Mixed Views About Grammys’ Greene Story

The story discloses that Greene’s compensation is $757,000 plus tax-free perks of $55,000--the former figure greater than the pay of most record industry personnel, and the latter greater than that of most Americans. And we don’t live in $1.5-million homes.

When I was one of the 18 being considered for the job that Greene got, I asked a NARAS trustee what the pay would be. He told me: $100,000 to $120,000 per year.

Well, if his devotion to NARAS and its causes is truly Greene’s “mission,” perhaps he could put his money where his mouth is and allocate what he’s overpaid to areas where it would do the most good.

OLIVER BERLINER

Beverly Hills

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Leadership,” the French statesman Talleyrand observed, “is the genius of transforming vision into reality.”

Michael Greene--president and CEO of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, whose annual Grammys music awards show was broadcast Feb. 25 to some 1.5 billion viewers worldwide--is just such a leader. I have come to learn this in working closely with Mr. Greene and NARAS this past year.

Mr. Greene, the subject of “Power and Conflict Behind the Grammys” [Column One, Feb. 22], is an extraordinarily talented executive with an incredible track record of success in transforming NARAS into a music and entertainment industry powerhouse.

The record speaks for itself. In just 10 years, membership increased over 400% from barely 3,000 to 13,000; assets [have] grown by nearly 800% from $4.9 million to $38 million; and the Grammys’ telecast rights, as The Times’ article noted, “have steadily risen to $20 million this year alone.”

Michael Greene stands out as one of the most inspirational, innovative and intelligent leaders I have had the privilege to know and work with.

STEPHEN SALTZMAN

Malibu

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The timing of recent allegations against Mr. Greene is a clear indicator that The Times is out to do more than inform the public.

Amidst the massive time commitment demanded by an event such as the Grammys, do you honestly expect Mr. Greene to adequately respond to these serious allegations which hold such profound implications for himself and the organization he has spent so much time building?

Congratulations on transforming a legitimate investigative piece into a personal cheap shot, complete with clever “gotcha” timing and ominous yet vague references to impending IRS involvement.

KIRK HORN

Beverly Hills

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As one who has been a music business functionary for over 30 years in various capacities (lawyer, manager, music publisher, music supervisor, video producer, etc.), I find both the letter and spirit of this particular article both offensive and inaccurate.

Michael Greene has provided the necessary leadership to transform NARAS from an almost-failed attempt to emulate the seemingly more prestigious Oscar and Emmy presentations into a world-class series of events which accurately elevate music to the place it so richly deserves.

Has Michael Greene “offended” people? I certainly hope he has. Leaders are people who take strong positions on tough issues. Michael Greene is very “guilty” of that “crime.” Michael Greene works hard and is fairly paid for his work.

MICHAEL R. SHAPIRO

Beverly Hills