Source Photos (Clockwise, L-R): NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images, Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images, Larry Busacca/WireImage, Desiree Navarro/FilmMagic
interview
"The Coolest Cat On The Planet": Honoring Tony Bennett, An Industry Icon And Champion Of The Great American Songbook
Tony Bennett's unmatched style and powerhouse voice, most recently paired with Lady Gaga, is up for several GRAMMY Awards this year. The Recording Academy honors Bennett with a roundtable tribute, featuring his contemporaries, collaborators and friends.
The nominations for the 64th GRAMMY Awards included a record-breaking slew of nods for an industry legend. But for 95-year-old Tony Bennett, the accolades are just the latest superlative in a historic career that has had a sparkling evolution from '50s-era crooner to bonafide icon.
Bennett scored six nominations alongside duet partner Lady Gaga for their Cole Porter tribute album Love For Sale, making history as the oldest artist to be nominated for Record Of The Year and Album Of The Year. The legend also received nominations for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical), Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
The 18-time GRAMMY winner long ago staked a claim in the annals of music history, whether releasing instant classics such as 1951’s "Because of You" or his career signature "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," or creating swinging hits like "Rags to Riches." Decades into his career, Bennet maintains an unparalleled reputation as one of the Greatest American Songbook’s biggest champions and interpreters.
"Mr. Tony Bennett is truly the greatest singer to ever do it. I have learned so much from his records as a young musician and then later joining him on stage and in the studio over the years," says Brian Newman, the GRAMMY-winning bandleader, arranger and trumpeter for Cheek to Cheek and Love for Sale. "His reverence for the Great American Songbook is why I love this music so much. Pulling at your heartstrings, with every lyric and phrase."
Bennett's unmatched style and powerhouse voice (even "The Voice" himself, Frank Sinatra, famously referred to Bennett as his favorite artist) puts him in rarified air, even amongst the industry's biggest names. Ahead of the 2022 GRAMMYs, the Recording Academy honors the seminal figure with a roundtable tribute, featuring Bennett’s contemporaries, collaborators, friends and mentees.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
In No Uncertain Terms, Tony Bennett Is A Living Legend
Johnny Mathis (GRAMMY-nominated singer): Tony is an icon.
Chris Botti (GRAMMY-winning trumpeter): Tony Bennett is one of our greatest American treasures.
Michael Bublé (GRAMMY-winning singer): He’s one of the greatest vocalists, storytellers and interpreters of all time.
Nancy Sinatra (GRAMMY-nominated singer): Tony is not just an American treasure but an international treasure, loved by the entire world.
Gregg Field (GRAMMY-winning producer, arranger): Tony is among only a handful of singers I’ve worked with who have a natural ability to be completely undistracted while they are telling stories through song.
Wayne Newton (Chart-topping singer): As a performer, Tony Bennett is exquisite. There’s nothing he does on stage that is forced. It always comes from his heart.
Clive Davis (GRAMMY-winning executive): Tony Bennett’s voice is truly perfection. Whether it’s a pop song, jazz or blues, when Tony sings it it’s forever definitive.
Singing The Soundtrack Of Our Lives
Jack Jones (GRAMMY-winning singer and actor): He’s been a singing star as long as I can remember, but I became aware of him in high school when I had my first kiss at a dance. His record "Stranger in Paradise" was always on the radio at the time. He sounded like what romance meant to me, singing these beautiful songs, and I got to thinking that his voice was always the most identifiable from the very beginning of his career. People like me and Steve Lawrence had to get warmed in before you could tell who it was, but you always knew it was Tony.
Gregg Field: I’ve been a fan of Tony from back when I would go to see him at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco as a teenager. I worked with him for the first time when I was a young member of Count Basie’s band. Tony loved Basie and we would do concerts together two or three times a year. Tony very much lived in his own world. I remember one time Tony and I were in a car heading to a hotel and he mentioned that like Duke Ellington, he had never driven a car because he was always too distracted by the music in his head.
Brian Newman: He really makes you feel every moment of that song and you know that he means every word he is singing. He has an uncanny ability to take words that were written by some of the greatest songwriters of all time and uniquely make them his own.
Wayne Newton: He was constantly around Frank Sinatra when the Rat Pack was in Vegas, so he’s always been a part of the Vegas genre, if you will. [They are] the superstars that really left an image on this town that has sustained for a long time.
Johnny Mathis: Tony takes me back to a different period which I remember very fondly. We have a great deal in common because we both came up in the music industry at a similar time and were both Columbia Records artists. We were also particularly fortunate to sing wonderful songs written by some of the best songwriters of the era, and work with many of the finest musicians and producers in the world.
Learning From The Best
Michael Bublé: I learned a lot working with him. Having my hero take me under his wing was one of the greatest moments of my life and my career. It meant a lot to me and it brought gravitas to everything I did.
Brian Newman: His humility and his longevity is a testament to how he treats others around him. It is always a supreme honor to be in his presence and he is someone I will always study and look up to.
Chris Botti: I've had the great pleasure of working with him many times and consider him to be not only an icon, but one of the most generous performers I've ever worked with.
Michael Bublé: He was even generous in what he would tell me when we’d be together. I said to him, "I’m learning as much as I can from you." And he laughed and said, "If you steal from one, you’re a thief. But when you steal from everyone, you can call it research." It’s a quote that I actually use a lot whenever any young person comes up to me and asks for advice. That’s exactly what I tell them: Take it all in and borrow from everyone. We’re all a culmination of our heroes.
Gregg Field: With Tony, it's always very personal and you feel like you are being given a window into who he is. Sinatra, Ella, Luther Vandross and, of course, Tony, were masters at that. Sinatra once said: "I only need one mic and one light." What does that say about the depth of their artistry? A Picasso is a Picasso, and the frame is irrelevant. Tony can transport his audience and you feel like it’s just you and him.
A Stacked Discography
Michael Bublé: My favorite Tony song is "I Wanna Be Around;" I think it’s one of his greatest vocal performances. I love Ralph Sharon on piano on the track; he’s one of the greatest accompanists of all time. From its sentiment, to how hard it swings and the way he and his band fit together like a glove, it’s perfection. It’s a song that became the soundtrack of my life. It’s just the most wonderful song with great lyrical content about love and also about revenge. I thought it was just so cool.
Jack Jones: For the second-ever GRAMMYs, I sang the five nominated songs when one of them was mine, "Wives and Lovers." And so I got to Tony’s song "I Wanna Be Around" and said, "Hey Tony, you gotta help me!" He jumped up and finished the song with me. It was a great moment.
Gregg Field: His recordings with Basie, Ellington and particularly Bill Evans are certainly iconic albums in the jazz world. But Tony is the ultimate interpreter of a great lyric, especially when he sings a ballad. His original ballad recording of Stevie Wonder’s "For Once in My Life" is the very definition of great vocal interpretation. It’s slow and Tony waits. When he finally says the first line, it’s not "crooned," it’s stated. Tony creates a narrative and an anticipation for the next line, and it always becomes deeply personal.
Johnny Mathis: My favorite Tony song is "Because Of You." While it was before "I Left My Heart In San Francisco," it is just the song that I personally most associate with Tony. His interpretation is so honest and it was very representative of the time. Also, I believe it was produced at my favorite CBS 30th street studio in New York by my lifelong friend, Percy Faith.
Gregg Field: Tony is also a great visual artist and was always drawing on napkins or whatever was nearby. I cherish those drawings.
Nancy Sinatra: His records and the paintings he created over the years will live on forever. I am the proud caretaker of a lovely gouache Tony made for me — plus every album he has ever made. My favorite is his The Movie Song Album. Every track is a classic.
Brian Newman: Tony's such a prolific recording artist and has performed most every song in the Great American Songbook. It's so hard to pick a favorite but here are my top three right now: "Once Upon a Summertime" from his 1963 record I Wanna Be Around… , "Some Other Time" from the duo records he did with famed pianist Bill Evans — this is one of my favorite records of all time; truly a masterpiece. "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" off the 1970 album Something — he holds a gorgeous high note at the end that is at least 20 seconds long. Wow!
Tony Tales From The Road
Jack Jones: One night we were staying at the same hotel and the two of us went down to the bar to have a drink. At a certain point, he pulled out his pencil and pad and he started sketching on a napkin a drawing of the guy who was sitting at the end of the bar. So we finished and I saw him crumble it up in his hand and he was about to throw it away, and I said, "Oh no, you don’t!" And he said, "You want this?" I said, "Sure I do." To this day, it’s sitting on my coffee table.
Brian Newman: There are so many great stories of working with Tony. They are moments that I will cherish and honor forever. I remember when we were in Brussels for the release concert for Cheek to Cheek, and he was hanging with all of us at this tiny bar until the wee hours of the morning. I'll never forget the great stories and knowledge that he shared with us that night.
Clive Davis: Over the years, I’ve loved often showcasing Tony at my pre-GRAMMY gala. I would watch all the young artists and musicians in the room transfixed by him.
Nancy Sinatra: Tony named a school in Astoria for Frank and when his family suggested he changed the name to the Tony Bennett School, Tony wouldn't do it. The school was named for his friend. Period.
Wayne Newton: My favorite Tony story happened at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles. The guy that booked there got into a big scene with Tony for some reason and fired him. And Tony’s next record out was "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," which of course was the biggest hit in the world. Well now, the place wanted him back.
So the guy called him and said, "I’ll pay you whatever you’re now receiving and we’ll make sure to get anything else you need." And Tony said, "Yeah, I need a black glass stage." And the guy said, "What? Well, if you can come on this date we’ll have a black glass stage for you." And he hung up the phone and Tony was asked, "What in the world do you need with a black glass stage?" And Tony said, "I don’t need it at all, it was the only thing I could think of." That’s Tony Bennett, and it’s those kinds of stories that tell you more about individuals than their art.
Brian Newman: Another good Tony story was in Belgium. Our sax man Steve Kortyka, who I've been playing with for over 20 years, came by my room to rehearse some of our horn parts. Since we've known each other so long, he gave a few really loud banging knocks on my door just to mess with me. Turns out he was across the hall banging on Tony's hotel room door! I heard the commotion and when I opened my door there was Steve directly across the hall from me, facing Tony and his open door. There were the three of us, not sure what to do! Steve apologized profusely and we all had a good laugh about it. Later that night he came down to the bar and we all had some champagne together at the bar with the band.
Nancy Sinatra: On a personal level, I remember how nervous I was performing "This Girl’s in Love With You" on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Tony was in the audience smiling and cheering me on. Later on, when my father was dying, Tony was the only celebrity friend who came to visit. One evening at dinner, there we sat — the three of us, Dad in pajamas, dining quietly, not much conversation, the two legends and me. Tony respected my dad so much that he didn't impose a lot of talking. He simply followed Dad's lead. It was a sweet, lovely night.
Jack Jones: At Sinatra’s funeral, I remember we met up afterwards and he said, "What are you doing?" I said, "Oddly enough, I’m working on an album dedicated to you" and he offered to do the cover. So the plan was that he’d go to England and when he’d get back, he’d send me the cover. He went away, called me from the Dorchester Hotel and said, "What color are your eyes?" And I said, "Hazel" and he said, "Thank you," and hung up.
So I’m waiting for it to arrive and it never did, so I had to get someone else to do the cover for me. He didn’t realize it didn’t arrive and thought I was shying away from it. We wound up meeting each other at the GRAMMYs right after. I was able to tell him, "Hey, we never got the picture so we had to get someone else." But apparently, someone accidentally put it in a closet in his office and they forgot to send it out. But we called it Jack Jones Paints a Tribute to Tony Bennett and it became one of my favorite albums of my career.
Giving A Legend His Due
Nancy Sinatra: Tony is an American treasure who has served his country for decades. First as a soldier on the front lines in WWII, and then as an entertainer singing for the troops. His life was shaped by the terrible things he saw in the war and, as a result, Tony is perhaps the most peaceful and peace-loving man I know. I love Tony, and I treasure his friendship. Above all else, he is a precious friend.
Johnny Mathis: Tony is one of the last of his genre and he stands alone because of his unique talent, work ethic and his dignified demeanor. He was not afraid to stretch musically yet still remained true to himself.
Gregg Field: A couple of years ago I was asked to music-direct Tony’s "Library of Congress-Gershwin Prize" PBS special, which I was very proud to have received an Emmy for. My association with Tony has lasted over 40 years; our last gig together was in 2019 at the Statue of Liberty along with Gloria Estefan. I was noticing the signs of his Alzheimer’s coming on then. I can only imagine the courage and passion it took for Tony to walk onto the stage at Radio City last year for the last time with Lady Gaga. After all the concerts over seven decades, performing in every corner of the world, it was at once incredibly moving knowing that we will not be able to experience Tony’s magic again after that night, but bittersweet that this was the perfect finale.
Jack Jones: He’s able to sing up in that high register to this day. I thought the show he did in New York with Lady Gaga was wonderful. Knowing what they were going through and the fact he sang everything just beautifully. It was a more than wonderful thing for her to do that. It was very special, and very unique.
Gregg Field: Overall, his absolute unrelenting commitment to excellence is at the forefront. In spite of decades of passing musical trends, Tony recognized greatness, and it is always that the next generation of artists that are attracted to his music.
Johnny Mathis: He raised the level of popular music of the day while always remaining a gentleman. He’s someone to look up to and even more importantly, he’s able to bring together different generations through his music. What he contributed over his long and successful career will last, which is the ultimate goal of nearly every artist.
Clive Davis: He’s an all-time best. An all-time real deal.
Brian Newman: He really is the coolest cat on the planet.
Photo: Dave Hogan / Getty Images Archive
list
In Memoriam (2023): The Recording Academy Remembers The Music People We Lost
Take a moment to salute the members of the music community we lost in 2022-2024.
Below is a tribute to the luminaries and esteemed professionals from the music community we lost between Dec. 5, 2022, through Jan. 26, 2024.
During the 2024 GRAMMYs broadcast, the Recording Academy's In Memoriam segment featured performances by several masterful musicians. Annie Lennox was joined by Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman to honor Sinéad O’Connor. Stevie Wonder took the stage to pay homage to the legendary Tony Bennett, Jon Batiste honored the "Godfather of Black Music" Clarence Avant and Fantasia Barrino paid tribute to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner. The performances were set against a video homage of several of the distinguished figures on this list. Every individual who passed away before the publication date has also been respectfully commemorated in the official 2024 GRAMMYs program book.
The Recording Academy offers its profound respect and appreciation for the unique gifts and enduring contributions these individuals have bestowed upon our culture and collective spirit.
Abe Stoklasa
Adam Johnstone
Aérea Negrot
Akbar Golpayegani
Alan Arkin
Alan Niederland
Alan Rankine
Alan Warner
Alan Moore Stowell
Alba 'Albita' Eagan
Algy Ward
Alice Parker
Allen Becker
Alton Wade Kelley
Amos Ettinger
Amp Fiddler
Amparo Rubín
Ana Clara Benevides Machado
Andrew Penhallow
Andrew Speight
Andy Rourke
Angela Zilia
Angelo Bruschini
Anita Kerr
Anne Hart
Annie Nightingale
Anthony Topham
Anthony John Heyes
Anup Ghoshal
Arie Levanon
Arif Cooper
Arthur Ward Eller
Audie Blaylock
August 08
Axali Doëseb
B. Sasikumar
Barbara Bryne
Barrett Strong
Baxter Black
Beeyar Prasad
Ben Lipitz
Benito Castro
Benjamin Zephaniah
Berit Lindholm
Bernie Marsden
Betta St. John
Betty Price
Beytocan
Bhavani Shankar
Bhavatharini Raja
Big Pokey
Big Scarr
John Nelson "Big John" Trimble Jr.
William "Bill" Castle
Bill Humble
Bill Lee
Bill Mayne
Bill Saluga
Bill Zehme
Bill Hayes
Billy Smith
Billy White Jr.
Billy "The Kid" Emerson
Bilqees Khanum
Bishop Carlton Pearson
Blair Tindall
Blas Durán
Blayne Tucker
Bob Burwell
Bob Feldman
Bob Jones
Bob Mummert
Bob Nalbandian
Bob Rice
Bob Siggins
Bob "Norton" Thompson
Bobbi Staff
Bobby Caldwell
Bobby Casey
Bobby Eli
Bobby Schiffman
Bonny Beverley
Brad Houser
Brad Thomson
Bram Inscore
Brandon Marcel Williams
Brett Radin
Brian McBride
Brian "Brizz" Gillis
Bridgette Wimberly
Broderick Smith
Bruce Guthro
Brucene Harrison
Bruno Ducol
Buddy McNeill
Burt Bacharach
C-Knight
C.J. Harris
Calton Coffie
Calton Coffie
Calvin Newton
Canelita Medina
Canisso Canisso
Care Failure
Carl Pagter
Carl Tovey
Carla Bley
Carlee Ann Vaughn
Carlin Glynn
Carline Smith Wilhite
Carlos Fonseca
Carlos Lyra
Carmen Jara
Carmen Xtravaganza
Carole Cook
Catherine Christer Hennix
Cayle Sain
Cecilia Pantoja Levi
Chabelita Fuentes
Chad Allan
Chaim Topol
Charline Whillhite
Charles Gayle
Charlie Dominici
Charlie Gracie
Charlie Monk
Charlie Robison
Chas Newby
Chick Rains
Chico Novarro
Choi Sung-Bong
Chris Ford
Chris Ledesma
Chris Lee
Chris Peluso
Christy Dignam
Chuck Flood
Chuck Jackson
Chuck Morris
Charley Morris
Clarence Avant
Clarence Barlow
Claude Kahn
Clay Hart
Cliff Fish
Clifton Oliver
Clint Yeager
Cobi Narita
Coco Lee
Colette Maze
Colin Burgess
Conny Van Dyke
Costa Titch
Craig Burbidge
Craig Hayes
Curtis Fowlkes
Cynthia Haring
Dan Lardner
Daniel Bourgue
Daniel Jones
Daniel Lee Stephen Jones
Danny Kaleikini
Danny Schur
Danny Milhon
Dave Cohen
Dave Dickerson
Dave Roe
Dave Freeman
David Drozen
David LaFlamme
David McCallum
David Soul
David Lumsdaine
David Beckwith
David Jude Jolicoeur
Dedi Graucher
Del Palmer
Denis Badault
Denyse Plummer
Dev Kohli
Dick Biondi
Dickie Harrell
Dima Nova
Dino Danelli
DJ Casper
DJ Deeon
DJ Dino Calvao
Djalma Corrêa
Don Graham
Don Kissil
Don Mulkey
Don Williams
Donnie McKethan
Dorian Kweller
Dr Latozi Madosini Mpahleni
Duane Tabinski
Dusty Street
Dwight Twilley
Ed Stone
Ed "Beanpole" Efaw
Edino Krieger
Edward Sexton
Edward Walters
Edward "Kidd" Jordan
Elayne Jones
Eliud Treviño
Ellen Fitzhugh
Elliot Goldman
Eloise Wyatt Russo
Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou
Enrique "Zurdo" Roizner
Eric Boehlert
Eric Shoutin' Sheridan
Eric Moyo
Eric Alan Livingston
Essra Mohawk
Fallece Marilú
Faye Fantarrow
Fito Olivares
Florence Malgoire
Fran La Maina
Francesa Cappucci
Francis Monkman
François Glorieux
Frank Harlow
Frank Kozik
Frank Solivan Sr.
Frank Woodard
Frank Ford
Frank Farian
Freddie Ross Hancock
Fuzzy Haskins
Gabriele Schnaut
Gangsta Boo
Garry Mapanzure
Garry Lee Rentfro
Gary Hobish
Gary Rossington
Gary Smith
Gary Wright
Gary Young
Gennady Gladkov
George Logan
George Maharis
George Moffett
George Newall
George Portz
George Tickner
George Yanok
Georgia Holt
Gérard Drouot
Germano Mathias
Glen "Spot" Lockett
Gloria Belle
Gloria Coates
Goa Gil
Gordy Harmon
Gordy Nichol
Grace Bumbry
Grady Hockett
Graeme Malcolm
Graham Clark
Grand Daddy I.U.
Gregory Brian Wright
Hans Poulsen
Harley Worthington
Harold Childs
Harold Killian
Harold Black
Harry Sheppard
Haydn Gwynne
Heather Dunbar
Heike Matthiesen
Heklina Heklina
Helen Thorington
Henri Duaman
Henry Grossman
Herb Deutsch
Hiroshi "Heath" Morie
Hoppy Hopkins
Horacio Malvicino
Howie Kane
Huey "Piano" Smith
Ian Bairnson
Ian Emes
Ian Tyson
Iasos
Ilanga
Inga Swenson
Ingrid Haebler
Ira Selsky
Irish Grinstead
Irma Capece Minutolo
Irv Lichtman
Isaac "Redd" Holt
Ismaïlia Touré
Ivan "Mamão" Conti
Ivan M. Tribe
J.J. Barnes
Jack Lee
Jack Pruett Jr.
Jack Sonni
Jacqueline Dark
Jaquelyne Ledent-Vilain
Jah Shaka
Jaimie Branch
Jake Marlowe
James Bowman
James Casey
James Harvey IV
James Jorden
James Lewis
James Kottak
James C. "Jimmy" LaRocca
Jamie Reid
Jamie Tiller
Jan Woods
Jane Birkin
Jannis Noya Makrigiannis
Jasmin Stavros
Javier Álvarez Fuentes
Jay Goldberg
Jay Weston
Jay Clayton
Jeff Cook
Jeff Davis
Jeff Heiman
Jeffrey Foskett
Jeremiah Green
Jerry Bradley
Jerry Dodgion
Jerry Fretwell
Jerry Kearns
Jerry Samuels
Jerry Springer
Jerry Whitehurst
Jerry Paul Arnold
Jesus Garber
Jet Black
Jim Boyer
Jim Parker
Jim Sharpley
Jim Vienneau
Jim Ladd
Jim Rae
Jo Mersa Marley
Joanna Merlin
Joaquin Romaguera
Joaquin "Jocko" Fajardo
Joe Fagin
Joe McGuire
Joey Bogan
John Albert
John Beckingham
John Cirillo
John Deyle
John Giblin
John Gosling
John Kezdy
John Lomax IV
John Marshall
John Miller
John Morris
John Regan
John Waddington
John Cutler
John Alexander
John Andrew Tartaglia
John Watson Algee
Johnny Allon
Johnny Fean
Johnny Ruffo
Jon Fausty
Jon Kennedy
Jordan Blake
José Evangelista
Joseph Koo
Joshua Culbreath
Joshua Madsen
Joss Ackland
Jovit Baldivino
Joy McKean
Joyce Bryant
Judy Massey
Julián Figueroa
Julian Sebothane Bahula
Justin Bartlett
Justin Fontaine
K. Neville Garrick
K.J. Joy
Kaija Saariaho
Karaikudi Mani
Karl Berger
Karl Tremblay
Karl F. Dieterichs
Katherine Anderson Schaffner
Kathy Chow
Keiko Okuya Jones
Keith Gattis
Keith Reid
Keith Holzman
Kelly Joe Phelps
Ken Brigham
Ken Fish
Ken Roberts
Ken Calvert
Kendall A. Minter
Kenneth Anger
Kenneth Force
Kenneth Montgomery
Kent Stax
Kevin Fleming
Kevin Lemons
Kevin "Geordie" Walker
Kihnu Virve
Kim Simmonds
Kirk Arrington
Kirstie Alley
Klee Benally
Kwame Brathwaite
Kyle Jacobs
Ladislav Jásek
Lance Reddick
Larry Chance
Larry Morris
Lasse Wellander
Laura Lynch
Lawrence "Larry" Cohn
Lázaro Valdés
Lee Berk
Lee Purkis
Lee Rauch
Leela Omchery
Lefty SM
Leiji Matsumoto
Len Chandler
Lena McLin
Lenka Hlávková
Leo D. Sullivan
Leonard Abrams
Leonard Zinn
Leroy "Black Stalin" Calliste
Les Brown Jr.
Leslie Jordan
Lewis Largent
Lewis Spartlan
Lewis Pragasam
Lily Afshar
Linda de Suza
Linda Lewis
Lisa Roy
Lisa Marie Presley
Lisandro Meza
Lisl Steiner
Liz Thiels
Lizeta Nikolaou
Lois Curtis Shepherd
Lola Mitchell "Gangta Boo"
Lola Dee
Lord Creator
Lou Deprijck
Loyal Jones
Luis Vasquez
Luke Bell
Lyn McLain
M Daud Kilau
Malini Rajurkar
Mam' Sylvia Mdunyelwa
Manana Doijashvili
Mandla 'Mampintsha' Maphumulo
Manny Martinez
Manuel Göttsching
Manuel Castillo Girón
Marc Roy
Marcel Amont
Marcel Zanini
Marek Kopelent
Margaret Josephine Nisbett
Margie Hunt
Margie Sullivan
María Jímenez
Mariana Sîrbu
Marianne Mantell
Marilyn Johnston Blankenship
Mark Adams
Mark Howard
Mark James
Mark Kuykendall
Mark Russell
Mark Sheehan
Mark Stewart
Mark Thomas
Mark Nelson
Marsha Gray Basore
Martha Owen
Martin Duffy
Martin Petzold
Martin Stevens
Mary Weiss
Mary G. Dawson
Mary Jane Thomas
Mary Turner Pattiz
Mason Ruble
Massimo Savić
Matt Alese
Matt Stewart
Maurice Bourgue
Maurice Hines
Max Morath
Mbuya Stella Chiweshe
MC Fats
Megan Terry
Melanie Safka
Melvin "Magoo" Barcliff
Merv Shiner
Michael Blackwood
Michael Keith
Michael Kupper
Michael Leon
Michael McGrath
Michael Parkinson
Michael Snow
Michael John McGann
Mick Slattery
Mikael Maglieri
Mike Reeves
Mike Brown
Mike Taylor
Mike J Rojas
Miki Liukkonen
Mildred Miller
Milo Hrnić
Minneapolis Backyard Punk Show Shooting
Misha K. Hunke
Mo Foster
Mohbad
MoneySign Suede
Monte Cazazza
Moonbin
Myles Goodwyn
Najah Salam
Nancy Van de Vate
Nashawn (Lotto) Breedlove
Neal Langford
Neela Rampogal
Neil Kulkarni
Neville Garrick
Nicholas Lloyd Webber
Niel Immelman
Nihal Nelson
Niko Everette
Nina Matviienko
Nobuyuki Idei
Nora Forster
Norby Walters
Norm Pattiz
Notis Mavroudis
O.S. Thyagarajan
Oladips
Olga Chorens
Ordy Garrison
Orlando Marin
Óscar Agudelo
Otis Barthoulameu
Otis Redding III
Özkan Ugur
Pacho El Antifeka
Pamela Blair
Pamela Chopra
Pansequito
Pat Bunch
Patricia Burda Janečková
Patrick Emery
Paul Cattermole
Paul Desenne
Paul Justman
Paul Prestopino
Paul Woseen
Paxton Whitehead
Pedro Lavirgen
Pedro Messone
Pedro Henrique
Pedro Suárez-Vértiz
Pepe Domingo Castaño
Petch Osathanugrah
Pete Brown
Pete Garner
Peter Austin
Peter Brötzmann
Peter Kowalsky
Peter Luboff
Peter McCann
Peter Solley
Peter Schickele
Phil Quartararo
Phill Niblock
Pilarín Bueno
Pluto Shervington
Polito Vega
Prabha Atre
Pt Vijay Kichlu
Qamar Gula
R.C. Harris
Ralph Gordon
Ramani Ammal
Ramla Beegum
Ramsey Lewis Jr.
Randy Bailey
Randy Meisner
Rashid Khan
Ray Cordeiro
Ray Hildebrand
Ray Pillow
Ray Shulman
Ray Sparks
Raymond Froggatt
Raymond Lumpkin
Red Paden
Rena Koumioti
Renée Geyer
Ricardo Iorio
Ricardo Drue
Richard Davis
Richard Landis
Richard Law
Richard Ross
Richard Gaddes
Rick Froberg
Rick Newman
Rickie May
Rita Hollingsworth
R.L. Boyce
Rob Laakso
Robbie Bachman
Robert Becerra
Robert Black
Robert Haimer
Robert Hicks
Robert Michaels
Robert H. Precht
Robert W. Smith
Robin Tamang
Rock Brynner
Rodney Hall
Rodriguez
Roger Sprung
Roger Whittaker
Rohana Jalil
Rolf Harris
Ron Cornett
Ron Hamilton
Ron Spears
Ron S. Peno
Ronnie Turner
Roseline Damian
Roxie Cawood Gibson
Roy Rifkind
Roy Taylor
Royal Blakeman
Royston Ellis
Russell Batiste Jr.
Russell Sherman
Ryan Siew
Sajid Khan
Sakevi Yokoyama
Sal Piro
Sam Cutler
Sanath Nandasiri
Sandra Butler Truesdale
Sandra Trehub
Sara Tavares
Sarah Schlesinger
Sarah Rice
Scott Johnson
Scott Schinder
Séamus Begley
Sean Martin
Sebastian Marino
Seóirse Bodley
Shahidul Haque Khan
Shane Yellowbird
Shaul Greenglick
Shaun Roberts
Sheila Smith
Sheldon Reynolds
Shoji Tabuchi
Silent Servant
Silvio Berlusconi
Sir David Lumsden
Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
Slim Andrews
Smokey Greene
Soňa Červená
Spot
Stainslaw Radwan
Stan Hitchcock
Stella Stevens
Stephen "tWitch" Boss
Stephen Allen Davis
Steve Harwell
Steve Riley
Steve Skold
Steve Travis
Steve Nelson
Stevie B-Zet
Stuart Margolin
Sudakshina Sarma
Sueli Costa
Sulochana Chavan
Suna Kan
Surinder Shinda
Suzanne Somers
Suzy Frank
Swarup Nayak
Sweet Charles Sherrell
Tamara Milashkina
Tapas Das
Teddy White
Teresa Taylor
Teri Bristol
Terri Nolan
Terry Hall
Terry Thacker
Terry Baucom
Teté Caturla
Thanga Darlong
Theo de Barros
Theresa Reneé Watson
Thom Bell
Thomas H. Lee
Thomasina Winslow
Thotakura Somaraju
Tim Bachman
Tim Stacy
Tim Rogers
Tim Norell
Tina Turner
TJ De Blois
Tohru Okada
Tom Langdon
Tom Leadon
Tom Verlaine
Tom Whitlock
Tom Wilkerson
Tom Mazzetta
Tony Coe
Tony McPhee
Tony Oxley
Tony Clarkin
Torben Ulrich
Toru Mitsui
Toto Cutugno
Treat Williams
Treva Chrisco
Trish Williams Warren
Troy Brammer
Tshala Muana
Vakhtang Kikabidze
Valentin Gheorghiu
Van Conner
Varnell Harris Johnson
Victor Pikayzen
Victor Rasgado
Vilayil Faseela
Vince Hill
Violeta Hemsy de Gainza
Virginia Zeani
Vivian Trimble
Vivian Williams
Vivienne Westwood
Walt Wilson
Walter Aipolani
Walter Arlen
Walter Charles
Walter Cole Darcelle XV
Walter Ulloa
Walter "Wolfman" Washington
Wayne Swinny
Wee Willie Harris
William "DJ Casper" Perry Jr.
Willie Ruff
Willis Spears
Yaacov Bergman
Yehonatan Geffen
Yitzhak Klepter
Yogesh Vaidya
Yotam Haim
Young Capone
Yukihiro Takahashi
Yuzo Toyama
Yvonne Přenosilová
Zahara
Zdenek Macal
Zita Carno
Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
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10 Must-See Moments From The 2024 GRAMMYs: Taylor Swift Makes History, Billy Joel & Tracy Chapman Return, Boygenius Manifest Childhood Dreams
The 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards wrote another monumental chapter in music history with returns from legends like Celine Dion and wins by a promising new generation of artists like Victoria Monét.
Just like that, another GRAMMYs has come and gone — but the 2024 telecast brought many moments that will be immortalized in pop culture history.
It was the evening of legends, as Billy Joel and Tracy Chapman returned to the stage for the first time in decades and Joni Mitchell made her debut with a performance of her 1966 classic, "Both Sides, Now." Stevie Wonder and Celine Dion honored greats, both those we've lost and those who are dominating today. And Meryl Streep had two memorable moments at the show, making a fashionably late entrance and getting a hilarious GRAMMY lesson from Mark Ronson.
But it was the younger generation of artists who ultimately dominated the show. Boygenius — the supergroup of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker — won numerous awards in the Rock, Metal & Alternative Music Field. Billie Eilish and SZA scooped up a couple more golden gramophones, respectively, and Best New Artist winner Victoria Monét celebrated three wins in total, also winning Best R&B Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
Taylor Swift built on the momentum of her colossal year with more GRAMMY records and an unexpected announcement of her next studio album.
Check out the full list of winners here, and take a look at our top 10 highlights from another show-stopping installment of the GRAMMYs below.
Boygenius Run To Accept Their First GRAMMY Award
Boygenius won the first trophy of their careers during the Premiere Ceremony, and they were so ecstatic they sprinted through the crowds to get to the stage.
"Oh my God, I want to throw up," Lucy Dacus said as the group accepted their Best Rock Performance trophy for "Not Strong Enough."
Even though the trio was over the moon, they weren't entirely shocked by their win: "We were delusional enough as kids to think this would happen to us one day," she continued. Phoebe Bridgers would sing at a local Guitar Center "in hopes of getting discovered," while Julien Baker dreamed of performing in stadiums as she played in multiple bands, and Dacus has been perfecting her acceptance speech for years.
Their hard work was manifested three times over, as the trio also won Best Rock Song for "Not Strong Enough" and Best Alternative Music Album for the record.
Killer Mike Makes A Clean Sweep
Killer Mike had the largest GRAMMY night of his career, winning all three of the Rap Categories for which he was nominated: Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for "SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS," and Best Rap Album for MICHAEL.
"I'm from the Southeast, like DJ Paul, and I'm a Black man in America. As a kid, I had a dream to become a part of music, and that 9-year-old is very excited right now," he cheered. "I want to thank everyone who dares to believe art can change the world."
Minutes after his sweep, the LAPD detained the Run the Jewels rapper. However, he was released and still able to celebrate his achievements, Killer Mike's lawyer told Variety.
Miley Cyrus Finally Receives Her "Flowers"
Miley Cyrus entered the GRAMMYs with six nominations for her eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation. After she won Best Pop Solo Performance for "Flowers," she delivered a jubilant performance in celebration. "Started to cry, but then remembered, I just won my first GRAMMY!" she exclaimed at the song's bridge, throwing her hands in the air and joyfully jumping around the stage.
Cyrus' excitement brought a tangible energy to the performance, making for one of the night's most dynamic — and apparently one of Oprah Winfrey's favorites, as the camera caught the mogul dancing and singing along.
"Flowers" earned Cyrus a second GRAMMY later in the night, when the No. 1 hit was awarded Record Of The Year.
Tracy Chapman Makes A Rare Appearance
Luke Combs breathed a second life into Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" when he released a cover of the track in April 2023. He quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard charts and received a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance at this year's show. Of course, it called for a special celebration — one that was meaningful for both Combs and GRAMMYs viewers.
Chapman joined the country star on stage for her first televised performance since 2015, trading off verses with Combs as he adoringly mouthed the words. The duet also marked Chapman's first appearance on the GRAMMY stage in 20 years, as she last performed "Give Me One Reason" at the 2004 GRAMMYs. (It also marked her second time singing "Fast Car" on the GRAMMYs stage; she performed it in 1989, the same year the song won Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female and Chapman took home three awards total, including Best New Artist.)
Naturally, Chapman's return earned a standing ovation from the crowd. As Combs fittingly put it in an Instagram post thanking the Recording Academy for the opportunity, it was a "truly remarkable moment."
Read More: 2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Winners & Nominees List
Joni Mitchell Takes The GRAMMY Stage For The First Time At 80
In one of the most emotional parts of the night, Joni Mitchell performed on the GRAMMYs stage for the first time in her nearly 60-year career.
Accompanied by Brandi Carlile — who referred to Mitchell as "the matriarch of imagination" before the performance — Lucius, SistaStrings, Allison Russell, Blake Mills, and Jacob Collier, Mitchell sang a touching rendition of "Both Sides Now."
"Joni is one of the most influential and emotionally generous creators in human history," Carlile added in her introduction. "Joni just turned 80, my friends, but we all know she's timeless!"
Mitchell also won her 10th golden gramophone at the 2024 GRAMMYs, as her live album Joni Mitchell at Newport was awarded Best Folk Album at the Premiere Ceremony.
Stevie Wonder Salutes The Late Tony Bennett, Duetted By His Hologram
Another heartfelt moment came during this year's In Memoriam segment, when Stevie Wonder memorialized his friend, Tony Bennett, who passed away from Alzheimer's disease in 2023.
"Tony, I'm going to miss you forever. I love you always, and God bless that He allowed us to have you in this time and space in our lives," Wonder proclaimed. Thanks to a hologram of Bennett, the two singers could duet "For Once in My Life" one last time.
This year's tribute also saw Annie Lennox covering Sinéad O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U," Jon Batiste's medley of Bill Withers' hits, and Fantasia's reimagining of Tina Turner's "Proud Mary."
Meryl Streep Gets Educated On Album Vs. Record And Single
Mark Ronson presents with his mother-in-law Meryl Streep at the 2024 #Grammys pic.twitter.com/mueXlmJarX
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 5, 2024
Meryl Streep joined Mark Ronson — who happens to be her son-in-law — to announce the Record Of The Year winner, which sparked a funny interaction between the two when Streep thought she was announcing Album Of The Year.
"A record is an album!" Streep confidently declared, only for Ronson to give a quick 101 on the difference between Record, Song, and Album Of The Year.
"It's a really important award, and it's an award that recognizes everything that goes into making a great record — the producers, the recording engineer, and the artist, and all their contributions," Ronson explained of Record Of The Year.
"It's the Everything Award! It's the best," Streep smiled.
Celine Dion Surprises The World With A Special Cameo
Before the GRAMMYs commenced, producer Ben Winston told viewers they would be in for a treat because of a surprise presenter for the final award of the night, Album Of The Year. "They are an absolute global icon. I think jaws will drop to the floor. People will be on their feet," he shared.
It was none other than Celine Dion, who has largely been out of the limelight after her stiff person syndrome diagnosis.
"When I say that I'm happy to be here, I really mean it with my heart," Dion said. "It gives me great joy to present a GRAMMY award that two legends, Diana Ross and Sting, presented to me 27 years ago."
Dion is referring to her Album Of The Year win at the 39th GRAMMY Awards in 1997, when her smash LP Falling Into You won the honor.
Taylor Swift Breaks The Record For Most AOTY Wins
It was a historic night for Taylor Swift in more ways than one.
She began the evening by winning her 13th GRAMMY for Best Pop Vocal Album for Midnights. To commemorate the milestone (13 is her lucky number), Swift announced her 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, arriving on April 19.
She ended the evening with a coveted fourth Album Of The Year win, which made Swift the artist with the most AOTY nods in GRAMMY history.
"I would love to tell you this is the best moment of my life, but I feel this happy when I finish a song or crack the code to a bridge that I love or when I'm shot listing a music video or when I'm rehearsing with my dancers or my band or getting ready to go to Tokyo to play a show," she said. "The award is the work. All I want to do is keep being able to do this."
Billy Joel Serves Double GRAMMY Duty
After Swift's momentous win, Billy Joel ended the ceremony with a feel-good performance of his 1980 single, "You May Be Right." Along with being a rousing show closer, it was also his second performance of the night; Joel performed his newest offering, "Turn the Lights Back On," before Album Of The Year was announced.
Joel's performances included three firsts: It was the debut live rendition of "Turn the Lights Back On," his first release since 2007, and the performances marked his first time playing on the GRAMMYs stage in more than two decades. It was a fitting finale for a history-making show, one that beautifully celebrated icons of the past, present and future.
Photo: Courtesy of artists
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2024 GRAMMYs To Pay Tribute to Tony Bennett, Sinead O'Connor, Clarence Avant & Tina Turner With In Memoriam Segment
The GRAMMY Awards segment will feature performances by Stevie Wonder in tribute to Tony Bennett; Jon Batiste honoring Clarence Avant; Annie Lennox for Sinead O'Connor; and Fantasia Barrino remembering Tina Turner, airing live on Sunday Feb. 4.
The 2024 GRAMMYs will feature a special In Memoriam segment to honor the lives of some of the incredible individuals that the music world lost this year with performances by GRAMMY-winning and -nominated artists.
Stevie Wonder will take the stage to pay homage to the legendary Tony Bennett, celebrating Bennett's remarkable contributions to music and devotion to the Great American Songbook.
Annie Lennox will perform in tribute to Irish icon Sinead O’Connor. Joining her for this heartfelt homage will be Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman.
Jon Batiste is set to honor Clarence Avant, the "Godfather of Black Music," with a performance dedicated to the influential figure's impact on music and culture. Lenny Kravitz, one of this year's Global Impact Award recipients, will also play a significant role in this segment, both participating and introducing the tribute, linking two generations of music icons.
In a tribute to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner, Fantasia Barrino will perform, capturing the spirit and energy of Turner's music. Oprah Winfrey will also be part of this segment, introducing the performance, and adding a layer of gravitas to the tribute to one of music's most powerful voices.
In addition to the In Memoriam segment, the 2024 GRAMMYs will feature breathtaking performances from the leading artists in music today. Performers at the 2024 GRAMMYs include Billie Eilish, Billy Joel, Burna Boy, Dua Lipa, Joni Mitchell, Luke Combs, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA, Travis Scott, and U2.
Several confirmed GRAMMY performers will make GRAMMY history at the 2024 GRAMMYs this weekend: Mitchell will make her GRAMMY performance debut, while U2 will deliver the first-ever broadcast performance from Sphere in Las Vegas. Click here to see the full list of performers and presenters at the 2024 GRAMMYs.
Trevor Noah, the two-time GRAMMY-nominated comedian, actor, author, podcast host, and former "The Daily Show" host, returns to host the 2024 GRAMMYs for the fourth consecutive year; he is currently nominated at the 2024 GRAMMYs in the Best Comedy Album Category for his 2022 Netflix comedy special, I Wish You Would.
Learn More: 2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List
2024 GRAMMYs: Explore More & Meet The Nominees
The 2024 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 66th GRAMMY Awards, will broadcast live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Prior to the Telecast, the 2024 GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony will broadcast live from the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com.
On GRAMMY Sunday, fans can access exclusive behind-the-scenes GRAMMY Awards content, including performances, acceptance speeches, interviews from the GRAMMY Live red-carpet special, and more via the Recording Academy's digital experience on live.GRAMMY.com.
The 66th GRAMMY Awards are produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy for the fourth consecutive year. Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor and Jesse Collins are executive producers.
Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand in the United States. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs in the U.S. only.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach Music's Biggest Night!
Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
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GRAMMY Rewind: Kendrick Lamar Honors Hip-Hop's Greats While Accepting Best Rap Album GRAMMY For 'To Pimp a Butterfly' In 2016
Upon winning the GRAMMY for Best Rap Album for 'To Pimp a Butterfly,' Kendrick Lamar thanked those that helped him get to the stage, and the artists that blazed the trail for him.
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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