Memphis is the cradle of blues music, a city whose history runs as deep as the Mississippi River hugging the city's limits. To celebrate that history, the Memphis-based Blues Foundation hosted six days of events, beginning with the Blues Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the 43rd Blues Music Awards. The award ceremonies preceded the four-night International Blues Challenge talent contest at various clubs on the historic Beale Street.

The celebrations were a sort of comeback for Memphis' blues scene. Though tough for the music industry as a whole, two years of COVID-induced shutdowns seemed particularly hard on the tight-knit blues community, where artists, industry workers and fans often intermingle like long-missed family and friends.  

"I always say the industry has not been that kind to me, but so many of the people have," 2020 Hall of Fame inductee Bettye LaVette, a classic R&B singer known for her emotional-yet-controlled vocals, told GRAMMY.com.

Held May 4 at the historic Orpheum Theater's Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education, the Blues Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a particularly large and emotive occasion. Because of COVID shutdowns, no Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held in 2020 and no new inductees were announced in 2021. The 2020 and 2022 classes were combined for this year's event.

"My career has been one of the most ridiculous things you ever heard of," Lavette continued. "They have literally carried me to this fifth career that I'm experiencing now. I call it my fifth career because every one of the other four started with a big bang and then it all turned to s*** and I had to start all over again."

Read: Tito Jackson On His New Blues Album Under Your Spell & His Better-Late-Than-Never Solo Career

The Blues Foundation started the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and has since inducted more than more than 400 artists, industry professionals, recordings, and works of literature. In 2015, the Hall of Fame established a brick-and-mortar presence in the foundation's downtown Memphis headquarters, which recently reopened following a renovation.

In addition to LaVette, 2020 performer inductees included Chicago harmonica player Billy Branch; singer Eddie Boyd; George "Harmonica" Smith; guitarist/singer/songwriter Syl Johnson, who passed away just three month earlier; and blues pioneer Victoria Spivey, whose induction was accepted by GRAMMY nominee Maria Muldaur.

Non-performer inductees in the 2020 class included pioneering roots producer Ralph Peer. French music scholar Sebastian Danchin's 2001 book Earl Hooker, Blues Master was entered as a Classic Of Blues Literature and Howlin' Wolf: The Chess Box as a classic album. Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup's original recording of "That's All Right (Mama)"; Bertha "Chippie" Hill's 1926 hit "Trouble in Mind"; "Future Blues" by Delta bluesman Willie Brown; B.B. King's first big hit, "3 O'Clock Blues"; and Ruth Brown's "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean" were included in the Hall as classic singles.

Blues Hall of Famer Taj Mahal receives a star on the Orpheum Theatre-Memphis Sidewalk of Stars in Memphis, Tennessee | Photo: Greg Campbell/Getty Images

The 2022 class of inductees included performers Lucille Bogan and Little Willie John, whose induction was accepted by his son Keith John — a longtime backup singer for Stevie Wonder who evoked his father's soaring voice while thrilling the audience with off-the-cuff renditions of some of his father's hits like "Fever." Soul man Johnnie Taylor, another 2022 inductee, was honored in a separate, earlier ceremony to accommodate his family.

Read More: The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach & Patrick Carney On Why Recording Freewheeling Blues Covers Led To Inspired New Album Dropout Boogie

2022 non-performers included songwriter Otis Blackwell and blues historian and DJ Mary Katherine Aldin. Bo Diddley's 1958 self-titled Chess/Checker debut was inducted as an album along with the singles "Good Rocking Tonight" by Roy Brown; "Rollin' and Tumblin'" by the Baby Face Leroy Trio; "Eyesight to the Blind" by Sonny Boy Williamson II; Bobby "Blue" Bland's "Farther Up the Road"; and B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby." English folklorist Bruce Bastin's 1986 work Red River Blues: The Blues Tradition in the Southeast was entered in the literature category.

The following night, veteran California bluesman Tommy Castro was the big winner at the 43rd Annual Blues Music Awards. Castro took home three of the night's biggest honors: B.B. Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year for his Alligator Records release Tommy Castro Presents A Bluesman Came To Town, and, with his backing group, the Painkillers, Band of the Year.

"The one I really wanted to see us get was the Band of the Year [award] because these guys work really hard," Castro told GRAMMY.com backstage after the show. "Nobody's in this for the money. It's a steady gig, but nobody's making lots of money doing this. They're really doing it out of love; you have to really be behind the music."

Florida singer/guitarist Selwyn Birchwood — who first burst on the scene in 2013 when he won the International Blues Challenge, an unsigned band contest presented by the Blues Foundation — captured the night's other big award: Best Song for "I'd Climb Mountains," off of his 2021 release, Living in a Burning House.

Other big winners on the night included flame-haired Canadian guitarist Sue Foley, who took home awards for Traditional Blues Album and the Koko Taylor Award for Best Traditional Artist-Female. Clarksdale, Mississippi, blues guitarist and singer Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, fresh off a GRAMMY win for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 2022 GRAMMYs, also received awards for Best Contemporary Blues Album for his record 662 and Best Contemporary Blues Artist-Male. Two-time GRAMMY winner Taj Mahal won Best Traditional Artist-Male.

In addition to Castro, the long night's lineup of performances included Birchwood, a second-line-inspired set from Louisiana favorite Kenny Neal, and a Bobby "Blue" Bland tribute by the late blues great's son, Rodd Bland and his Members Only Band, who took home the Best Emerging Artist Album award for Live on Beale Street.

All photos by Greg Campbell/Getty Images

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Across the United States, from the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the esteemed Jazz Hall of Fame, music halls of fame dot the landscape, paying tribute to the pinnacle talents of the music industry throughout the years.

Whether you're a Billy Joel fan who wants to catch a glimpse of the piano he played on "Vienna," or get a peek at the mood board that led to Kacey Musgraves' "Slow Burn," these esteemed halls of fame offer a wide selection of programs and exhibits that provide a behind-the-scenes look at music history, past, present, and future.

From the sonic heart of Nashville, to the bustling music hub of Long Island, these institutions pay homage to top stars across the ages and are worth a trip to this spring. Regardless of your musical preferences, there's a music hall of fame and exhibit tailored to your tastes. Dive into these 11 this spring and discover something new about your favorite artists. 

Country Music Hall of Fame

Nashville, Tennessee

The Country Music Hall of Fame boasts a collection of over 2.5 million artifacts and is one of the most frequented museums in the United States. This institution celebrates the rich legacies of country music through a wide array of exhibits, memorabilia, and educational initiatives.

Stop by this spring for: "American Currents: State of the Music," spotlighting artists who are making waves in today's music scene.

In this exhibit, you'll find memorabilia from Oliver Anthony, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Bush, Tyler Childers, Luke Combs, S.G. Goodman, Nat Myers, Nickel Creek, Joy Oladokun, Jelly Roll, Allison Russell, SistaStrings, Billy Strings, Taylor Swift, Molly Tuttle, Morgan Wallen, Kelsey Waldon, The War And Treaty, Lucinda Williams, Lainey Wilson, and Shucked (the Broadway musical scored by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally).

From Jelly Roll's iconic jacket from his first headlining show in Nashville to an electric guitar belonging to Lainey Wilson, to a banjo once strummed by Billy Strings, visitors can see these artifacts firsthand that have shaped moments of music history.

Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall Of Fame

Long Island, New York

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame celebrates the indelible mark left by local musicians and entertainers on the music industry.

Within its walls, visitors can journey through Long Island's star-studded musical history with top names like Billy Joel, Twisted Sister, Mariah Carey, Simon & Garfunkel, Louis Armstrong, and more. Spanning genres from rock and pop to jazz and beyond, the museum offers a compelling narrative of Long Island's cultural richness.

This spring, don't miss the exclusive exhibit, "Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey”. Showcasing over five decades of Billy Joel's most treasured possessions, the exhibit unveils rare memorabilia, behind-the-scenes footage, unique audio and video recordings, vintage instruments, and historic photographs — many of which were donated by the artist himself and are on display for the first time.

Drawing enthusiasts of all ages, this exhibit offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve into Billy Joel's remarkable career journey, from his humble beginnings in Long Island to his iconic albums, world tours, artistic influences, and personal anecdotes.

Partnering with Stevie Van Zandt's TeachRock organization, the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame also hosts regular teacher training events. Every Sunday, visitors can enjoy live music concerts featuring local emerging talent.

Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum

Nashville, Tennessee

From memorabilia from Johnny Cash to TOTO, the Musicians Hall of Fame pays tribute to musicians from a wide array of genres. 

rom iconic instruments to stage attire worn during historic performances, each artifact offers a glimpse into the world of American music history. Inside, you'll also find the GRAMMY Museum Gallery offering an interactive experience for visitors on the history of the GRAMMY Awards.

Visitors to the Hall of Fame can try their hand at playing electric drums, keyboards, bass, and guitar, and even try out singing to a Ray Charles and the Raelettes track.

At the Musicians Hall of Fame, you'll also find exhibits dedicated to songwriting, engineering, and producing, allowing patrons to take a peek behind the scenes of what it takes to make a hit record.

Blues Hall of Fame

Memphis, Tennessee

Opened in 2015, The Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame Museum captivates blues enthusiasts and casual visitors. Highlighting inductees across five key categories — Performer, Individual, Album, Single, and Literature —the museum offers an exploration of the genre's legacy. Visitors can walk through 10 curated galleries while immersing themselves in the music, videos, and stories of inductees. 

Take a walk around and visit Pee Wee Crayton's Fender Stratocaster Guitar, Donald "Duck" Dunn's Lakland Electric Bass, Matt "Guitar" Murphy's McHugh Guitar, Bettye LaVette's Kennedy Center Honors Performance Outfit, Stevie Ray Vaughan's Performance Kimono, and more. 

From rare album covers and photographs to prestigious awards, the exhibits showcase items that encapsulate blues history.

Jazz Hall of Fame

Kansas City, Missouri

Step into the rhythm and soul of jazz at the Jazz Hall of Fame in Kansas City. 

As jazz traversed the globe, it became a melting pot of diverse musical cultures, resulting in a tapestry of unique styles.

In the early 1910s, jazz emerged from a fusion of brass-band marches, French quadrilles, biguine, ragtime, and blues, crafting a sound marked by collective polyphonic improvisation.

Delve into the genre's improvisational spirit as you discover the groundbreaking work of jazz luminaries like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Miles Davis.

Explore the evolution of jazz through interactive exhibits and rare recordings that continue to inspire musicians and aficionados alike.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame

Tuscumbia, Alabama

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame was established by the Muscle Shoals Music Association, a professional organization made up of producers, musicians, songwriters, recording studio owners, and studio owners. 

In 1980, they founded the Alabama Music Hall of Fame to honor Alabama's top music achievers.

Through its exhibits and interactive displays, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame commemorates the diverse musical history of Alabama.

From Hank Williams' incisive country ballads to Lionel Richie's soulful melodies and Alabama's chart-topping hits, the museum illustrates the profound impact Alabama musicians have had on the world of music.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame is a non-profit committed to preserving songwriting in the Nashville music community.

Throughout its 40 years since inception, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame used to be only virtual. The Hall of Fame Gallery is now open in the Music City Center, Nashville’s 1.2 million-square-foot convention center.

Featuring the works of legendary songsmiths such as Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, and Keith Urban, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has inducted many stars who have had a significant impact on the Nashville music scene.

Whether you're a devoted fan of country music or simply fascinated by the art of songwriting, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame gallery provides an immersive experience that celebrates the past, present, and future of Nashville music complete with educational videos and memorabilia.

Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame

Detroit, Michigan

As visitors step into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, they will be welcomed with a wealth of memorabilia and photographs that chronicle the evolution of R&B music.

Visitors can explore the pioneering work of legendary artists such as B.B. King and Aretha Franklin, whose voices transcended boundaries and inspired millions around the world. 

Visitors can also delve into the performances of James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," whose stage presence revolutionized the live music experience. Through immersive exhibits and interactive displays, visitors have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of R&B music and its cultural significance.

Whether exploring the origins of the Motown sound or tracing the influence of gospel and blues on the genre, each exhibit offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of R&B history. In addition to its exhibits, the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame hosts a variety of events, concerts, and educational programs throughout the year.

International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame

Owensboro, Kentucky

The International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame stands as a renowned institution, revered by music enthusiasts from around the world. Rooted in the heart of the Bluegrass State, this museum serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of bluegrass music and the many artists who have shaped its distinctive sound. 

The museum's current exhibits offer an immersive experience, inviting guests to explore the genre's rich tapestry through a diverse array of artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive displays. 

From the iconic instruments of Bill Monroe, the "Father of Bluegrass," to the revolutionary banjo picking of Earl Scruggs, visitors can trace the footsteps of these legendary pioneers and gain insight into their innovative contributions to the genre.

With displays featuring recordings and personal artifacts from modern-day luminaries like Alison Krauss, visitors can witness firsthand the evolution of bluegrass and its enduring relevance in today's music landscape. The museum serves as a hub for live performances, workshops, and educational programs, fostering a sense of community among bluegrass enthusiasts and providing aspiring musicians with the tools and resources they need to carry the genre forward into the future.

GRAMMY Hall Of Fame

Los Angeles, California

The Recording Academy has revealed 10 incredible recordings to be newly inducted to the distinguished GRAMMY Hall Of Fame as part of its 2024 inductee class and in celebration of its 50th anniversary this year.

The inducted recordings, which will be added to the iconic catalog residing at the GRAMMY Museum, will be honored at GRAMMY Museum's inaugural GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala and concert, presented by City National Bank, taking place Tuesday, May 21, at the NOVO Theater in Los Angeles. Tickets for and performers at the Gala will be announced at a later date.

This year's GRAMMY Hall of Fame additions, the first inductions since 2021, include four albums and six singles that exhibit qualitative or historical significance and are at least 25 years old. See here for a full list of the 2024 recordings inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame!

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Updated Friday Oct. 13, 2023 to include info about Kendrick Lamar's most recent GRAMMY wins, as of the 2023 GRAMMYs.

A GRAMMY veteran these days, Kendrick Lamar has won 17 GRAMMYs and has received 47 GRAMMY nominations overall. A sizable chunk of his trophies came from the 58th annual GRAMMY Awards in 2016, when he walked away with five — including his first-ever win in the Best Rap Album category.

This installment of GRAMMY Rewind turns back the clock to 2016, revisiting Lamar's acceptance speech upon winning Best Rap Album for To Pimp A Butterfly. Though Lamar was alone on stage, he made it clear that he wouldn't be at the top of his game without the help of a broad support system. 

"First off, all glory to God, that's for sure," he said, kicking off a speech that went on to thank his parents, who he described as his "those who gave me the responsibility of knowing, of accepting the good with the bad."

Looking for more GRAMMYs news? The 2024 GRAMMY nominations are here!

He also extended his love and gratitude to his fiancée, Whitney Alford, and shouted out his Top Dawg Entertainment labelmates. Lamar specifically praised Top Dawg's CEO, Anthony Tiffith, for finding and developing raw talent that might not otherwise get the chance to pursue their musical dreams.

"We'd never forget that: Taking these kids out of the projects, out of Compton, and putting them right here on this stage, to be the best that they can be," Lamar — a Compton native himself — continued, leading into an impassioned conclusion spotlighting some of the cornerstone rap albums that came before To Pimp a Butterfly.

"Hip-hop. Ice Cube. This is for hip-hop," he said. "This is for Snoop Dogg, Doggystyle. This is for Illmatic, this is for Nas. We will live forever. Believe that."

To Pimp a Butterfly singles "Alright" and "These Walls" earned Lamar three more GRAMMYs that night, the former winning Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song and the latter taking Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (the song features Bilal, Anna Wise and Thundercat). He also won Best Music Video for the remix of Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood." 

Lamar has since won Best Rap Album two more times, taking home the golden gramophone in 2018 for his blockbuster LP DAMN., and in 2023 for his bold fifth album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.

Watch Lamar's full acceptance speech above, and check back at GRAMMY.com every Friday for more GRAMMY Rewind episodes. 

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For more than four decades — even during the pandemic — the Memphis-based Blues Foundation has annually recognized the genre's best, including such GRAMMY-winning luminaries as B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

On May 11, the foundation presented the 44th Annual Blues Music Awards, featuring a host of blues mainstays — as well as younger artists who combine the various strains of the blues with diverse strands of Americana.

A crowd of more than 1,100 filled the ballroom of the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis for a music-filled show that packed 25 awards and more than a dozen musical performances into a deceptively tight five-hour show.

Here are four takeaways from this year's Blues Music Awards:

Big Winners Were Touched By Tribulations

This was the second in-person BMA ceremony following two years of virtual presentations due to COVID. But while the pandemic has abated, illness still loomed over some of the night's wins.

Tommy Castro, who won B.B. King Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row — and whose band is, ironically, called the Painkillers — missed the ceremony because he was recuperating from back surgery. His award was accepted by his frequent collaborator, Deanna Bogart, also a winner for Best Instrumentalist - Horns.

BMA regular John Németh, who recently survived a bout with a jaw tumor, was thankful just to be alive to accept his two awards on the night, one for best instrumentalist-harmonica and another for Best Traditional Blues Album for the aptly-titled May be the Last Time, a collaboration with Elvin Bishop and others that was recorded two weeks before his cancer surgery.

"I had no idea if I was going to be able to make it here tonight, but I did," said Nemeth to a round of applause. "I want to thank the Blues Foundation, I want to thank their HART Fund, and I want to thank everybody who donate to my GoFundMe to help me get a brand-new jawbone so I can play some more harmonica."

Repeat Winners Ruled The Night

A lot of familiar names were called out from the stage. In addition to Nemeth, Buddy Guy (Album of the Year and Contemporary Blues Album) and blues rock up-and-comer Albert Castiglia (Blues Rock Album and Blues Rock Artist) each won two awards on the night. 

Meanwhile, Castro led the way among artists winning categories for consecutive years, including Albert Castiglia (Blues Rock Artist), Danielle Nicole (Instrumentalist Bass), Curtis Salgado (Soul Blues Male Artist) and Sue Foley (Traditional Blues Female Artist).

Perhaps most impressive though was GRAMMY-winning blues guitarist Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, who won Contemporary Blues Male Artist for an impressive fourth year in a row. 

While ccepting the award, a humble Ingram said he hadn't prepared anything to say because he didn't expect to win. Right then, he thanked his fellow nominees, and returned to the stage for an acoustic set that showcased his strong, assured vocals as much as his adroit fretwork.

Hill Country Blues Are Alive And Well

The night before the BMAs, the Blues Foundation held a ceremony at the Halloran Centre in downtown Memphis to induct a new class into the Blues Hall of Fame.

This included departed greats Esther Phillips, Carey Bell, Snooky Pryor, Fenton Robinson, Josh White, and Junior Kimbrough, the late Holly Springs bluesman who helped pioneer what has become the North Mississippi Hill Country style.

At the BMAs, the sound made famous by Kimbrough and his close contemporary, the late R.L. Burnside, proved to be alive and well.

R.L.'s grandson, GRAMMY winner Cedric Burnside, who holds an impressive 10 BMAs, was, scheduled to perform but, for whatever reason, missed his slot.

His uncle Duwayne Burnside, who has written and played with his father, Kimbrough, and the North Mississippi Allstars, among others, carried the torch. He played an acoustic set of hill country classics backed by R.L.'s longtime guitarist Kenny Brown.

Young Artists Made Their Mark

Veteran blues artists dominated this year's BMAs, but a handful of young performers broke through at the show as well, wowing the audience with their performances.

McComb, Mississippi's Mr. Sipp (aka, Casto Coleman) returned to close out the night with a gospel-infused closing set that brought the crowd to their feet.

Two more former emerging artist winners also provided show highlights: GRAMMY-nominated band Southern Avenue rocked the house with an inspired acoustic stage mini set, featuring a trio of female voices.

Meanwhile, Detroit's Annika Chambers and her musical partner Paul DesLauriers delivered a high-energy segment that fused rock and soul into their blues.

Joining these up-and-comers was this year's Emerging Artist winner, 22-year-old St. Louis native Dylan Triplett.

A prodigy blessed with a four-and-a-half octave vocal range, Triplett took the stage early with his band to play R&B-inflected selections from his debut album, Who Is He? When his name was called for his award, he acknowledged his faith and thanked his parents — including his father, saxophone player Art Pollard.

Clearly, the blues are alive and well — and the 2023 Blues Music Awards remain a critical part of this magnificent musical sphere.

Fresh Off His GRAMMY Win For '662,' Young Bluesman Christone "Kingfish" Ingram Is Just Getting Started

It's rare that a genre can be traced back to a single artist or group, but for funk, that was James Brown. The Godfather of Soul coined the phrase and style of playing known as "on the one," where the first downbeat is emphasized, instead of the typical second and fourth beats in pop, soul and other styles. As David Cheal eloquently explains, playing on the one "left space for phrases and riffs, often syncopated around the beat, creating an intricate, interlocking grid which could go on and on." You know a funky bassline when you hear it; its fat chords beg your body to get up and groove.

Brown's 1965 classic, "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," became one of the first funk hits, and has been endlessly sampled and covered over the years, along with his other groovy tracks. Of course, many other funk acts followed in the '60s, and the genre thrived in the '70s and '80s as the disco craze came and went, and the originators of hip-hop and house music created new music from funk and disco's strong, flexible bones built for dancing.

Legendary funk bassist Bootsy Collins learned the power of the one from playing in Brown's band, and brought it to George Clinton, who created P-funk, an expansive, Afrofuturistic, psychedelic exploration of funk with his various bands and projects, including Parliament-Funkadelic. Both Collins and Clinton remain active and funkin', and have offered their timeless grooves to collabs with younger artists, including Kali Uchis, Silk Sonic, and Omar Apollo; and Kendrick Lamar, Flying Lotus, and Thundercat, respectively.

In the 1980s, electro-funk was born when artists like Afrika Bambaataa, Man Parrish, and Egyptian Lover began making futuristic beats with the Roland TR-808 drum machine — often with robotic vocals distorted through a talk box. A key distinguishing factor of electro-funk is a de-emphasis on vocals, with more phrases than choruses and verses. The sound influenced contemporaneous hip-hop, funk and electronica, along with acts around the globe, while current acts like Chromeo, DJ Stingray, and even Egyptian Lover himself keep electro-funk alive and well.

Today, funk lives in many places, with its heavy bass and syncopated grooves finding way into many nooks and crannies of music. There's nu-disco and boogie funk, nodding back to disco bands with soaring vocals and dance floor-designed instrumentation. G-funk continues to influence Los Angeles hip-hop, with innovative artists like Dam-Funk and Channel Tres bringing the funk and G-funk, into electro territory. Funk and disco-centered '70s revival is definitely having a moment, with acts like Ghost Funk Orchestra and Parcels, while its sparkly sprinklings can be heard in pop from Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, and, in full "Soul Train" character, Silk Sonic. There are also acts making dreamy, atmospheric music with a solid dose of funk, such as Khruangbin’s global sonic collage.

There are many bands that play heavily with funk, creating lush grooves designed to get you moving. Read on for a taste of five current modern funk and nu-disco artists making band-led uptempo funk built for the dance floor. Be sure to press play on the Spotify playlist above, and check out GRAMMY.com's playlist on Apple Music, Amazon Music and Pandora.

Say She She

Aptly self-described as "discodelic soul," Brooklyn-based seven-piece Say She She make dreamy, operatic funk, led by singer-songwriters Nya Gazelle Brown, Piya Malik and Sabrina Mileo Cunningham. Their '70s girl group-inspired vocal harmonies echo, sooth and enchant as they cover poignant topics with feminist flair.

While they’ve been active in the New York scene for a few years, they’ve gained wider acclaim for the irresistible music they began releasing this year, including their debut album, Prism. Their 2022 debut single "Forget Me Not" is an ode to ground-breaking New York art collective Guerilla Girls, and "Norma" is their protest anthem in response to the news that Roe vs. Wade could be (and was) overturned. The band name is a nod to funk legend Nile Rodgers, from the "Le freak, c'est chi" exclamation in Chic's legendary tune "Le Freak."

Moniquea

Moniquea's unique voice oozes confidence, yet invites you in to dance with her to the super funky boogie rhythms. The Pasadena, California artist was raised on funk music; her mom was in a cover band that would play classics like Aretha Franklin’s "Get It Right" and Gladys Knight’s "Love Overboard." Moniquea released her first boogie funk track at 20 and, in 2011, met local producer XL Middelton — a bonafide purveyor of funk. She's been a star artist on his MoFunk Records ever since, and they've collabed on countless tracks, channeling West Coast energy with a heavy dose of G-funk, sunny lyrics and upbeat, roller disco-ready rhythms.

Her latest release is an upbeat nod to classic West Coast funk, produced by Middleton, and follows her February 2022 groovy, collab-filled album, On Repeat.

Shiro Schwarz

Shiro Schwarz is a Mexico City-based duo, consisting of Pammela Rojas and Rafael Marfil, who helped establish a modern funk scene in the richly creative Mexican metropolis. On "Electrify" — originally released in 2016 on Fat Beats Records and reissued in 2021 by MoFunk — Shiro Schwarz's vocals playfully contrast each other, floating over an insistent, upbeat bassline and an '80s throwback electro-funk rhythm with synth flourishes.

Their music manages to be both nostalgic and futuristic — and impossible to sit still to. 2021 single "Be Kind" is sweet, mellow and groovy, perfect chic lounge funk. Shiro Schwarz’s latest track, the joyfully nostalgic "Hey DJ," is a collab with funkstress Saucy Lady and U-Key.

L'Impératrice

L'Impératrice (the empress in French) are a six-piece Parisian group serving an infectiously joyful blend of French pop, nu-disco, funk and psychedelia. Flore Benguigui's vocals are light and dreamy, yet commanding of your attention, while lyrics have a feminist touch.

During their energetic live sets, L'Impératrice members Charles de Boisseguin and Hagni Gwon (keys), David Gaugué (bass), Achille Trocellier (guitar), and Tom Daveau (drums) deliver extended instrumental jam sessions to expand and connect their music. Gaugué emphasizes the thick funky bass, and Benguigui jumps around the stage while sounding like an angel. L’Impératrice’s latest album, 2021’s Tako Tsubo, is a sunny, playful French disco journey.

Franc Moody

Franc Moody's bio fittingly describes their music as "a soul funk and cosmic disco sound." The London outfit was birthed by friends Ned Franc and Jon Moody in the early 2010s, when they were living together and throwing parties in North London's warehouse scene. In 2017, the group grew to six members, including singer and multi-instrumentalist Amber-Simone.

Their music feels at home with other electro-pop bands like fellow Londoners Jungle and Aussie act Parcels. While much of it is upbeat and euphoric, Franc Moody also dips into the more chilled, dreamy realm, such as the vibey, sultry title track from their recently released Into the Ether.

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