The Grammy Awards are presented annually in the US in recognition of achievement in the music industry. Critics have labeled the awards as many things, ranging anywhere from completely meaningless to glaringly biased. I mean, one need not look far to realize that those whose buttocks look good on camera may be receiving slight favoritism. (For the record, yes, I am jealous.) That said, behind the scenes, meaning not on television, fully-clothed and highly-accomplished artists are recognized for their phenomenal work, much of which has had unexceptional commercial success. So while I’m all about Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Lipa, here are 10 Grammy categories you probably never heard of, with some blatantly self-serving trivia mixed in.
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
This award recognizes albums containing “at least 51% of playing time of newly recorded pop instrumental tracks.” In 2019, the winner was the Steve Gadd Band for its self-titled album. Steve Gadd is one of the most highly-regarded drummers in the music industry, having collaborated with the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, and James Taylor. Gadd hails from Rochester, New York. (Have I mentioned that ComposeMD is based in Rochester, New York?)
Best Improvised Jazz Solo
The 2021 award went to the late Chick Corea for his work in All Blues. Corea, considered one of the greatest jazz pianists of his time, was known to collaborate with the aforementioned Gadd. In 2017, the duo received honorary Doctor of Music degrees from the Eastman School of Music in…Rochester, New York.
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
The 2021 honor went to the Maria Schneider Orchestra for Data Lords. Schneider earned a degree from the Eastman School of Music. See a pattern yet?
Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
Soloists Sarah Brailey and Dashon Burton received the 2021 award for their performance in The Prison. Brailey is a graduate of…you guessed it. In 1999, 2003, 2009, and 2013, the award went to Renee Fleming, who was raised in this one upstate New York location and received a degree from a music school there. She also sang the national anthem before Super Bowl XLVIII.
Best Contemporary Classical Composition
This award goes to the composer of a classical piece composed in the last 25 years and released during the eligibility year. In 2020, the award went to Jennifer Higdon for Harp Concerto. Featured on the recording was the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. That’s Rochester, New York, in case you were wondering.
Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)
I was hoping that someone from the town of Mexico, New York, won this award. But, alas, I was unable to make a shameless local reference. The Mexican legend Vincente Fernández has won the award twice.
Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audiobooks & Storytelling)
Apparently, just talking is enough to get you a Grammy. While Ken Jennings from Jeopardy! was nominated for the 2021 award, the victory went to Rachel Maddow for the audiobook version of her book Blowout.
Best Album Notes
Does anyone even read liner notes anymore? Apparently yes, as the authors of such content can win Grammys. In 2021, the award went to Bob Mehr for his work on Dead Man’s Pop, a box set by the Replacements.
Best Immersive Audio Album
In order to be nominated for this category, a recording must be in surround quality with a minimum of four channels. The award goes to engineers and producers. The 2021 edition could not be awarded as the pandemic prevented in-person meetings of the judging committee. Bummer, because I’m almost sure I could have dug up some sort of geographic connection.
Best Engineered Album, Classical
As the name implies, this award is presented to engineers and mastering engineers involved in classical works. The 2020 award went to Leslie Ann Jones and Robert C. Ludwig for Sun Rings (performed by the Kronos Quartet). Ludwig, a mastering engineer, obtained multiple degrees from the Eastman School of Music (see above). He has won 12 Grammys and been nominated for a total of 32 (across a spectrum of Grammy categories). His projects have included works by Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Beyoncé, and countless others.
In case you’re curious, there were a total of 84 Grammy categories in 2021, the 63rd year of the awards. Here is a full list for your perusal. Or you could just throw on some Cardi B. (She’s from downstate New York.)
