Photo: Larry Busacca/WireImage
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Remembering Tony Bennett's Monumental Musical Legacy: "The Classiest Singer, Man, And Performer You Will Ever See"
With 19 GRAMMYs and a "once-in-a-generation" voice, Tony Bennett's undying love for the Great American Songbook made for a remarkable career. The iconic singer died on July 21, just two weeks short of his 97th birthday.
He was an integral part of the American cultural fabric, one of the music industry's shining lights, the Great American Songbook's biggest living champion and a generation-spanning one-of-a-kind talent whose iconic career stretched from radio days to the current streaming age. The death of Tony Bennett at age 96 marks the end of an era in both music and the nation at large; a legendary figure who transcended the decades with an unmatched voice and a burning passion for the music he performed.
A recipient of the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001, Bennett won 19 GRAMMYS among 41 nominations throughout his staggering career. His first two GRAMMYS came from his signature tune, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," which won Best Solo Vocal Performance, Male and Record of the Year at the 1963 GRAMMYs (it was later inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 1994). He most recently won a GRAMMY in 2022 for Traditional Best Pop Vocal Album for his Cole Porter tribute with Lady Gaga, Love For Sale.
"Tony Bennett was an iconic, once-in-a-generation voice in American music," said Harvey Mason jr, CEO of The Recording Academy. "A 19-time GRAMMY winner between 1962-2021, Tony's work has stood the test of time while being embraced universally by audiences and musicians across generations. We're honored to have celebrated Tony's GRAMMY moments, 2001 Lifetime Achievement Award, and 1994 GRAMMY Hall of Fame induction alongside him throughout his illustrious career. The world has lost an astounding talent, and he will be deeply missed."
In the wake of his passing, Bennett's monumental impact on music has left the medium's biggest names musing about his vast influence. "Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see," said Elton John in an Instagram post. "He's irreplaceable. I loved and adored him." Billy Joel called Bennett "one of the most important interpreters of American popular song" in his own post, while fellow crooner Harry Connick Jr. wrote "You changed the world with your voice."
"From an early age, I've been blessed by now that I wanted to be involved in artistic endeavors," Bennett wrote in his 2012 memoir Life is a Gift. "Even though we were very poor, my parents placed a high value on the arts. I always wanted to sing and paint; I never had to ask, 'What am I going to do with my life?' I always knew."
Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto in Queens, New York, Bennett took early influence from his father, who was known to sing Italian folk songs; the crooner later credited his father (who died when he was 10) with inspiring his eventual career. Bennett's later service in World War II led to him to study at the American Theater Wing once stateside thanks to the G.I. Bill.
After a successful career as a club musician (where comedian Bob Hope bequeathed Bennett his shorter, angelized moniker), Columbia Records president Mitch Miller welcomed Bennett to his roster and in 1951, he released his first album Because of You. Of its eponymous single, Johnny Mathis later told GRAMMY.com it's the song he most personally associates with Tony. "His interpretation is so honest and it was very representative of the time," recalled Mathis of the track. "Because of You" was his first No. 1 hit — and in fitting form, it was also the last song he sang before his death.
Throughout his subsequent career, Bennett fiercely cherished the songs he sang, making hits of early recordings, from the bombastic "Rags to Riches" to the bittersweet "The Good Life." Though Bennett's catalog did include one dabble into modern pop hits with 1970's Tony Bennett Sings the Great Hits of Today!, his undying loyalty to his art manifested in his own response to the schlocky album: he later recalled throwing up the first time he heard it played back.
The consummate jazz virtuoso also embodied a steadfast determination to preserve and honor the Great American Songbook in his tribute albums. He recorded the music of everyone from friend and contemporary Ella Fitzegerald (1995's Here's to the Ladies), to several jazz greats on 2014's Cheek to Cheek, his first collaborative project with Lady Gaga.
Cheek to Cheek and the aforementioned Love for Sale — Bennett and Gaga's second LP together — both helped introduce Bennett to a new generation of listeners. In fact, Bennett reintroduced himself to fresh audiences multiple times during his career, whether his most recent bow with Gaga or in 1995 when his MTV Unplugged album won GRAMMYs for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance and the coveted Album of the Year.
The smooth romance of Bennett's voice also served as a motif for his catalog, a talent that The Voice himself, Frank Sinatra, first noticed. Lifelong friends until his death, Sinatra was famously quoted in a 1965 interview for Life Magazine saying, "For my money, Tony Bennett is the best singer in the business," a sentiment that cemented Bennett as an artist for all-time. (In the wake of his death, Sinatra's daughter Nancy called him "one of the most splendid people who ever lived.")
When it comes to vocal prowess alone, take for example "The Way You Look Tonight," the ultimate love song originally written in 1936 that Bennett first recorded in 1956, delivering multiple interpretations throughout his career. Elsewhere, it was during his '70s-era work with the pianist Bill Evans that showcased the singer's tender voice alongside Evans' tinkling piano, especially in the mournful "Young and Foolish," on which he sings of a sunsetting of youth.
"Overall, his absolute unrelenting commitment to excellence is at the forefront," musician and Bennett collaborator Gregg Field told GRAMMY.com last year. "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."
But whether the songs he recorded were joyful or melancholy, Bennett's passion always shone through — and is ultimately what will make his legacy live on. "I encourage everyone to find their passion," he later wrote in Life is a Gift. "Work as hard as you can to follow your dreams; they will ultimately lead you to contentment in every aspect of your life. It's my goal at the end of the day to be able to lay my head on my pillow, knowing I've tried my best."
Remembering The Artistry Of Tina Turner, "The Epitome Of Power And Passion"
Photo: Dave Hogan / Getty Images Archive
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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 via Getty Images
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What Is Lady Gaga's Real Name? 7 Facts To Know About The GRAMMY-Winning 'Chromatica' Singer
Did you know Lady Gaga has won 13 GRAMMYs across multiple genres? Here are seven facts to know about "Mother Monster," aka Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.
Everything Lady Gaga has touched bears her conspicuous fingerprints, but the simple fact remains: there's no predicting in which direction she'll swerve next.
She hit the world stage by slugging out some of the most undeniable pop smashes of the late 2000s, like "Poker Face" and "Bad Romance." Then, she made a bold stride for LGBTQ+ representation with 2011's Born This Way.
From there, the 13-time GRAMMY winner proved she could be it all, and do it all — from gonzo EDM (2013's Artpop) to confessional soft rock (2016's Joanne) to futuristic dispatches (2020's Chromatica).
In between, she's helped Tony Bennett conclude his career on a magnificent note with 2014's Cheek to Cheek and 2021's Love for Sale, shattered hearts as the co-lead of 2018's A Star is Born, and overall kept her scores of Little Monsters satiated with each creative move.
But if you've made it to this article, chances are you're looking for a few basic facts about the multi-hyphenate born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. So here are seven questions about Lady Gaga, answered — whether you're a brand-new fan or just want to brush up.
Who Is Lady Gaga, And Where Did She Come From?
Germanotta was born on March 28, 1986 into an Italian American family in New York City. She showed musical promise early on — she played piano from age 4 and went on to perform at open-mic nights.
Her mother, Cynthia Louise, is a philanthropist and businesswoman; her father, Joseph Germanotta, is an internet entrepreneur. She has a younger sister, Natali Germanotta.
After attending the all-girls school the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Manhattan, she studied music at the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. And before her musical career took off, she danced in go-go bars in New York City.
Why Did Lady Gaga Change Her Name?
Her stage name is a nod to Queen and their classic song "Radio Ga Ga." Throw on the faux-royal title, and you've got a moniker that the world won't soon forget.
What Is Lady Gaga's Biggest Hit?
That depends on what metric you want to go by. Through a GRAMMYs lens, "Bad Romance," "Poker Face," "Shallow" (from A Star is Born) and "I Get a Kick Out of You" (with Tony Bennett) are up there, in terms of wins and nominations.
Spotify tells a slightly different story, at least at press time: While "Shallow" reigns supreme at 1.85 billion streams, her Ariana Grande collab "Rain On Me" and another Star is Born track, "Always Remember Us This Way" have broken 800 million streams ("Rain On Me" has nearly 833 mil, and "Always Remember" has more than 804 mil).
And according to the Billboard Hot 100, Lady Gaga's biggest hit is "Born This Way," which remained at No. 1 for six weeks. She had four other songs hit No. 1 on that chart, too: "Rain On Me," "Just Dance" (with Colby O'Donis), "Shallow" and "Poker Face."
How Many GRAMMYs Has Lady Gaga Won?
At press time, Lady Gaga has won 13 GRAMMYs and has received 34 GRAMMY nominations overall.
Did Lady Gaga Really Wear A Meat Dress?
She sure did — at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. But she didn't mean it as a knock against animal rights.
"It's certainly no disrespect to anyone that's vegan or vegetarian. As you know, I'm the most judgment-free human being on the Earth," Gaga explained to Ellen Degeneres post-VMAs, in one of many examples of her sociopolitically outspoken nature.
"It has many interpretations," she continued. "But for me this evening, it's [saying], 'If we don't stand up for what we believe in, if we don't fight for our rights, pretty soon we're going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones." (In this case, she was referring to "don't ask, don't tell" policies in the military.)
But flank steak aside, Gaga has touched the fashion and lifestyle worlds in many other ways — from her endlessly inventive outfits over the years to her cruelty-free cosmetics brand.
What Is Lady Gaga's Connection To Bradley Cooper?
Lady Gaga starred alongside Bradley Cooper in the 2018 film A Star is Born. In the film, Cooper plays Jackson "Jack" Maine, an alcoholic, drug-addicted musician whose career is dwindling. He later discovers and nurtures Ally (Lady Gaga), a struggling artist. The two fall in love quickly and deeply.
A Star is Born heavily features the chart-topping song "Shallow," the lead single off the film's soundtrack, performed by Lady Gaga and Cooper. Lady Gaga won the GRAMMY for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, shared with Cooper, and Best Song Written For Visual Media, both for "Shallow," at the 2019 GRAMMYs. The song also won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2019. At the 2020 GRAMMYs, Lady Gaga won the GRAMMY for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media for A Star Is Born as well as Best Song Written For Visual Media for "I'll Never Love Again (Film Version)," a single off the film's soundtrack.
Read More: A Star Is Born: Do You Know These GRAMMY Facts?
And while Gaga's and Cooper's steamy performance of "Shallow" at the 2019 Oscars ginned up gossip about an offstage relationship, there's no evidence that's been the case. But on screen, they suffused the fourth remake of the film with crucial chemistry and verve.
Bonus fact: While some film historians believe actors Barbara Stanwyck and Frank Fay's relationship was the real-life inspiration for the original 1937 version of the film, A Star Is Born is not based on a true story.
Director William A. Wellman and screenwriter Robert Carson devised the original storyline together, based on a simple, shopworn conceit: a young woman has showbiz dreams and meets a famous man in decline — who charts her path to stardom while falling for her.
Next up: Lady Gaga will star alongside Joaquin Phoenix in Joker: Folie à Deux, the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster, Joker. Early reports on the film, which is reported to be a musical, indicate Gaga will star as Harley Quinn, Joker's devilish sidekick and love interest. Lady Gaga confirmed her involvement in Joker: Folie à Deux — as well as the film's release date, Oct. 4, 2024 — in a teaser video she posted on social media today.
When Will Lady Gaga Be On Tour Next?
Right now! Her Chromatica Ball Tour — which just wrapped its first leg in Europe — is set to swing North America before heading overseas to Japan. You can find her tour dates here.
For The Record: The Liberating Joy Of Lady Gaga's Born This Way At 10