IT HAS been some time since I’ve viewed the Grammys, the premier music awards in the US. Fortunately, it was shown on public television just hours after it was held in Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 10, 2019.
With Alicia Keys hosting, the Grammys turned out to be a ladies’ night, with a sizable number of wins from female artists as well as knockout performances from Lady Gaga, H.E.R. and Cardi B. Add to those, the honoring of Dolly Parton through songs, Diana Ross taking the stage for her 75th birthday and the showstopping tribute to the late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
Then there was the gyrating Jennifer Lopez who stole the Motown 60 celebration from Smokey Robinson, NeYo and Alicia Keys.
The length of the show was rather long, but it was worth the time what with the flashy sets, collaborative performances by the best artists of the day with icons from the past (Post Malone with Red Hot Chili Peppers; and rapper Travis Scott with James Blake, Philip Bailey and Earth, Wind & Fire) and the noteworthy speeches, especially at the beginning, with the power cast that included Michelle Obama Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith and Jennifer Lopez; and that of Drake.
Drake who won best rap song for “God’s Plan” took a swipe at the Grammys saying, “This is a business where sometimes it’s up to a bunch of people who might not understand what a mixed-race kid from Canada has to say or a fly Spanish girl from New York or anybody else or a brother from Houston right there, my brother Travis [Scott].” And pointing to his award, he continued, “You’ve already won if you have people singing your songs word for word, if you’re a hero in your hometown... you don’t need this right here. I promise you, you already won.”
Well said Drake, but you didn’t have to undermine the importance of the award, that gives affirmation to excellence, artistry and originality. You do enjoy your celebrity status, dude, but how about those who perform classical music or compose songs for children or write album notes?
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the body behind the Grammys, has gone from just handling awards to taking care of music people in times of need (MusiCares) and engaging with the community by recognizing current educators, kindergarten through college, who have made a significant and lasting contribution in the field of music education.
The Grammys should serve as an inspiration not just for people in the music industry in the US, but for all who contribute to the making of music all over the world. For without music, what a dreadful world this would be.