The forthcoming 51st annual Grammy Awards ceremony for excellence in musical achievement, which will take place on Sunday, February 8, dominated the past week's music coverage by VOA.
The term "American roots music" is used to identify such uniquely indigenous musical styles as bluegrass and the blues. While the Grammys have no single inclusive slot for this umbrella category, Katherine Cole's comprehensive radio report cites the nomination of numerous American roots musicians, not only in the traditional roots sub-categories of folk and gospel, but also in such mainstream fields as Album of the Year; the contenders for 2009 include Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, Dr. John, Solomon Burke, Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder, Joan Baez, and Emmylou Harris, among others.
Mary Morningstar devotes an entire report to George Strait, who after more than thirty years in the country music field has never won an award, but has again been nominated this year.
In his radio feature, Ray MacDonald highlights nominees in the pop, rock, and Rhythm-and-Blues/Hip-hop categories. Leading contenders include rapper Lil Wayne, singer-songwriter Leona Lewis, the British rock quartet Coldplay, and teen heartthrobs the Jonas Brothers.
Finally, Doug Levine runs down some of the competitors in the jazz niches: Cassandra Wilson for the Best Jazz Vocal, guitarist Pat Metheney for the Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, and the Yellowjackets for the Best Contemporary Jazz Album.
Stay tuned to this blog for the results in these varied Grammy Award categories!
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