Michael T. Strickland Awarded NAMM Believe in Music Award

	Michael T. Strickland

Michael T. Strickland, Bandit Lites chair and founder, was recently awarded the NAMM Believe in Music Award, an honor bestowed to individuals and businesses who have made a lasting and positive impact on both the NAMM Oral History Collection and the global music products industry. Strickland received the award for his continued efforts to Congress on behalf of the Live Music Industry.

Strickland has worked to mobilize the industry into action, informing people of the minutia of federal aid, breaking down applications and forms that entire companies and individuals hinged their survival on, and on raising awareness to the public with appearances on MSNBC and WGN America to keep the focus on our vital industry. He then testified before the United States Senate Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection on December 15 about the effect of COVID-19 on the Live Event Industry, leading to the passage of the COVID Relief bill providing Save Our Stages, additional PPP and additional PUA to the industry. Strickland continues the work in 2021 to obtain even broader relief for the entire industry.

"Michael, you came into our life like a whirlwind, and you changed it for the better," says NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond. "Working with you, along side of you, to strengthen the industry, especially during this crazy year, we could not be more proud of our partnership."

"It's amazing to me, in a short period of time, how much you've contributed to our programs like our annual tribute and our Oral History program," adds NAMM music historian, Dan Del Fiorentino.

Strickland shared that he was humbled and thankful for the award, noting in his acceptance that he did not stand alone in his efforts.

"I would be remiss to say that I deserve this, because it wasn't me," says Strickland. "It was you, the hundreds of thousands of people that worked together calling the Senators and the representatives, doing the case pushes, the empty stages, illuminated the buildings red and doing all of the things that we needed to do to make sure that Congress heard us, and gave us the relief that we so sorely needed."

The online celebration, held over the week of January 18, 2021, featured a mix of "comprehensive programming and professional education at BelieveinMusic.tv, as well as an interactive marketplace to connect buyers and sellers - all designed to elevate the innovation and inspiration found across the industry while offering support for those most deeply affected by COVID."

In addition to the awards, the event also showcased live music, content, and product discovery, "helping connect music makers and enthusiasts across the world."