Top names in the music industry gathered last night for the 65th annual Grammy Awards hosted at the Los Angeles Crypto.com arena, formerly known as the Staples Center. In honor of black history month and the 65th annual Grammy Awards, this blog post is dedicated to the history of the Grammy awards as it relates to black artists and celebrating the most decorated and legendary black Grammy award winners.
The First Black Grammy Award Winners
In Spring 1959, the Grammy Awards show was hosted at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, CA. Although America’s political climate and social tensions were high, particularly due to the ongoing civil rights movement, two legendary black artists walked away with Grammys that evening. The talented Ella Fitzgerald won a Grammy for the Best Female Vocal Performance “But Not For Me” and another Grammy for Best Jazz Performance Soloist for “Ella Swings Lightly”. William James “Count” Basie also received a Grammy award for Best Dance Band Performance and Best Group Jazz Performance for his album “Basie”. Ella and Basie’s wins were not only honors for the two amazing jazz artists, but they also showed that black people were viewed equal to their white peers in the music industry, sending a message of equality and acceptance to the black community.
History of Black Artists at the Grammys
As the years progressed, more and more black artists begin to win Grammy awards, some artists like Stevie Wonder, who won album of the year in 1974, 1975, and 1977 with almost consecutive annual wins for his musical works and contributions. It is no secret that black artists contribute substantially to the music industry and overall culture, but sometimes these musical contributions go without merit and acknowledgment in the industry. However, this year, the 65th annual Grammy awards was one for the books as many black music artists took home Grammy Awards. Muni Long received her first Grammy for the Best R&B Performance for “Hrs and Hrs”, Lizzo won Record of the Year for “About Damn Time”, Kendrick Lamar won Best Rap Album for “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers”, and Beyonce took home four Grammys in various categories for her album “Renaissance”.
Hope for future black artists at the Grammys
Although some people feel have mixed feelings about how nominees are selected, there is no doubt that Grammy’s nominations and awards certainly play a large part in the upward success of music artists in the industry. After receiving nominations or awards, many artists experience higher streams, their albums are bumped to higher placements on the charts, and there is often even a surge price in their ticket sales. There is certainly no doubt Grammy nominations and honors are prestigious and a sought after goal, often an artist’s top dream when they first enter the industry. Coincidentally enough, the Grammys seem to always fall in February, which is Black History Month and a time to celebrate black people in all the amazing things they have contributed to society.
Black Artists Who Have Won Album of the Year
To date, only 11 black artists have won album of the year at the Grammys since the first awards show in 1958. Below is a list of those accredited artists and the incredible musical works that won them Grammys and prestige in the industry.
1. Stevie Wonder
1974 Album of the Year- Innerversions
1975 Album of the Year- Fulfillingness’ First Finale
1977 Album of the Year- Songs in the Key of Life
Photo: Stevie Wonder (1974), source unknown
2. Michael Jackson
1984 Album of the Year- Thriller
Photo: Michael Jackson (1984), source unknown
3. Lionel Richie
1985 Album of the Year- Can’t Slow Down
Photo: Lionel Richie (1985), source BET
4. Quincy Jones
1991 Album of the Year- Back on the Block
Photo: Quincy Jones (1991), source Harper’s Bazaar
5. Natalie Cole
1992 Album of the Year- Unforgettable… with Love
Photo: Natalie Cole (1992), source BET
6. Whitney Houston
1994 Album of the Year- The Bodyguard Soundtrack
Photo: Whitney Houston (1994), source People
7. Lauryn Hill
1999 Album of the Year- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Photo: Lauryn Hill (1999), source XXL Magazine
8. Outkast
2004 Album of the Year- Speakerboxx/ The Love Below
Photo: Outkast (2004), source Grammy.com
9. Ray Charles
2005 Album of the Year- Genius Loves Company
Photo: Alicia Keys announcing the late Ray Charles as the winner of the 2005 Album of the Year (2005), source TODAY
10. Herbie Hancock
2008 Album of the Year- River: The Joni Letters
Photo: Herbie Hancock (2008), source INSIDER
11. Jon Batiste
2022 Album of the Year: We Are
Photo: Jon Batiste (2022), source USA Today
The Most Decorated Grammy Award Winner
Beyoncé Knowles Carter
Beyoncé Knowles- Carter has now broken the all time record for the Grammys and she is the most decorated music artist with the most grammy awards. Last night, Beyonce took home 4 awards and the legendary artist now has 32 Grammy Awards and a total of 88 nominations.
Photo: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter 2021 Grammy Awards, source GRAMMY.com
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