Photos: Courtesy of the artists
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William Bell, HANSON, Elle King & More Added To The Lineup Of Performers At The Inaugural GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala On May 21
These artists will join Andra Day, Ravyn Lenae, Shinedown and The War and Treaty to perform in honor of inducted recordings by De La Soul, Guns N' Roses, Donna Summer and more on the 50th Anniversary of the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame.
William Bell, HANSON and Elle King have been added to the lineup for the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum's inaugural GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala, taking place on May 21, at The Novo in Downtown Los Angeles.
Previously announced performers include Andra Day, Ravyn Lenae, Shinedown and The War and Treaty. The evening will include a red carpet and VIP reception on the Ray Charles Terrace at the GRAMMY Museum followed by a one-of-a-kind concert at The Novo. The Gala will also pay tribute to iconic record label Atlantic Records. The evening will be hosted by veteran CBS broadcast journalist Anthony Mason, who will be joined by Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the GRAMMY Museum, Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, and Julie Greenwald, chairperson and CEO of Atlantic Records Group.
Performers will pay tribute to the 2024 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inducted recordings. Andra Day will perform a song from Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill; William Bell will perform his song "You Don't Miss Your Water"; The War and Treaty will perform Charley Pride's "Kiss An Angel Good Morning"; Elle King will perform Wanda Jackson's "Let's Have A Party." HANSON will perform the Doobie Brothers' "What A Fool Believes"; Ravyn Lenae will perform Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly;" and Shinedown will perform Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven." Tickets are on sale to the general public and more information about the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala is available on the website.
The inaugural Hall Of Fame Gala will honor the 2024 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inducted recordings on its 50th Anniversary, including De La Soul's 3 Feet High And Rising, Guns N' Roses' Appetite For Destruction, Buena Vista Social Club's Buena Vista Social Club, and Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, as well as recordings by Donna Summer, Charley Pride, Wanda Jackson, Kid Ory's Creole Orchestra, the Doobie Brothers, and William Bell.
This year's show will be produced by longtime Executive Producer of the GRAMMY Awards, Ken Ehrlich, along with Chantel Sausedo and Ron Basile. Musical Direction by globally renowned producer and keyboardist Greg Phillinganes. The Gala is presented by City National Bank.
An online auction is currently underway alongside the Hall Of Fame Gala, featuring a vast collection of guitars signed by an array of major artists including Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, and many others, as well as Platinum tickets to the 2025 GRAMMY Awards and more. Proceeds will benefit the GRAMMY Museum. Click HERE for more info.
The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame was established by the Recording Academy's National Trustees in 1973. The inducted recordings are selected annually by a special member committee of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts with final ratification by the Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees. With 10 new titles, the Hall currently totals 1,152 inducted recordings in the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame. Recipients will receive an official certificate from the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. See the full list of past inducted recordings here.
Photo Courtesy of the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum
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25 Semifinalists Announced For The 2025 Music Educator Award
The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum have announced 25 semifinalists for the 2025 Music Educator Award.
The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum have announced 25 semifinalists for the 2025 Music Educator Award. These semifinalists, comprising a total of 25 music teachers from 24 cities across 14 states, were selected from more than 2,400 initial nominations submitted from 49 states. More than 200 quarterfinalists for the award were announced in May. Finalists for the 2025 Music Educator Award will be announced in December, and the ultimate recipient will be recognized during GRAMMY Week 2025, ahead of the 2025 GRAMMYs. See the full list of semifinalists below.
Presented annually by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum, the Music Educator Award honors educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to music education and demonstrate a deep commitment to maintaining music education in schools.
Nominations for the 2026 Music Educator Award are now open.
Read More: Virginia's Annie Ray To Be Honored With 2024 Music Educator Award
The Music Educator Award is open to current U.S. music teachers. Anyone can nominate a teacher, including students, parents, friends, colleagues, community members, school deans, and administrators. Teachers can also nominate themselves. All nominated teachers are notified and invited to submit an application.
Each year, the Music Educator Award recipient is selected from 10 finalists and receives a $10,000 honorarium, along with a matching grant for their school's music program. The nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium and matching grants. The remaining 15 semifinalists, who are not selected as finalists, will receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants.
As working music educators, all semifinalists for the Music Educator Award are eligible to apply for Professional Membership at the Recording Academy, which allows members to play a part in creating a better world for music and its makers by advocating and fighting for music creators’ rights; helping the next generation of music leaders; submitting recordings for GRAMMY consideration; recommending other new members to join; electing the Recording Academy governing boards; and more.
The Music Educator Award program, including honorariums, is supported by The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation. In addition, the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, NAMM Foundation, and National Education Association support this program through outreach to their constituencies.
Learn more about the Music Educator Award.
The full list of the 2025 Music Educator Award semifinalists is as follows:
Name | School | City | State |
---|---|---|---|
Erin Althen | Westhill High School | Syracuse | New York |
Michael Antmann | Freedom High School | Orlando | Florida |
Justin Antos | Eisenhower High School | Blue Island | Illinois |
Jeremy Bartunek | Greenbriar School | Northbrook | Illinois |
Stephen Blanco | Las Vegas High School | Las Vegas | Nevada |
Richard Butler | Jack Britt High School | Fayetteville | North Carolina |
Ethan Chessin | Camas High School | Camas | Washington |
Paul Corn | Susan E. Wagner High School | Staten Island | New York |
Cindy Ellis | Miami Arts Studio 6-12 at Zelda Glazer | Miami | Florida |
J.D. Frizzell | Briarcrest Christian School | Eads | Tennessee |
Daniel Gutierrez | Nixa High School | Nixa | Missouri |
Bernie Hendricks, Jr. | Ocoee High School | Ocoee | Florida |
Jennifer Jimenez | South Miami Sr. High School | Miami | Florida |
Adrian Maclin | Cordova High School | Memphis | Tennessee |
Dr. Kevin McDonald | Wellesley High School | Wellesley | Massachusetts |
Coty Raven Morris | Portland State University | Portland | Oregon |
Stefanie Sagaro | Academy for Innovative Education Charter School | Miami Springs | Florida |
Matthew Shephard | Meridian Early College High School | Sanford | Michigan |
Katie Silcott | Olentangy Shanahan Middle School | Lewis Center | Ohio |
Shannon Stem | University Academy | Panama City | Florida |
Dr. Kokoe Tanaka-Suwan | Parsons Memorial & Purchase Elementary Schools | Harrison | New York |
Dr. Alice Tsui | New Bridges Elementary | Brooklyn | New York |
Donald Walter | Northwest Guilford Middle School and High School | Greensboro | North Carolina |
Dr. Damion Womack | The Montgomery Academy | Montgomery | Alabama |
Tammy Yi | Chapman University | Orange | California |
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Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images for ABA
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20 Live Events At The GRAMMY Museum This October: Experience Kacey Musgraves, Khalid, Tems, Samara Joy & More
This month, join the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles and New York City for live discussions and performances from Travis Barker, Will Smith, Arooj Aftab, and other incredible artists.
As October rolls in, the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles and New York City is set to host an exciting lineup of live discussions and performances. This month’s programming features a diverse array of artists, including Kacey Musgraves, Khalid, Tems, Samara Joy, and Shelby Lynne, along with icons like Slash and Laurie Anderson.
Whether you're a fan of soulful jazz, indie pop, or rock legends, these events offer an intimate look into the creative processes of some of the industry's most compelling artists. From Travis Barker to Will Smith, the GRAMMY Museum continues to be a hub for music lovers to experience one-of-a-kind performances and discussions with their favorite artists.
Check out the comprehensive list of must-attend GRAMMY Museum public programs for October 2024:
The Drop: Shelby Lynne
Oct. 1, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
Shelby Lynne joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening discussing her latest music, her career, and creative process, with a performance to follow.
Inside Deeper Well: An Evening with Kacey Musgraves
Oct. 2, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
Sold Out - Join Waitlist
The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome seven-time GRAMMY-winning artist Kacey Musgraves to the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing her latest album, Deeper Well, and her creative process and career, with a performance to follow. The discussion will be moderated by Melena Ryzik. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar prior to the program.
Read more: Why 2024 Is The Year Women In Country Music Will Finally Have Their Moment
An Evening With Will Smith
Oct. 3, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome 4-time GRAMMY-winning artist Will Smith to the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing his upcoming music, creative process, and legendary career, with a performance to follow. Attendees will also have an opportunity to enjoy the rooftop and a cash bar prior to the program.
An Evening With Slash & Mike Clink
Oct. 4, 2024 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
L.A.
Sold Out - Join Waitlist
Slash, the iconic, GRAMMY-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, guitarist, and songwriter will join guests at the Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace for an evening discussing his latest album Orgy of the Damned, a star-studded, vibrant homage to the blues. GRAMMY Hall of Fame Producer and longtime Slash collaborator Mike Clink will join the conversation to discuss the creative process for the album, and an intimate acoustic performance will follow. Attendees can enjoy rooftop views and a cash bar prior to the program.
A New York Evening With Arooj Aftab
Oct. 4, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
N.Y.C.
Arooj Aftab joins GRAMMY Museum guests at The Greene Space in NYC to celebrate her latest album, Night Reign. Aftab will detail her creative process and more in discussion with Jem Aswad, with a special performance to follow.
Watch: Run The World: How Pakistani Singer Arooj Aftab Reimagined Genre & Made GRAMMY History
Spotlight: Jessica Pratt
Oct. 8, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
Jessica Pratt joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating her career and discussing her latest album, Here in the Pitch, creative process, and more, with a performance to follow.
A New York Evening With Samara Joy
Oct. 8, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
N.Y.C.
Sold Out - Join Waitlist
The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome three-time GRAMMY-winning artist Samara Joy to The Greene Space in NYC to celebrate her latest album, Portrait, her creative process and more. Joy will be in discussion with the author and music journalist Marcus J. Moore, with a special performance to follow.
Read more: Samara Joy Won Best New Artist At The 2023 GRAMMYs. What Could It Mean For The Wider Jazz Community?
Spotlight: Tems
Oct. 9, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
Sold Out - Join Waitlist
Nigeria-based singer/songwriter, and producer Tems will join guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening moderated by Billboard’s Gail Mitchell. Tems will discuss her debut album, Born in the Wild, her career, and creative process. A performance will follow her talk.
Learn more:Tems On How 'Born In The Wild' Represents Her Story Of "Survival" & Embracing Every Part Of Herself
A New York Evening With Ben Platt
Oct. 10, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
N.Y.C.
Ben Platt joins GRAMMY Museum guests at National Sawdust in Brooklyn to talk about his album Honeymind, his creative process behind the project, his career, and more, with a special performance to follow. Platt is one of the many artists to be featured in the GRAMMY Museum’s New York City program series, which includes bringing a slate of the GRAMMY Museum’s renowned GRAMMY In The Schools Education Programs and Public Programs to the East Coast. "A New York Evening With" is generously supported by the Dawn and Brian Hoesterey Family Foundation.
A Conversation With Deryck Whibley of Sum 41
Oct. 10, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome Deryck Whibley of Sum 41 to the Clive Davis Theater for an evening of conversation discussing the stories behind his memoir, Walking Disaster" the creative process behind writing the book, and more with Matt Pinfield. Tickets to this event include admission and a signed copy of the memoir.
Read more: Sum 41 Says Farewell: Deryck Whibley Shares His Favorite Memories With The Pop-Punk Icons
Sensory Friendly Saturdays
Oct. 12, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m.
L.A.
Experience Sensory Friendly Saturday on the second Saturday of every month. Families can enjoy our space with less crowding, quieter sound levels and lower lighting on the second Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Guests can purchase tickets when they arrive at the Museum or they can purchase online for the applicable Saturday.
Reel to Reel: Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It
Oct.13, 2024 from 3 to 5 p.m.
L.A.
The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to host the Los Angeles premiere of Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It in the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater. There will be a post-screening panel discussion featuring Director Paris Barclay, artist Cory Henry and Producers Stephanie Allain and Jeanne Elfant Festa.
Spotlight: Khalid
Oct. 14, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
Sold Out - Join Waitlist
Khalid joins guests at the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating his latest release, Sincere, in discussion about his career and creative process, with a performance to follow.
Spotlight: FLETCHER
Oct. 14, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
FLETCHER joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating her latest sophomore album, In Search Of The Antidote, her creative process, and more, with a performance to follow.
Read more: FLETCHER Is "F—ing Unhinged" & Proud Of It On 'In Search Of The Antidote'
A New York Evening With Laurie Anderson
Oct. 16, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
N.Y.C.
Laurie Anderson joins GRAMMY Museum guests for an intimate conversation moderated by Anderson Cooper about her latest album, Amelia, with a performance to follow, at City Winery in New York City. Anderson is one of the many artists to be featured in the GRAMMY Museum’s New York City program series, which includes bringing a slate of the GRAMMY Museum’s renowned GRAMMY In The Schools Education Programs and Public Programs to the East Coast. "A New York Evening With…" is generously supported by the Dawn and Brian Hoesterey Family Foundation.
A Conversation With Travis Barker
Oct. 16, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
Iconic drummer and producer Travis Barker joins guests at the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating and discussing his career, latest music with blink-182 and others and a conversation about creative process, and more.
Read more: Blink-182 Essentials: 15 Songs That Prove They're Rock's Most Serious Unserious Band
The Drop: Pete Yorn
(Moderated By Matt Pinfield)
Oct. 17, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
Pete Yorn joins guests at the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating his career and discussing his latest album, The Hard Way, his creative process, and more, with a performance to follow.
An Evening With Vampire Weekend
Oct. 21, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
L.A.
Vampire Weekend will be in discussion at the Museum’s Clive Davis Theater to celebrate their latest album, Only God Was Above Us. Band members will also discuss their creative process, tour, and more, with a performance to follow.
A New York Evening With Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore
Oct. 22, 2024 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
N.Y.C.
In partnership with Americana Music Association, the GRAMMY Museum will host an intimate conversation with GRAMMY Award-winning artist Dave Alvin and GRAMMY Award-nominated artist Jimmie Dale Gilmore followed by a performance at The Greene Space at WNYC and WQXR in New York City. The conversation will include a discussion moderated by Warren Zane about the making of their new album, TexiCali, their collaboration, creative process, and more.
A New York Evening With Kelsea Ballerini
Oct. 25, 2024 from 8 to 9 p.m.
N.Y.C.
The GRAMMY Museum and Collective by 92NY will host four-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini for an intimate conversation about her album, Patterns, her creative process, and more, followed by a special performance at The 92nd Street Y: David Geffen Stage at Kaufman Concert Hall.
Kelsea Ballerini is one of the many artists to be featured in the GRAMMY Museum’s New York City program series, which includes bringing a slate of the GRAMMY Museum’s renowned GRAMMY In The Schools Education Programs and Public Programs to the East Coast.
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Photo: courtesy of the Recording Academy
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GRAMMY Museum Appoints Arin Canbolat To Vice President Of Education
Canbolat to oversee and expand education programs, bringing experience from Berklee College of Music.
The GRAMMY Museum has appointed Arin Canbolat as its new Vice President of Education, effective immediately. In this role, Canbolat will focus on enhancing existing educational programs and creating new, scalable curricula designed to provide music and music industry education to K-12 students across the United States.
Canbolat will manage a wide array of programs, including GRAMMY Camp, the Music Educator Award, mentorship initiatives, community engagement efforts, professional development, GRAMMY In The Schools, and the Museum’s Learning Hub online platform. Based in New York, Canbolat will lead efforts to broaden the Museum’s educational outreach nationwide.
"The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome Arin to the leadership team," said Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the GRAMMY Museum. "His vast experience at the intersection of education and music will help us grow our educational programs, which are at the heart of our mission."
Canbolat expressed his excitement about joining the team: "The highest purpose of what the arts do is to help people become bigger and more understanding of themselves and the world. I am overjoyed to join the amazing team at the GRAMMY Museum to continue growing the programs and furthering music’s positive impact on society."
Prior to joining the GRAMMY Museum, Canbolat served as Associate Dean for Education Outreach at Berklee College of Music, where he spearheaded initiatives to support student success, developed teacher training, and led the Berklee City Music Network, a global consortium reaching over 65,000 students annually.
He also held leadership roles as general manager at The School of Jazz and Contemporary Music at The New School, where he co-designed a music history course with GRAMMY Award-winner Martin Shore, and worked at Concord Music Group in international sales and marketing.
In his new role, Canbolat joins the GRAMMY Museum’s leadership team, which includes Michael Sticka as President/CEO; Jasen Emmons, Chief Curator and Vice President of Curatorial Affairs; Hilary Fahlsing, Chief Financial and Operating Officer; Rita George, Chief Program Officer; and Lynne Sheridan, Vice President of Public Programs and Artist Relations.
A Professional Member of the Recording Academy, Canbolat is also a board member of the Take Me To The River Education Initiative, a non-profit focused on teaching the origins of American music. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz and Contemporary Music from The New School and a Master of Music in Music Business and Entertainment Industries from the University of Miami. He is also an accomplished saxophonist.
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Inside The Latin GRAMMYs Exhibit At The GRAMMY Museum: Karol G’s History-Making Moments, Rosalia’s Iconic First Red Carpet Look & More
Photo: Rebecca Sapp
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Inside The Latin GRAMMYs Exhibit At The GRAMMY Museum: Karol G’s History-Making Moments, Rosalia’s Iconic First Red Carpet Look & More
Get a glimpse of one of the Latin Recording Academy’s three exhibits celebrating the Latin GRAMMYs’ 25th anniversary — and highlighting the biggest onstage, backstage and red carpet moments.
To celebrate 25 years of the Latin GRAMMY Awards, the Latin Recording Academy opened a new exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles on Sept. 19. The entire second floor of the museum is dedicated to capturing the growth of Latin music that has gone hand-in-hand with the Latin GRAMMYs through awards, artifacts, outfits, and instruments from previous winners and nominees like Shakira, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Juan Luis Guerra, Celia Cruz, and many more.
"Today, Latin artists are crafting pop culture, influencing everything, and breaking all the charts," Latin Recording Academy CEO Manuel Abud tells GRAMMY.com. "For the Latin Recording Academy, it's been a privilege to be with them on this journey, and this exhibit tries to bring this journey closer to the people. For us, this is an attempt to bring this journey and this legacy closer to the audience."
The newly opened exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum, officially named Latin GRAMMYs 25: A Legacy of Musical Excellence, is one of three that the Latin Recording Academy is presenting as part of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs celebration happening throughout this year, all of which will highlight the magic of the Latin GRAMMYs. The Paley Museum in New York City will host its exhibit, which opened Sept. 13, and runs through Nov. 3; the exhibit at Miami's Gary Nader Art Centre will open Sept. 26 and run through Dec. 20. The GRAMMY Museum's exhibit closes Dec. 18.
The series of multi-city exhibits leads up to the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, which officially mark the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards. Taking place Thursday, Nov. 14, in Miami, the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs will debut of a new field and two new categories: Best Latin Electronic Music Performance, housed within the new Electronic Music field, and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album. Ahead of the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, the Latin Recording Academy will host the official Latin GRAMMY Week 2024, which includes multiple events throughout Miami-Dade County including the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year gala, which this year honors 18-time Latin GRAMMYs winner and two-time GRAMMY winner Carlos Vives, and the 2024 Special Awards Presentation.
Ahead of the GRAMMY Museum’s exhibit opening, Abud and Jasen Emmons, Chief Curator and Vice President of Curatorial Affairs of the GRAMMY Museum, took GRAMMY.com on a tour. Below, learn more about the GRAMMY Museum's monumental, history-filled display.
Learn more about the Latin Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum’s Latin GRAMMYs 25: A Legacy of Musical Excellence exhibit.
All photos by Rebecca Sapp.
A Timeline Of Latin GRAMMY Milestones
When entering the second floor of the GRAMMY Museum, one of the walls is covered with a giant timeline of major moments and milestones from the Latin GRAMMYs. The timeline starts with the 1st Annual ceremony in 2000, where Ricky Martin, Celia Cruz, and Gloria Estefan paid tribute to mambo legend Tito Puente, who had passed away a few months prior.
From there, moments highlighted include Luis Fonsi's performance of "Despacito" in 2017 with Diplo, Bomba Estéreo and Victor Manuelle, and Bad Bunny's win for Best Urban Album in 2019 where he advocated for more respect for reggaeton music and its artists. Edgar Barrera, who won the first Songwriter Of The Year award at last year's ceremony, also has his history-making Latin GRAMMY on display. The timeline not only shows the growth of the awards, but its impact on Latin music going mainstream.
"We created a platform for new artists to evolve and to present their craft, but also a way to celebrate established artists," Abud says as he looks at the timeline. "I think the beauty here is that we celebrate both at the same time that we are nurturing the next generation [or artists]. I love to see an artist like Karol G be Best New Artist in 2018 and winning Album Of The Year in 2023 and breaking all the records. It's the concept of how we bring it all full circle."
Read More: 2023 Latin GRAMMYs: Karol G Wins Album Of The Year For 'Mañana Será Bonito'
The Latin GRAMMY Awards By the Numbers
There's also a few more giant graphics on the other walls of the exhibit that are informational and educational. One graphic — which could be useful for either the GRAMMYs or Latin GRAMMY Awards — explains the difference between the Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year categories; another graphic shows the legacy of the Latin GRAMMYs by the numbers. The number 18 is shown next to Eduardo Cabra, who has the most wins for a producer, while his former Calle 13 associate, Residente, is highlighted for the most wins by a male artist with 28. Meanwhile, 2006 is shown next to Shakira's name for the ceremony where she made history as the first woman to win Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Album Of The Year.
"I would like for visitors to feel the emotions because music is all about the emotions," Abud says. "I would like for them to go through the journey and remember what they were doing in 2006 or 2016, for example. I hope this exhibit brings them memories and gets them excited about the future. It's a combination of celebrating our past, but also enjoying the present, and preparing for the future."
The Diversity Of Latin Music Through Instruments
Another way the GRAMMY Museum's Latin GRAMMYs exhibit is hoping to educate visitors is through the instruments on display. Mexican group Intocable loaned a series of instruments that highlight the sounds of música Mexicana, including the bajo sexto guitar, the accordion, and a Djembe drums.
To highlight other genres in Latin music as well, Juan Luis Guerra loaned a güira, which is used in his merengue with "Punta Cana" written across it. The drums that Sheila E. played during her performance with Guerra at the 8th Annual Latin GRAMMYs are also present. The instruments exemplify not only different genres, but also different Latin cultures and countries.
"We really wanted to show a number of different instruments that we used in Latin music, like timbales or bajo sexto because for many people they may have heard them, but they haven't seen them before," Emmons says. "It's fun for people to be able to go, 'Oh! That's what that looks like, so it's making that sound.' We're really always trying to have that educational element to what we do."
Iconic Performances Revisited
The history of career-defining performances at the Latin GRAMMYs is captured in the fashion at the exhibit.
The colorful spirit of Celia Cruz, who passed away in 2003, is captured in a white and blue wig at the exhibit. The Cuban legend wore the wig during the 2002 Latin GRAMMYs — her last televised performance.
The outfits on display also further exemplify the diversity of Latin music. Mexican icon Pepe Aguilar's traditional charro suit is next to Peso Pluma's Givenchy and Alexander McQueen outfit from last year's ceremony that exemplifies his more urban approach to música Mexicana. Rauw Alejandro, who has gone from reggaeton hit-maker to global pop star, mixed both worlds with his red-hot Enfants Riches Déprimés look at last year's ceremony. Rosalía's white bodysuit from her flamenco-infused debut on the Latin GRAMMYs stage in 2018 is also on display.
"It's fun to see the growth of both Latin music, but also the Latin GRAMMYs," Emmons says. "It's extraordinary when you think in just 25 years how massive it's become and incredibly exciting. It was really fun to go through that [legacy of the Latin GRAMMYs] and figure out what were those moments that helped expand awareness of this and celebrate it."
Red Carpet Fashion At The Latin GRAMMYs
The iconic fashion of the Latin GRAMMY Awards isn't only limited to the performances. On the red carpet, many nominees and winners have made statements with their outfits.
One standout fashion moment in particular at the exhibit is Mon Laferte's purple suit at the 2021, where she proudly flaunted her pregnancy at the time. Karol G's metallic Balmain dress from last year's ceremony — where she later won Album Of The Year — is another stunning highlight among the outfits.
Barrera's fashion-forward suit that he wore during his historic Songwriter Of The Year win in 2023 is also on display. Beatriz Luengo, who won Song Of The Year for the Cuban protest anthem "Patria o Vida" in 2021, paid tribute to Celia Cruz with a blue gown that had the late legend's face emblazoned on it.
"The biggest thing I want is for visitors to go away saying, 'I want to listen to these artists,' if they haven't already," Emmons says. "Also, to have more appreciation for the artistry, and the showmanship because a lot of what we have on display are some of the performance outfits, red carpet outfits, and amazing style. At the heart of this exhibit is to inspire people to go discover artists that maybe they haven't listened to in awhile, or they never heard of before."
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