Seven Louisiana acts out of 17 nominations won Grammy’s during ceremonies in Los Angeles on March 14, including two first-time honorees. Due to COVID-19, the 63rd annual Grammy ceremonies took place as a largely virtual event with winners making acceptance speeches at locations across the nation.

The New Orleans Nightcrawlers brass band won their first Grammy in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category for Atmosphere. They competed against two other Louisiana-based acts: Sweet Cecilia for A Tribute to Al Berard and Cameron Dupuy and the Cajun Troubadours for their self-titled album Cameron Dupuy and the Cajun Troubadours.

The Nightcrawlers were at The Broadside, performing as part of a Grammy party, when the news was announced. “This is a win for New Orleans,” said trombonist Craig Klein in an acceptance speech surrounded by cheering crowds. “This is a win for New Orleans brass band culture, which is sacred here in New Orleans.”

Ledisi Anibade Young, who goes by the singular name Ledisi, won her first Grammy in the category of Best Traditional R&B performance for her album Anything For You. She had been nominated 12 times since 2007 in multiple R&B categories. The New Orleans-born singer sang at a church service attended by the Obamas the morning of the president’s second inauguration in 2013 and played the role of Mahalia Jackson in the 2014 Oscar-winning film Selma. She was also among the performers at the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute concert honoring Aretha Franklin.

PJ Morton picked up his third Grammy win with Best Gospel Album going to Gospel According to PJ. His previous wins and nominations had all been in pop or R&B categories. Morton was one of four alumni of St. Augustine High School to be nominated at this year’s Grammy Awards. The other nominees, who did not win, were Jon Batiste (Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Chronology of a Dream: Live at the Village Vanguard, and Best New Age Album for Meditations), Jay Electronica (Best Rap Album, A Written Testimony), and Luke James (Best R&B Album, to feel love/d).

At age 87, bluesman Bobby Rush, born in Homer, Louisiana, won his second Grammy for “Rawer than Raw” in Best Traditional Blues Album. Rush previously won in the same category in 2017 for “Porcupine Meat.”

“Wow, wow, wow, wow!” enthused Rush after his named was announced as the winner. “I want to thank the academy for choosing me… I accept in honor of all the guys who didn’t win…God, I don’t know what to say. I’m so blessed and thankful.”

Alfred Walker, an alumnus of Loyola University’s century-old opera program, was among the cast of Porgy and Bess  at the Metropolitan Opera for Best Opera Recording.

Two Shreveport-born musicians—John Beasley and Brian Blade—also racked up Grammy wins.

Beasley, a jazz pianist, bandleader, and producer of music for film and television, won in the category of Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella, for “Donna Lee” from the album MONK’estra Plays John Beasley, which was also nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. He was also nominated for Best Arrangement, Instrument and Vocals for Asas Fechadas with Maria Mendes; and Best Jazz Vocal Album for Holy Room: Live at Alte Oper.

Blade, a three-time Grammy winning drummer, joined pianist Chick Corea and bassist Christian McBride  in winning Best Jazz Instrumental Album for Trilogy 2. Another album, RoundAgain, featuring Blade, McBride and Redman Mehldau, was also nominated in the same category.

Other Louisiana acts who were nominated but did not win included:

• Harry Connick Jr., Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter. Connick has earned 15 Grammy nominations during his career, with three wins.
• Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Best Improvised Jazz Solo for Guinevere; and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Axiom.
• Lucinda Williams, Best Americana Album for Good Souls Better Angels; and Best American Roots Song for Man Without a Soul. The singer-songwriter is a three-time Grammy winner and has been nominated 17 times.
• North Mississippi Allstars, Best Contemporary Blues Album for Up and Rolling. The late Carl Dufrene, a member of the band, was a Louisiana native.
• Social Science, Best Jazz Instrumental Album for Waiting Game, with Terri Lyne Carrington. Band member Morgan Guerin is a New Orleans native.

Awards season continues in New Orleans. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE in the Best of the Beat Awards TODAY. The deadline to cast your picks is 6 p.m. on Monday, March 15.