Pre-Game Warm-Up
Earth Wind & Fire brought soul to the "pre-game warm-up" by singing a little a cappella to Star Jones Reynolds, co-host of the E! Live Red Carpet show.
Last year, the 46th annual Grammy Awards Kick-off with Prince was sensational. This year, from start-to-finish, the artists of every genre who performed and were awarded the coveted prize brought down the house.
U2's Bono said it well, "I think this is the best Grammys we've ever seen." Hopefully, some fraction of the 690 million people watching in 179 countries, enjoyed the celebration as much as Bono.
Multitude of Celebrities In The House
Fortunately, the Staples Center in Los Angeles is a very big place; big enough, at least for the biggest names in music, as well as some of the biggest names in television, the silver screen and the sports world.
In addition to the presenters and performers who we experienced on stage, other celebrities who were at The Grammys included:
Faith Hill
Amy Grant & Vince Gill
Journey's Neal Schon
Hulk Hogan
Former U.S. Attorney General, Janet Reno
2005 Kick-Off
The Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani performing with Eve, Los Lonely Boys, Maroon 5, and last week's Brits 25 double winner, Franz Ferdinand, kicked off the festivities in the Opening Number.
The medley was a rich, culturally diverse mix of today's top music.
There were a lots of smiles in the audience as the performers jumped off the stage and into the aisles to get the crowd into it.
Los Lonely Boys
Los Lonely Boys sang their Grammy-nominated "Heaven" in the middle of the audience -- a new form of "center stage."
It was one of the few times during the evening, save the lifetime achievement awards, that this forty-something year-old didn't feel too old or out of it. "I know that song!" I proclaimed.
If only the producers had put up each artist's name on the screen, so we could learn not only the name of their group but the individuals behind these great up-and-coming bands.
When Maroon 5 came on, our au pair recognized them immediately. She said, "They are pretty big in Sweden I know." Admitting my age, I said, "This is why I love the Grammys. Every year, I get introduced to at least five new great artists." The Maroon 5 were the first five of quite a few new faces and voices on Sunday.
The Grammys' First Touchdown of The Night
Be Cool movie stars, John Travolta, Christina Milian and Steven Tyler were the first presenters of the night.
Travolta, Milian & Tyler
Travolta said, "The truth is nobody's born cool, with the possible exception of Steven Tyler here." Tyler threw it right back in Travolta's camp by saying, "Ya, ya, ya. Who's cooler than Mr. 'I Park My 707 in my backyard?'"
Travolta, Milian and Tyler presented the first Grammy of the night, a Lifetime Achievement Award to ninety-one year-old, Joe Willie 'Pinetop' Perkins.
Blues pianist, 'Pinetop' Perkins came to the ceremony looking more like a Country star wearing a cowboy hat than a legend who has been playing the Blues his whole life.
Turning from Blues to Pop, the "cool" trio next presented an award to the person with the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
The Winner
Los Lonely Boys, "Heaven"
"First and foremost I'd like to thank God," the Lonely Boys said as they received their award. After thanking the significant people in their lives they said nearly in unison "God bless you all."
Other Grammy Nominees
Evanescence, "My Immortal"
Hoobastank, "The Reason"
Maroon 5, "She Will Be Loved"
No Doubt, "It's My Life"
A Standing Ovation for Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx & Co.
Next up, Grammy nominated Alicia Keys sang her nominated hit song "If I Ain't Got You."
Golden Globe award-winning & Oscar nominated actor-turned-Ray Charles aficionado, Jamie Foxx, then came to the stage to sing a head-to-head piano duet with Alicia -- in honor of the late great Ray Charles.
Together, they sang "Georgia On My Mind" while Quincy Jones led the orchestra.
Rhythm & Blues
Rhythm & Blues
The best male R&B performance was presented by Adam Sandler aka "Rhythm" and Nelly aka "Blues." Sandler looked like he had just rushed over from the gym to the STAPLES arena.
BEST MALE R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE
The Winner
Prince, "Call My Name"
Where Prince rocked the 2004 GRAMMYS, Nelly accepted this year's award on Prince's behalf and then let out a Prince-like yelp.
Other Grammy Nominees
Anthony Hamilton, "Charlene"
R. Kelly, "Happy People"
Brian McKnight, "What We Do Here"
Usher, "Burn"
The Second Touchdown of The Night
Jerry Lee Lewis received the second Lifetime Achievement Award of the night.
Following his award, U2 set the stage on fire, white fire, when they sang, "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" from their latest album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
The song was a dedication to Bono's late father, a postman, Bob Hewson.
Led Zeppelin's Lifetime Achievement Award
Recent American Idol IV judge, Mark McGrath, Penelope Cruz, the star of Sahara and Pharrell Williams announced the lifetime achievement award for Led Zeppelin.
"As heavy as metal or as light as air," was the description McGrath gave "the mighty Led Zeppelin."
The same trio then presented the Grammy for Best Rock Album.
BEST ROCK ALBUM
The Winner
Green Day, American Idiot
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler showed genuine excitement for these three guys by standing up and shaking their hands as the group took to the stage to accept their award.
Other Grammy Nominees
Elvis Costello, The Delivery Man
Hoobastank, The Reason
The Killers, Hot Fuss
Velvet Revolver, Contraband
Stepping Into Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony's Bedroom
Mr. & Mrs. Jennifer & Marc Lopez Anthony
The audience was drawn into an onstage Lopez Anthony bedroom to hear them sing the steamy Spanish duet, Escapemonos (Let's Escape).
Before the live telecast, Anthony was awarded a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album of the Year. His album: Amar Sin Mentiras.
Good Ol' Southern Rock 'n' Roll
Actor, Matthew McConaughey, introduced the next group of performers.
"Buenas Noches," he said, "to the City of Angels."
He said to the "good-looking and funky room" of celebrities:
When I was growing up in Texas, I'd turn on the radio and I'd hear incredible music by groups like the Allman Brothers, the original "Jam Band," and groups like Lynyard Skynyrd, the ultimate "Bar Band."
Southern Rock is what they called the sound, and it seemed just about right.
The songs were real country, but at the same time, they completely rocked.
You see, I wasn't the only kid raised on Southern Rock. A lot of music's finest grew up listening to this sound. As you can still hear a Southern accent just about everywhere you go.
Tonight we have three great Country nominees: Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw. They have all come to play with Lynyrd Skynyrd and some other legends of Southern Rock.
To answer McConaughey's question, "What song would we like to hear?", for a kid who went to college in Colorado, you couldn't have asked for a better medley than Free Bird, Fooled Around & Fell In Love, Ramblin' Man and Sweet Home Alabama.
Southern Rock At Its Best
"Redneck Woman" Gretchen Wilson, who won this year's Grammy for "Best Female Country Vocal Performance" belted out Free Bird together with Lynyard Skynyrd.
This year's two-time Grammy nominated, Keith Urban and the legendary Elvin Bishop gave one of the best performances of the night.
Together they did a dueling guitar duet while Urban sang Bishop's Fooled Around & Fell In Love.
Urban looked like he was having the time of his life. For that matter, so did Bishop.
The legendary Dickey Betts brought us Ramblin' Man together with one of today's Country Kings, Tim McGraw.
Later in the evening, Tim McGraw earned a Grammy for the Best Country Song of the Year, "Live Like You Were Dying"
One of the greatest songs of all time, which continues to get air time and iPod time around the world, completed the medley. Lynyrd Skynyrd's Sweet Home Alabama had the entire audience on their feet rockin' out. It was definitely a high point of the 3 1/2 hour celebration.
This final tribute to "Southern Rock which found Country" starred Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and Gretchen Wilson led by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Elvin Bishop and Dickey Betts.
Queen Latifah
Comedian / TV show host, Ellen DeGeneres - who was lucky enough to sit in front of U2's David Evans, introduced the next performer of the night.
DeGeneres said:
The person I'm about to introduce needs no introduction. I can just say her name and that would be enough. She's that kind of person, artist and performer. She doesn't need some over the top hoop-la and big build-up and then all of a sudden at the end of it "I say her name really, really loud.' That's not her style.
She speaks for herself. She stands on her own. She's a Renaissance woman. She's a dynamo. She's a brick house. She's mighty, mighty, she lets it all hang out.
She's nominated tonight in the Best Vocal Jazz Album category for the Dana Owens Album.
Queen Latifah brought it home singing a sexy, sultry rendition of her "Lush Life"/"Baby Get Lost."
Another Lifetime Achievement Award & Best New Artist
The late great composer and Pulitzer Prize winner, Martin Gould was presented with a Grammy Lifetime Award on Sunday night before the "Best New Artist" award was presented.
Supermodel Tyra Banks and Hoobastank announced Gould's win and The Best New Artist of the Year.
BEST NEW ARTIST
The Winner
The best new artist of the year was actually five artists called Maroon 5.
"These are my best friends and this the trippiest thing I have ever gone through in my life," the lead singer said as he accepted the award on behalf his four other very happy bandmates.
Other Grammy Nominees
Los Lonely Boys
Joss Stone
Kanye West
Gretchen Wilson
The Best Rockers in America
Bay Area Bad Boys who brought the world The American Idiot were next up on stage after a loud and boisterous introduction by Quentin Tarantino.
Green Day had just picked up a Grammy for "Best Rock Album" of the year.
Chart Toppers Anthony Hamilton together with Mario, Anthony Hamilton and Grammy award-winner, Ricky Martin presented the award for "Best R&B Album."
Hamilton and Martin also made our list as two of the "best dressed, most rugged elegant gentlemen" of the night.
BEST R&B ALBUM
The Winner
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys, The Diary Of Alicia Keys
Alicia credited the people on her production team, her management, Clive Davis, fellow musicians, "all radio and retail, Elroy WGCI (who was first to play my record)," God, everyone who loves music and all the fans who care. "You are the reason I am here," Keys said.
Everyone should have this album in their collection. And I mean everyone.
Other Grammy Nominees
Anita Baker, My Everything
Al Green, I Can't Stop
Prince, Musicology
Jill Scott, Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds Vol. 2
A Religious Experience at The Grammys
"Music can be a religious experience," Queen Latifah said.
Latifah introduced Mavis Staples and "Get Lifted" artist John Legend singing "I'll Take You There."
Wow!
You just can't imagine it getting any better, and then comes along religious rapper Kanye West, dressed in black, singing his award-winning song "Jesus Walks."
The Blind Boys of Alabama shared the magical stage singing their "I'll Fly Away" as they stood by West's casket - a prop in the performance.
Kanye West
West, now dressed in white appearing as an angel, returned to the stage to put a rap on "Jesus Walks."
Moments later, Kanye West was rewarded not only with a standing ovation but a GRAMMY.
Anybody who has soul will agree that this medley of three songs together with the artists' theatrical church performance brought the celebration of everlasting life to the stage.
Ludacris and Kevin Bacon presented the award to Mr. West, the Chicago-bred producer and rapper, who came close to death, just over two years ago.
Bacon asked, "Do I look different to you because I think I might have just been saved?
Ludacris responded by saying, "I don't know man. You do look a little different. To be real with you man, the Lord works in mystery ways."
When encouraged to "give it up one more time for Mr. Kanye West," Jamie Foxx not only applauded he cranked it up.
BEST RAP ALBUM
Winner
Kanye West, The College Dropout
West said, "You all might as well get the music ready because this is going to take awhile." He began his acceptance speech:
When I had my accident, I found out that nothing is promised accept death.
If you have the opportunity to play this game of life, you need to appreciate every moment.
A lot of people don't appreciate the moment until it's passed.
And then you've gotta tell those Al Bundy stories...'Remember when I ...'
Right now is my time and my moment, thanks to the fans, thanks to the accident, thanks to God, thanks to Roc-A-Fella, Jay-Z, Daime Dash, G, my mother, Rhyme Fest, everyone that's helped me.
And I plan to celebrate. I plan to celebrate and scream and pop champagne every chance I get cuz I'm at the GRAMMYS, baby.
West completed his acceptance speech by saying, "I know everybody asks me the question, everybody wants to know what I would do if I didn't win." [Perfect Set-up Pause]
"I guess we'll never know!" he proclaimed.
And then the crowd went wild for at least the fourth time in West's honor.
Other Grammy Nominees
Beastie Boys, To The 5 Boroughs
Jay-Z, The Black Album
LL Cool J, The Definition
Nelly, Suit
In Honor of Janis Joplin
Kris Kristofferson announced Janis Joplin's Lifetime Achievement Award and introduced two talented female musicians with a bit of Joplin in their souls, a barefooted Joss Stone and a bareheaded Melissa Etheridge.
Stone, who won two Brit 25 awards last week and was up for two GRAMMYS on Sunday night, paid tribute to rock legend Joplin.
Two of today's greatest female voices sang Piece of My Heart.
Melissa Etheridge & Joss Stone
Rocker, soul singer Melissa Etheridge joined fellow soul singer Stone for the second half of the tribute.
Janis's brother and sister, Michael Joplin and Laura Joplin led the standing ovation that followed. Their "thumbs up" were a clear sign of affirmation that Etheridge and Stone had done good.
Etheridge & Stone
Etheridge, who has been undergoing treatment for cancer, walked down the Red Carpet earlier in the evening sporting her loss of air, looking as beautiful as ever.
On stage, you could feel her, Stone and the spirit of Janis Joplin.
Etheridge, who won two GRAMMY Awards and was nominated for her performance of "Breathe". Bruce Springsteen won the Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance Grammy earlier in the evening for his "Code Of Silence."
Backstage, John Mayer said of Etheridge's performance:
She came out on stage, and sent more of herself out than I think I've seen an artist in a very, very long time. And it was incredibly inspiring to me.
Newcomer soul singer, Joss Stone was nominated for Best New Artist of the year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her song "You Had Me" and Mind, Body & Soul as Best Pop Vocal Album.
While she did not go home with the coveted prize, she further raised the world's awareness of this great young artist.
Stone's album, Mind, Body & Soul is a must-have.
Other Great Performances
Billy Bob Thornton announced Eddy Arnold's Lifetime Achievement Award before welcoming Grammy award-winning, Country singer, Tim McGraw to the stage.
Tim McGraw
McGraw sang his Grammy-winning song "Live Like You Were Dying."
McGraw's wife, fellow Country artist and beauty, Faith Hill, proudly gave her husband and his band a standing ovation.
A lifetime achievement award for "the original Carter family" followed McGraw's performance.
Best Country Album
This year's "Best Country Album" is Loretta Lynn's, Van Lear Rose.
Lynn collaborated with rock artist Jack White of the White Stripes, and shared the stage last night with her fellow Grammy award-winner. Their album has received little attention in Nashville on Country Radio.
The most awarded Grammy-winning Country singer, Vince Gill and his bride, the equally talented, Amy Grant were in the audience to pay respects for their fellow "Country men and women" and to share the celebration.
Speaking of respect, Jack White was the perfection illustration of respect last night, when he did and said just as Loretta Lynn asked.
This year's American Idol contestants could stand to learn a thing or two from Mr. White.
BEST COUNTRY ALBUM
The Winner
Loretta Lynn and Jack White, Van Lear Rose
Other Grammy Nominees
Tim McGraw, Live Like You Were Dying
Tift Merritt, Tambourine
Keith Urban, Be Here
Gretchen Wilson, Here For The Party
The Grammy's First President's Merit Industry Icon Award
Ahmet Ertegun thanked America and his beautiful native country, Turkey, after being recognized for the Grammy's First President's Merit Industry Icon Award.
Songwriter of The Year John Mayer Sings "Daughters"
Moments before John Mayer received the Grammy for Song of The Year, he sang his bluesy ballad Daughters. It was one of the quietest but also one of the best, most soulful performances of the night.
After sharing the stage with his drummer, Stephen Chopek and bass player, David LaBruyere, Mayer joined Lisa Marie Presley in announcing the winner of this year's Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCALS
The Winner
U2, "Vertigo"
All four band members came to the stage to accept their award.
The Edge, the band's lead guitarist, stepped up to the microphone first to dedicate the Grammy to his daughter, Sian. He did not tell the audience, but his seven year-old daughter has reportedly been suffering from leukemia for a number of years and is now being treated in at the Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin.
Bono, genuinely surprised by the Grammy, gave kudos to his fellow nominees and the producers of this year's Grammy celebration. He said, "I think this is the best Grammys I've ever seen."
Bono had a bit of a time getting anyone else from his band to speak up. Handing the award to Larry, he said, "Larry Mullen Jr."
Mullen used the opportunity to apologize to fellow fans for the Internet ticket presale snafu. The group, who was expected to begin their next world tour, have appropriately put it on hold for now.
More concerts, more concerts, please! Beginning in San Francisco!!
But only after Sian is strong and healthy again.
Other Grammy Nominees
Elvis Costello, "Monkey To Man"
Franz Ferdinand, "Take Me Out"
Green Day, American Idiot
The Killers, "Somebody Told Me"
'Across The Universe' Tsunami Tribute
More than a dozen musicians joined together for a special fund-raising musical performance of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's "Across The Universe."
Backed by the Grammy award-winning hard rockers Velvet Revolver, those who lent their voice for a special Tsunami Relief effort were VR's lead singer, Scott Weiland, U2's Bono, Stevie Wonder on vocals and harmonica, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Green Day's Billy Joe Armstrong, Country singer Tim McGraw, Brian Wilson, Steven Tyler and Alison Krauss on fiddle.
Wilson was effected personally by the Tsunami. One of his band members is believed to have been swept away by the massive waves in Phuket, Thailand. Markus Sandlund was a cello player from the Stockholm Strings and Horns who performed on Wilson's hit album, Smile.
The money raised from last night's performance will go to the Red Cross and USA Freedoms Corps Army Relief Fund on behalf of continued Tsunami Relief.
To purchase the song for $.99, and "change somebody's world," go to the iTunes Music Store.
Weiland called the global tsunami effort "truly monumental."
About their performance, he said:
It was one of those moments when the hair stands up on the back of your neck.
I think John Lennon was probably smiling down on us.
Unfortunately, it takes these sorts of things for the world to get together to stand up for nations in need. But the artistic community, when it comes down to it, really does stand up when it needs to, and when we need to, and it's a really good thing because we are really a blessed people.
We have really blessed lives and those that we're helping really don't.
This really was a way through this song, through the spirit of this song, to touch a lot of lives through the broadcast.
After the performance, Stevie talked about tapping into the power of music. "I think we should sing a little of that," Stevie said, and then proceeded to sing a couple of bars of "Isn't She Lovely."
Stevie and Norah Jones presented the Grammy for "Song of the Year." Stevie read the winner ... in braille.
SONG OF THE YEAR
The Winner
John Mayer, "Daughters"
Mayer expressed how proud he was to be a musician, and in particular, a songwriter. He said, "I want to dedicate this to my grandmother who had an awesome daughter named my mom."
Other Grammy Nominees
Alicia Keys, "If I Ain't Got You"
Kanye West, "Jesus Walks"
Tim McGraw, "Live Like You Were Dying"
Hoobastank, "The Reason"
With only thirty minutes to go, the late great Jelly Roll Morton was honored by Queen Latifah with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
"The Man," Usher and "The Grand Man" James Brown brought the footsteps, the moves and the music to the stage. Their performance of "Get Up" had everyone on their feet.
Lance Armstrong came to last night's ceremony as "Sheryl Crow's roadie." He said it; I didn't.
Armstrong and Crow announced the winner of this year's Best Record, an honor Sheryl won ten years ago.
RECORD OF THE YEAR
The Winner
Ray Charles & Norah Jones, "Here We Go Again"
Ray Charles' manager, Jo Adams said:
On behalf of Ray Charles, humbly we accept the Grammy. Sincerely, we say thanks.
Other Grammy Nominees
The Black Eyed Peas, "Let's Get It Started"
Green Day, "American Idiot"
Los Lonely Boys, "Heaven"
Usher, "Yeah!"
Last night, Don Cornelius received the Trustees Award.
The President of the Academy, Neil Portnow, spoke of the graciousness of the up-and-coming musicians and superstars in contributing their talent to important causes (like Tsunami Relief). Appropriately, he said, "They all deserve your support when it comes to owning and enjoying their music." On their behalf, Portnau urged the audience to make a contribution to Tsunami Relief through:
Apple.com/iTunes
He also spoke to the commitment of The Grammy Foundation which plays a large part in ensuring that every child get exposed to music and the arts in school. "That can not be optional," he said, "if we desire a nation of thoughtful and well-rounded individuals."
MusicCares: A Separate Celebration In Honor of Brian Wilson
Melinda & Brian Wilson with Neil Portnow
On February 11th, MusicCares honored Brian Wilson with a Grammy, as the 15th Person of The Year for his groundbreaking musical accomplishments and ability to triumph over his personal demons.
Brian earned a second Grammy last night for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. Wilson's "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow" earned him the award. Wilson waited forty-two years for his very first Grammy.
Last night, 258 musicians were featured.
Those also recognized "in the family" who have now left this earth were Stax Records co-founder, Estelle Axton; Manager of The Doors, Danny Sugarman; Buffalo Springfield's original bassist, Bruce Palmer; The Ramones punk rock guitarist, Johnny Ramone; Pantera / Damageplan metal guitarist, Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott; Traffic drummer and songwriter, Jim Capaldi; jazz clarinetist / bandleader, Artie Shaw; jazz - bop guitarist, Barney Kessel; jazz drum legend, Elvin Jones; saxophone tenor, Illinois Jacquet; composer for chamber music and ballet, Michel Colombier; swing bandleader and pedal steel pioneer, Alvino Rey; Ol' Dirty Bastard hip-hop artist - Wu-Tang Clan, Russell Jones; Jan & Dean surf rock pioneer, Jan Berry; surf rock pioneer and producer, Terry Melcher; pop singer - actress "Gloria" Laura Branigan; rock - jazz saxophonist, Cornelius Bumpus, Jefferson Airplace rock drummer, Spencer Dryden; composer - conductor - arranger, Elmer Bernstein; film music icon, David Raksin, composer - conductor - arranger, Jerry Goldsmith; comedian and JFK imitator, Vaughn Meader; comedian, Rodney Dangerfield; legendary FM Rock DJ, Scott Muni; "Tonight Show" host, Johnny Carson; Country crossover singer, Skeeter Davis; music publisher, Bill Lowery; country - jazz guitarist, Hank Garland; blues / Gospel singer-writer, Arnold "Gatemouth" Moore; creator Ernie Ball guitar strings, Ernie Ball; record producer, Tom Capone; Tejano music pioneer, Isidro Lopez; opera singer, Robert Merrill; opera singer Renata Tebaldi; Broadway lyricist, Fred Ebb; Broadway / Jazz singer-writer, Cy Coleman; guitarist (Zombies) and producer, Paul Atkinson; record executive, Artie Mogull; co-founder, Musicians Assistance Program, Carole Fields Arnold; R&B / Funk artist, Rick James; R&B writer - producer - pianist, Freddie Perren; R&B singer and writer, Syreeta Wright and finally, music legend, Ray Charles.
Tribute To The Late Great Ray Charles
Of the twenty-four lives performances of the night, one of the show's most moving was also its most brief.
Following a slide show montage which paid respect to those the music community lost this year, nine-time Grammy award-winner, Bonnie Raitt and Billy Preston paid tribute to the night's biggest winner, Ray Charles.
With Raitt on electric guitar and Preston on the keyboard, theirs was a solemn, soulful rendition of "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind."
After her song, Bonnie Raitt and CSI: New York actor / musician, Gary Sinise, who plays bass in his own band, The Lt. Dan Band and has been entertaining troops around the country and overseas, presented the "Best Album of The Year."
But first, Raitt asked John Shanks to stand and be acknowledged as Producer of the Year, non-classical.
Shanks won his Grammy for inspiring the work and creation of many artists including: Ashlee Simpson's "Autobiography," Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway," Sheryl Crow's "The First Cut Is The Deepest," Hilary Duff's "Fly", Robbie Robertson's "Shine Your Light" and Alanis Morissette's "So-Called Chaos." He has also helped write songs and produce records for boy band, BBMak, Michelle Branch, Joe Cocker, Celine Dion, Will Hoge, Bon Jovi, Justincase, Fleetwood Mac, Chris Isaak, Avril Lavigne, Pink, Stroke 9, The Corrs, Vertical Horizon and Lucy Woodward. In addition to producing for Melissa Etheridge and Beth Hart, he once played guitar for and went on tour with them.
Bonnie Raitt, a nine-time Grammy award-winner was invited to do the honors. She opened the last envelope of the night. And the Grammy went to... "Genius Loves Company."
For album of the year, it was fitting that Ray Charles won.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Winner
Ray Charles, Genius Loves Company
Other Grammy Nominees
Green Day, "American Idiot"
Alicia Keys, The Diary Of Alicia Keys
Usher, Confessions
Kanye West, The College Dropout
Ray Charles' manager, Jo again accepted the award on behalf of the late legend. He said:
I'm going to thank all of you people on behalf of Ray Charles, who is with us. And I'll simply say it again. Humbly we accept this wonderful, wonderful award and we offer a humongous thanks to you individually and collectively, from the bottom of our hearts, very sincerely.
We love you madly, passionately, invigorously and continuously.
Jamie Foxx, who recently offered a masterful performance of his own as Ray Charles gave a "double thumbs up" as the night came to a close. We will be looking for Foxx to perhaps win an Oscar for this performance in just two weeks from now.
2005 Eight-Time Grammy Winner
Ray Charles won eight Grammy awards on Sunday. The late great singer / songwriter, who Norah Jones says she worships, died of liver disease last June at the age of 73.
Charles won twelve Grammys during his lifetime.
His last album, Genius Loves Company, thanks to a little help from Starbucks, is his biggest seller ever.
About The Night's Host, Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah is a seminal hip-hop artist who is also one of music's most respected rappers, having pioneered the genre for women.
Her 1989 debut album, All Hail The Queen, set the standard for female rappers.
Her latest album, released last fall, is called The Dana Owens Album. "Queen Latifah's" birthname? You guessed it: Dana Elaine Owens, to be exact.
Owen's first vocal album is a collection of classics that includes soul, blues and pop songs. This album has earned her a nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album of the year.
Owens is also an accomplished actress, earning an Academy Award nomination, a Golden Globe nomination and a SAG Award nomination for her role as Matron "Mama" Morton in the feature film / Bob Fosse original, Chicago.
Queen Latifah's other feature film credits include "Taxi," "Barbershop 2: Back in Business," "Set It Off," "The Bone Collector" and the upcoming "Beautyshop."
Her television credits include the CBS mini-series "Mama Flora's Family," "Living with the Dead," and always remembered as the "Queen" of the 47th Annual Grammy Awards.
Inspire & Be Inspired.
Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "winning the gramophone" living!
~ Jennifer Carolyn King
Related Articles in Rugged Elegant Living
The 2005 Grammy Winners: All 107 Award Recipients & Nominees
The Best Dressed, Most Rugged Elegant Women at The 47th Annual Grammys
2005 GRAMMYS: Details of The 47th Annual Award Ceremony
2005 Grammy Nominees: A Complete List of This Year's Nominated Musicians
fresh content posted
