The Grammys made news last summer when they “consolidated” 31 categories, angering many music communities who lost Grammy categories in the process. Latin Jazz artists and supporters were incensed, and a meeting in South Louisiana turned chaotic when NARAS’ Vice-President of Awards Bill Freimuth informed Cajun and zydeco artists why the Best Zydeco or Cajun Album category had been folded into the new Best Roots Music Album category.
On Sunday, the new categories will be awarded for the first time when the 54th Annual Grammy Music Awards are presented. Louisiana’s rich and distinct musical musical tradition will be represented in nearly 20 categories to be awarded ranging from Best Rap Album to Best Folk Album, as well as three nominees in the Best Regional Roots Music. Cajun music artist Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys are up against zydeco artist C.J. Chenier, Jimmy Sturr (who used to compete in the Best Polka category), George Kahumoku, Jr., who used to compete in the Best Hawaiian Music category) and New Orleans’ Rebirth Brass Band, who likely would have competed in jazz categories if at all in the past.
The awards will be broadcast on CBS starting at 7 p.m. CST, but most of the categories contested by Louisiana artists will be awarded during the “pre-tel” – the ceremony that takes place in the afternoon before the broadcast. It will be shown online at Grammy Live starting with red carpet coverage at 2 CST and the pre-tel at 3. Rebirth will perform as part of the pre-tel.
Best Americana Album: Blessed, Lucinda Williams
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cobQUsce3I[/youtube]
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: In Concert on Broadway, Harry Connick, Jr.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uC1t897rGk&ob=av2e[/youtube]
Best Rock Album: Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul, Jeff Beck. (Included because Trombone Shorty makes a guest appearance on the album).
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyWWN0I9qmU[/youtube]
Best R&B Performance/Best R&B Song/Best R&B Album: Pieces of Me, Ledisi. (Included because Ledisi was born in New Orleans)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McUj4t3TkPA&ob=av2e[/youtube]
Best Regional Roots Music Album: Rebirth of New Orleans, Rebirth Brass Band
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfxFoCDfU5A[/youtube]
Best Regional Regional Roots Music Album: Grand Isle, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PNFkWfZDR8[/youtube]
Best Regional Roots Music Album: Can’t Sit Down, C.J. Chenier
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hbsZXfAU4I&feature=related[/youtube]
Best Folk Album: I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive, Steve Earle. (Included for his time on HBO’s Treme)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YCz22bM38E[/youtube]
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: “I’m on One” DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross & Lil’ Wayne. Track from We the Best Forever.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z09lYqdxqzo[/youtube]
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: “Motivation” Kelly Rowland & Lil’ Wayne. Track from Here I Am
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1XozsBN5Z4[/youtube]
Best Blues Album: Roadside Attractions, Marcia Ball. (Included because Ball has been associated with New Orleans for years, and is a mainstay at the N.O. Jazz and Heritage Festival)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHETPRFo4PY[/youtube]
Best Gospel Album: Angel and Channelle Deluxe Edition, Trin-I-Tee 5:7
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrTCp6GwUog[/youtube]
