GRAMMY Jam(TM) Celebrates Stevie Wonder to Raise Funds for the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Arts and Music Education Initiative; Mercedes-Benz USA to Present an All-Star Event to Kick off GRAMMY(R) Season in Musical Style

LOS ANGELES--Nov. 16, 2005--The Recording Academy(R) and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) announced the musical event, GRAMMY Jam(TM), celebrating the music of 22-time GRAMMY(R) Award-winning artist Stevie Wonder. The event, to be presented by Mercedes-Benz USA, will take place Saturday, Dec. 1, 20050, 2005, at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.

Eric Benet, George Benson, Chris Brown, Dean DeLeo and Robert DeLeo (formerly of Stone Temple Pilots), George Duke, Josh Groban, Anthony Hamilton, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, Hootie & The Blowfish, India.Arie, James Ingram, Randy Jackson, Keb' Mo', KEM, Aaron Neville, Raphael Saadiq, Slash, Angie Stone, Kirk Whalum, and Stevie Wonder are among the dozens of musical guests scheduled to perform in a jam-style fashion under the musical direction of Rickey Minor.

"Stevie Wonder is one of the most generous individuals, both musically and philanthropically, in our industry," said Recording Academy President Neil Portnow. "Artists of all genres are lining up to honor this musical icon whose body of work spans generations, touching millions of fans around the world."

The Recording Academy and EIF are working together to raise much-needed funds and awareness for arts and music education through EIF's National Arts and Music Education Initiative (NAMEI), which provides funding for exemplary arts programs to assure the continuation of their work. Beneficiaries include: the GRAMMY Foundation(R), For The Arts, InnerSpark/California State Summer School for the Arts, Inner-City Arts, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

"Thanks to the generosity of Mercedes-Benz USA, 100 percent of the proceeds from GRAMMY Jam will benefit arts and music education nationally," stated EIF President and CEO Lisa Paulsen. "Music is a great way to express yourself and we want to be certain to give young people the necessary lifelong tools to help them succeed."

About The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., also known as The Recording Academy, is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards, The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs -- including the creation of the national public education campaign What's The Download(TM) (www.WhatsTheDownload.com). For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

About the Entertainment Industry Foundation

As the philanthropic leader of the entertainment industry, the Entertainment Industry Foundation has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars -- and provided countless volunteer hours -- to support charitable initiatives addressing some of the most critical issues facing society today. The Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Arts and Music Education Initiative (NAMEI) was launched with the support of the entire entertainment industry to help reverse the declining public resources available and further the arts for children and young people. For more information, please visit www.eifoundation.org.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., MBUSA is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. Through its philanthropic program, MBUSA focuses on educating and empowering future generations, particularly those who are underserved. The company views education as an opportunity to ensure that as many of today's youth as possible are given the tools, guidance and support they need to reach their full potential. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.