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GRAMMYs

Alabama Shakes

Photo: Kevin Winter/WireImage.com

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Rock Focus: Alabama Shakes Erupt At 58th GRAMMYs

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Roots rock quartet wins three GRAMMYs; moving tributes to Lemmy Kilmister and Glenn Frey add a touch of poignancy to Music's Biggest Night
Bruce Britt
GRAMMYs
Feb 16, 2016 - 3:09 am

Alabama Shakes Win Best Rock Performance

Ghost Win Best Metal Performance

Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard was almost, well … shaking. She and her bandmates had just nabbed the GRAMMY for Best Rock Performance, capping a night in which the band earned their very first GRAMMYs. Nervously explaining how the band got their modest start in high school, the jittery Howard paused and said, "Let me tell you — my heart is beating a mile a minute right now!"

It was a touching moment during a night that saw Alabama Shakes authoritatively dominate the Rock Field at the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards show. In all, the Shakes earned three GRAMMYs, Best Alternative Music Album for Sound & Color and Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for "Don’t Wanna Fight."

The Shakes' GRAMMY breakthrough was one of the biggest moments during a night — and day — in which the operative word was "hot." With temperatures soaring to the 90-degree mark in Los Angeles, attendees streamed into Staples Center to experience the GRAMMYs, and the sweltering heat served as a metaphor for the awards competition itself. No field was arguably more hotly contested than the Rock Field, where nominated acts including Foo Fighters, Florence & the Machine, Slipknot, James Bay and more jockeyed for the music's ultimate prize in the categories of Best Metal Performance, Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Album. 

But while the nominations celebrated the work of both new and established artists, this year's rock proceedings felt curiously … haunted. Since GRAMMY nominees were announced last December, a host of rock masters have passed away, including Eagles singer/songwriter Glenn Frey, Jefferson Airplane founding member Paul Kantner, heavy metal pioneer Lemmy Kilmister, and GRAMMY-winning rock experimentalist extraordinaire David Bowie. That's not to mention the late B.B. King, whose stinging blues guitar continues to influence legions of rock musicians.

These dearly departed rockers rank among the best-selling and/or most influential artists in their fields, and their innovative spirits cast an inspiring shadow over Music's Biggest Night. Accordingly, The Recording Academy gave these late masters, and many others spanning all genres, their due during the In Memoriam tribute segment.

This year's nominations bore testament to the increasing variegation of the rock genre, and nowhere was that more evident than in the Best Rock Song category. GRAMMY victors Alabama Shakes faced off against Elle King’s "Ex's & Oh's," a heady throwback to the "brag" songs of pioneering blues women like Bessie Smith and Blue Lu Barker. James Bay earned a nod for his haunting and atmospheric rock ballad, "Hold Back The River." Breaking from whimsical tradition, British rockers Florence & The Machine were nominated for "What Kind Of Man," a single whose clarion horns, ripsaw guitars and explosive drums pound with tribal intensity. Rounding out the competition was "Lydia," a hard rocking track with rapid-fire vocals that helped make 2015 a breakthrough year for Massachusetts rockers Highly Suspect.

The Best Rock Album category saw Slipknot, Death Cab For Cutie, James Bay, and Highly Suspect competing for the prize. But it was Brit rockers Muse who captured the award for their critically acclaimed album, Drones.

The Best Metal Performance award went to the theatrical Swedish metalists Ghost, whose song "Cirice" emerged over other tracks by competing nominees Slipknot, Lamb Of God, Sevendust, and August Burns Red. Just hours before winning their award, Ghost turned heads by walking the red carpet in their trademark masks and theatrical makeup. Accepting their GRAMMY, the band crowed "a nightmare has turned into a dream" — a rather curious conclusion to an exciting metal competition.

The Academy paid tribute to Motörhead founder and heavy metal pioneer Kilmister with a performance by Hollywood Vampires, the rock supergroup comprised of shock-rocker Alice Cooper, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and actor/rocker Johnny Depp. The group made the most of their GRAMMY debut, performing their punk-inflected original song "Bad As I Am" before seamlessly segueing into a high-velocity interpretation of Motörhead's classic “Ace Of Spades.”

The Hollywood Vampires' performance hearkened back to the loud 'n' proud days of '70s proto-metal, but the 58th GRAMMYs also celebrated rock’s tender side. Indeed, though the word "rock" connotes raucousness, some of the genre's most powerful tunes have been haunting songs that flirt with balladry (think the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby," or Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb"). Singer/songwriters and Best New Artist nominees James Bay and Tori Kelly underscored rock's poignant potential with their duet performance of Bay's own "Let It Go" and Kelly’s "Hollow."

A similar intimate spirit animated the performance of the surviving members of the Eagles, who regrouped to pay tribute to heir fallen co-founder Frey. The band performed the breezy "Take It Easy," with folk-rock icon Jackson Browne filling in for Frey (Browne co-wrote the song with Frey). Supported by Don Henley, Timothy B. Schmit and guitarists Joe Walsh and Bernie Leadon, Browne led these high-flying birds through a faithful version of the breezy hit that helped set the Eagles on their path to becoming one of America's most successful rock acts of all time.

Frey was surely smiling from his heavenly perch.

(Bruce Britt is an award-winning freelance writer whose work has appeared in The Washington Post,USA Today, Detroit Free Press, San Francisco Chronicle, and other distinguished publications. He lives in Los Angeles.)

 

 

Buy the 2016 GRAMMY Nominees album
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Buy the '2016 GRAMMY Nominees' album now 2016-grammy-nominees-album-now-available

'2016 GRAMMY Nominees' album now available

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Collection features 21 hits from Alabama Shakes, Kendrick Lamar, Little Big Town, Maroon 5, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and more
THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
May 15, 2017 - 2:36 am

The 2016 GRAMMY Nominees album is now in stores and available via digital retailers. Released by The Recording Academy's GRAMMY Recordings and Republic Records, the 22nd installment of the best-selling series features 21 chart-topping hits from a diverse array of this year's GRAMMY-nominated artists and songwriters. A portion of the proceeds from album sales will benefit the year-round efforts of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares.

The album includes artists and songs in the Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Country Solo Performance categories. Artists featured on the collection include Alabama Shakes, Cam, D'Angelo And The Vanguard, Florence & The Machine, Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, Little Big Town, Maroon 5, Mark Ronson, Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Lee Ann Womack, as well as Best New Artist nominees Courtney Barnett, James Bay, Sam Hunt, Tori Kelly, and Meghan Trainor.

Order the 2016 GRAMMY Nominees Album

"The 2016 GRAMMY Nominees album represents some of the finest songs and talented artists that make up this year's remarkable nominees," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "We thank Republic Records for collaborating with us on this project, which also provides much needed support for the invaluable programs and initiatives our charities produce year-round. We look forward to another successful GRAMMY compilation."

"It's an honor to partner with the Recording Academy for the 2016 GRAMMY Nominees album," says Republic Records Founder/President Avery Lipman. "It's a very special project that captures the year through showcasing its biggest and best songs and simultaneously benefits some very important causes."

The 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards will broadcast live on CBS on Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. For updates and breaking news, visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook.

Performers for the 58th GRAMMY Awards

Photo: Getty Images/WireImage.com

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Who's performing? Official 58th GRAMMYs lineup

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A handy guide to the performances scheduled for the 58th GRAMMY awards, airing Monday, Feb. 15 on CBS
THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
May 15, 2017 - 2:36 am

Music's Biggest Night is only days ahead and set to include show-stopping and unforgettable GRAMMY Moments. The star-studded performance lineup for the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards promise something for all music fans — including a number of first-time GRAMMY performances, a satellite performance by the Broadway cast of "Hamilton," an experiential performance by Lady Gaga in honor of the late icon David Bowie, Adele's return to the GRAMMY stage, and the best in country, pop, rock, and hip-hop. Two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J returns as host for the fifth consecutive year and will be joined by a stellar lineup of presenters.

Are you ready to "Witness Greatness"? The performers on the 58th GRAMMY Awards are: 

  • Adele
  • Alabama Shakes
  • Joey Alexander
  • James Bay and Tori Kelly
  • Justin Bieber and Jack Ü (Diplo and Skrillex)
  • Luke Bryan, John Legend, Demi Lovato, and Meghan Trainor with Lionel Richie
  • Andra Day and Ellie Goulding
  • Eagles (Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, Timothy B. Schmit, and Joe Walsh) with Jackson Browne in tribute to Glenn Frey
  • "Hamilton" Broadway cast
  • Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry)
  • Sam Hunt and Carrie Underwood
  • Lady Gaga in tribute to David Bowie
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Little Big Town
  • Miguel
  • Pitbull, Travis Barker and Robin Thicke
  • Rihanna
  • Chris Stapleton, Gary Clark Jr. and Bonnie Raitt in tribute to B.B. King
  • Taylor Swift
  • The Weeknd

The 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place on Monday, Feb. 15 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and will broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

For updates and breaking news, visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Eagles' Glenn Frey plays guitar

Glenn Frey

Photo: Tommaso Boddi/WireImage.com

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2016 GRAMMYs: Eagles to pay tribute to Glenn Frey remembering-glenn-frey-eagles-pay-tribute-grammys

Remembering Glenn Frey: Eagles to pay tribute on GRAMMYs

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Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, Timothy B. Schmit, and Joe Walsh to join with Jackson Browne for a one-of-a-kind tribute to the late Eagles co-founder
THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
May 15, 2017 - 2:36 am

Eagles members — eight-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Don Henley, GRAMMY winner Bernie Leadon, three-time GRAMMY winner Timothy B. Schmit, and five-time GRAMMY winner Joe Walsh — will take part in a one-time-only special tribute to six-time GRAMMY winner Glenn Frey on the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The late musician's bandmates will come together with close friend and collaborator Jackson Browne to perform a classic hit from the Eagles' legendary songbook.

"Glenn Frey's untimely passing was a huge loss for the entire creative community," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "For more than 45 years, the Eagles have played a significant role in shaping our musical landscape. We are honored to welcome the band, along with Jackson Browne, to the GRAMMY stage in tribute to Glenn's tremendous legacy."

Henley is currently nominated, with Stan Lynch, for Best American Roots Song for "The Cost Of Living" from his Cass County album.

As a co-founder of the Eagles, Frey's six GRAMMY wins included Record Of The Year for 1977 for "Hotel California," and, most recently, Best Pop Instrumental Performance for 2008 for "I Dreamed There Was No War." Three Eagles recordings, including 1976's Hotel California, have been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame.

Previously announced 58th GRAMMY performers include Adele; Travis Barker; James Bay; Justin Bieber; Luke Bryan; Gary Clark Jr.; Andra Day; Diplo; Ellie Goulding; the "Hamilton" Broadway cast; Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry of the Hollywood Vampires; Sam Hunt; Tori Kelly; Lady Gaga; Kendrick Lamar; John Legend; Little Big Town; Demi Lovato; Pitbull; Bonnie Raitt; Rihanna; Lionel Richie; Skrillex; Chris Stapleton; Robin Thicke; Meghan Trainor; Carrie Underwood; and The Weeknd.

The 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers. Two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J will host Music's Biggest Night for the fifth consecutive year.

Taking place at Staples Center in Los Angeles, the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS on Monday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

For updates and breaking news, visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

GRAMMYs

Kendrick Lamar performs at the 58th GRAMMYs

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

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58th GRAMMYs Mirror Our Times

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Top winners Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and Alabama Shakes reflect the current cultural dialogue
THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
Feb 16, 2016 - 11:22 am

In an era when much of the prevailing cultural dialogue revolves around race relations and empowerment, the big winners at the 58th GRAMMY Awards reflected that zeitgeist.

Compton, Calif., rapper Kendrick Lamar went into the 58th GRAMMY Awards as the most nominated artist (11 nods) since Michael Jackson and Babyface each scored 12 for 1983 and 1996, respectively. He took five GRAMMYs, including Best Rap Album for To Pimp A Butterfly, and Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for "Alright."

His performance of "The Blacker The Berry" and "Alright," songs that have become unofficial soundtracks for the Black Lives Matter movement, infused the GRAMMYs with the kind of social currency at which it excels, whether it's celebrating marriage rights or honoring musical icons such as Whitney Houston.

Alabama Shakes, perhaps fittingly a multiracial band with a multiracial frontwoman, won three awards, Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Alternative Music Album, all based around their acclaimed album Sound & Color.

Taylor Swift won Album Of The Year for 1989 among her three awards. Pointing out that she was the first woman to win that award twice, Swift was passionate about giving due credit to the contributions of women.

"I want to say to all the young women out there," Swift said, "there are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success, or take credit for your accomplishments, or your fame. But if you just focus on the work and you don't let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you're going, you will look around and you will know it was you and the people who love you that put you there. And that will be the greatest feeling in the world."

Other multiple winners included D'Angelo, Diplo, Jason Isbell, Maria Schneider, Ed Sheeran, Skrillex, Chris Stapleton, and The Weeknd.

Rising up, to paraphrase GRAMMY nominee and performer Andra Day, was the theme of night. In addition to Lamar's wins and triumphant performance, there were other noteworthy moments.

Common and John Legend's "Glory," the pair's defiant song from the film about the '60s Montgomery voting rights marches, Selma, won for Best Song Written For Visual Media. West African singer Angélique Kidjo admonished the audience to "say no to hate and violence through music" in accepting her Best World Music Album GRAMMY for Sings during the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony. Lalah Hathaway won in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category for "Little Ghetto Boy," a song about the dire consequences of growing up in inner city poverty that was originally recorded by her father, Donny Hathaway.   

Mexican drummer/composer Antonio Sanchez, who won Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media for Birdman, thanked GRAMMY voters specifically because he had been "eliminated by another awards show that starts with an 'O' and ends with 'scars.'" And songwriter Kendra Foster literally raised a fist and proclaimed "we're trying to rise up" when accepting the Best R&B Song award for her and D'Angelo's "Really Love."

It was also a night of official goodbyes to musical giants, some of whom died within weeks of the GRAMMY telecast.

Lady Gaga's tribute to David Bowie, aided by Intel technology, was an electrifying appreciation of one of the most influential artists of our time. Bowie, who died Jan. 10, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Recording Academy in 2006, and an appropriate celebration on tonight's show with a Gaga medley wrapped up by a triumphant version of "Heroes."

The band that perfected '70s California rock came together to salute its fallen founding member, Glenn Frey, who died Jan. 18. The Eagles strummed through their first hit record, the classic "Take It Easy," teaming with the song's co-writer Jackson Browne (who penned the tune with Frey in the early '70s when they lived in the same L.A. apartment building). The ode to letting troubles run off your shoulders and grabbing life while you can was a fitting tribute to a singer, guitarist and man who did just that.

Things got revved up a few decibels when the Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry) lit the funeral pyre for hard rock's No. 1 anarchist Lemmy Kilmister with a short blast of Motörhead's "Ace Of Spades."

At the other end of the genre and attitude spectrum, Earth, Wind & Fire's deeply optimistic pan-spiritual leader Maurice White, who died Feb. 4, was feted by Stevie Wonder, joined by vocal group Pentatonix, who performed an a cappella version of the band's classic "That's The Way Of The World."

Finally, Chris Stapleton, Gary Clark Jr. and Bonnie Raitt paid tribute to the late B.B. King, who died May 14, 2015. The three artists reflected different generations and genres, but demonstrated that roots music is a single language often spoken with six strings, and that all three owe a debt to one of the most noteworthy bluesmen of all time.

Between honoring our musical legacy and recognizing music's power to reflect and impact our cultural legacy, fans truly had a chance to witness greatness on this year's GRAMMYs.

 

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Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.