriters, and producers exude excellence in their fields and have demonstrated a commitment to public service and giving back. Beginning this year, U.S. Global Music Ambassadors will engage audiences, ranging from youth to marginalized populations to world leaders, to elevate music as a diplomatic platform to expand access to education, economic opportunity and equity, and inclusion. Their efforts will build on the historic legacy of the Jazz Ambassadors of the 1950s and 1960s, which included the likes of iconic American musicians and artists including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, and Sarah Vaughan.
The U.S. Global Music Ambassadors are:
- Chuck D
Chuck D is a Rock and Roll Hall Of Famer, and Grammy Lifetime Achievement winner. He's the co- founder of Public Enemy and Prophets Of Rage. He's recognized worldwide as a legend, activist, fine artist, and best-selling author.
"Bridging cultural divides and inspiring positive change has been part of my life's work and it is a responsibility I don't take lightly. Being a Global Music Ambassador is an opportunity to use my voice and music to inspire everyone. New generations of human beings from many places, leading, activating and uniting – making a better world through music, which is THE universal language." - Chuck D, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
- Grace Bowers
Emerging on the music scene as a dynamic performer, Grace Bowers has played the Allman Family Revival at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, notably made her Newport Folk Festival debut in 2023 with three sets, and is slated to release her debut album this year.
"Music is one of the most important things to me and has brought so many incredible people into my life. I'm honored that I get to be a U.S. Global Music Ambassador, it's a very cool opportunity for music to bring the world together and help further peace." - Grace Bowers, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
- BRELAND
A truly one-of-a-kind force on the Country scene, BRELAND is reshaping the genre's future with his fearless originality and visionary sound.
"As a Black artist with a somewhat unorthodox journey into Country music, I've always said that I believe 'Country music is for everyone.' For me, the connective tissue of the genre lies in the storytelling, and everyone has a unique story to tell. The more I travel, the more I realize how interconnected our stories actually are. We all have more in common than we think, and our differences don't have to be a barrier. It is an incredible honor to be a Global Music Ambassador, and I'm excited to continue using my art to build cultural bridges around the world in a way only music can. That 8-year-old kid spinning his globe from Burlington, New Jersey would have never imagined the places his gifts would take him, but I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity now." - BRELAND, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
- Kane Brown
Named "the future of country music" (Billboard), multi-Platinum-selling, award-winning singer/songwriter Kane Brown recently released the follow up to his 11th #1 single at Country radio – "Miles On It" with Marshmello and is on his 2024 In The Air Headline Tour.
"I'm proud to be a Global Music Ambassador and tour the world while representing country music to fans everywhere. Music brings people together and I feel so fortunate that I am able to be a part of that through touring the world. I've gotten to meet so many incredible fans in so many different countries across the globe." - Kane Brown, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
- Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock is an internationally renowned pianist and composer who is one of the most innovative and influential musicians of our time. A true icon of modern music, he has shaped the direction of jazz, fusion, funk and hip-hop for more than six decades.
"There has never been a greater need for music than right now. My entire life has been devoted to making connections with people through music, and serving as a United States Global Music Ambassador is an incredible opportunity to work with the U.S. State Department, YouTube and my fellow musicians to promote peace and unity for citizens around the world." - Herbie Hancock, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
- Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll is an award-winning, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter whose debut Country album, Whitsitt Chapel, secured Top 3 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart and #2 on the Top Country Album charts. The Billboard Country Power List Cover star received Billboard's 2023 Breakthrough Award and the People's Choice Award for Male Country Artist of the Year.
"I was just able to announce my first official international tour dates, so partnering with YouTube and the U.S. State Department to be a Global Music Ambassador feels especially meaningful." - Jelly Roll, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
- Teddy Swims
Steadily climbing his way to the forefront of popular culture, Teddy Swims has spent most of 2024 on his sold out 'I've Tried Everything But Therapy' world tour, released a live version of the album alongside his band Freak Freely and I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1.5).
"When YouTube came to me about becoming a part of the U.S. Global Ambassadorship program, it was a no brainer. I've said it before – music saved my life and being a part of a program that believes in the power of bringing people together from all walks of life, generations, and cultural backgrounds through music is what I love and hope to do with my music. I always say that we need to build longer tables, not taller fences." - Teddy Swims, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
- Justin Tranter
A two-time Grammy nominee, Justin Tranter is one of the most in-demand producers and songwriters in music today, an ACLU Bill of Rights Award-winning activist and founder of Facet Records and Facet Publishing.
"As a global music ambassador, I'm honored to represent my country and harness the craft of songwriting to help foster peace and unity. Through melody and lyric, I strive to create songs that resonate globally, celebrating our shared humanity while acknowledging our unique experiences. Collaborating with artists from diverse backgrounds, we create a harmonious chorus that transcends differences and inspires connection. As an Ambassador I hope to continue using the power of music to bridge divides, heal wounds, and ignite a collective spirit of hope." - Justin Tranter, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
- Armani White
Profound, yet buoyantly energetic, Armani White wants to trademark happy hood music. Pairing dexterous flows with dense introspection and spurts of impassioned melodies, the 27-year-old delivers a colorful, but poignant soundtrack for survivors.
"My goal in creating art has always been to be a part of history. And this is one of those historical moments that I'm honored to be a part of. In 50 years, I think this will be remembered as one of those pivotal years in shaping the future of music, so I'm claiming my corner as the voice of my city and culture and planting a flag for all the unique creatives." - Armani White, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
- Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and actress, who took home her first Grammy this past year for "Best Country Album." One of the most awarded artists at the 2023 CMA Awards, Wilson has proved to be quite the "artist to watch."
"I am so honored to participate in this program as a U.S. Global Music Ambassador for the launch of the Global Music Diplomacy Partnership. The power of art and storytelling is incredibly important and I'm grateful to have opportunities to tour and connect with people over songs and music around the world." - Lainey Wilson, U.S. Global Music Ambassador
