The Cultural Influence of Black Grammy Winners
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The 66th Grammy Awards occurred on February 4th, and many Black artists took home awards, such as SZA, Victoria Monet, Tyla, Coco Jones, and Leon Thomas. In 2024, SZA was the most nominated Grammy artist with nine nominations, with Victoria Monet being the third most nominated artist with 6. Since the start of the Grammys in 1959, many Black artists have made history with their wins, influencing culture, and paving the way for others. Here are a few Black artists whose Grammy wins have broken records.
A lot of history was made at the first-ever Grammy Awards, as Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie became the first Black individuals to win a Grammy. Fitzgerald won Best Female Vocal Performance and Best Individual Jazz Performance awards, while Basie won Best Jazz Performance and Best Performance by a Dance Band. With her performance at the 2nd Grammy Awards in 1959, Fitzgerald was also the first Black woman to perform at the Grammys.
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Stevie Wonder became the first Black artist to be awarded Album of the Year at the 16th Grammy Awards with his album Innervisions. Wonder went on to win the Album of the Year award two more times, becoming one of four artists to win the award three or more times and the only Black artist to do so. He has won 25 Grammys in total, making him one of the most-awarded Grammy artists of all time.
Michael Jackson was the first artist to win eight awards at the 26th Grammy Awards in one night. Some awards he won that night included Record of The Year, Album of The Year, and Producer of The Year for his album Thriller. Jackson went on to earn five more Grammys before his passing in 2009.
Beyonce has had many Grammy achievements over the years, including being the most nominated and most awarded Grammy artist in history, with 88 nominations and 32 wins. Beyonce is also the youngest artist to win 20 Grammys, winning her 20th Grammy at 33 at the 56th Grammy Awards. She and Jay-Z are the couple who have owned the most Grammys, with 61 Grammys between them.
Along with making history, many Black Grammy winners have shaped culture through their music and artistry. Black artists are the pioneers of what makes music unique, and their artistry has uplifted and inspired others. They are vital in influencing pop culture trends, challenging social norms, and fostering positive change and inclusivity within our society. These history-making artists have been important driving forces in influencing culture through their musicality.
Black artists have not only influenced culture but have impacted the state of music in general. They have had their hand in many music genres, such as rock and roll, house, techno, and even country. The impact that Black people have had on music is one that is undeniable. Their artistry is present throughout all of culture and is a fundamental part of American history.
Strike Out,
Writer: Trinity Talton
Editor: Blake N. Fiadino
Tallahassee