Taylor Swift on the 2023 GRAMMYs red carpet.Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyFacebookTwitterE-mailFacebookTwitterEmailIn honor of Taylor Swift’s history-making Best Music Video win at the 2023 GRAMMYs for “All Too Well: The Short Film,” revisit some of the superstar’s most iconic videos to date.Glenn Rowley|GRAMMYs/Feb 7, 2023 – 09:05 pmAt the 2023 GRAMMYs, Taylor Swift won Best Music Video for her short film set to the 10-minute version of “All Too Well.”It’s a golden gramophone the singer has won once before, nearly a decade ago for the star-studded visual to 1989 single “Bad Blood.” But this win was different. As Swift collected the 12th GRAMMY of her storied career, this victory came from a video she had single-handedly directed; it also marked the first time an artist won the category for a video they directed solo. Delivering iconic visuals is nothing new for the superstar, either. After all, she’s been doing it from her earliest days as a teenage wunderkind known for penning diaristic country-pop hits like “Tim McGraw,” “Our Song,” “Love Story,” and “You Belong with Me.” But over the years, Swift’s precision in executing her singular, cinematic vision has only gotten more creative, more exact and more ambitious — and now, those talents are GRAMMY-winning.To celebrate Swift’s big GRAMMY win for “All Too Well: The Short Film,” GRAMMY.com has distilled her extensive filmography down to the 11 most essential and unforgettable music videos in the Swiftian canon — from “Teardrops on My Guitar” to her latest No. 1 smash “Anti-Hero.”Check out GRAMMY.com’s picks for the most iconic Taylor Swift music videos below.”Teardrops on My Guitar” (Taylor Swift)Although it was only her second single, the video for 2006’s “Teardrops on My Guitar” contains many of the hallmarks for what would become Swift’s signature visual aesthetic throughout her early career. Unrequited love interest in the form of One Tree Hill’s Tyler Hilton? Check. An iridescent gown fit for a fairytale? Check. A narrative arc that establishes our girl as the underdog, who you can’t help rooting for to get her happy ending? Check and check.”You Belong With Me” (Fearless)Is there any video more quintessential from Swift’s country era than the one for “You Belong With Me”? Not only did the Fearless visual give Swifties their queen in her now-iconic “Junior Jewels” T-shirt, but it established the goofy side of Swift’s personality — as yet unseen in her filmography — as well as her willingness to embody characters in her videos, like the brunette mean-girl of a cheerleader and an ultra-relatable band geek who are competing for the heart of the hunky boy next door.”Mine” (Speak Now)”Mine” was the lead single for Swift’s third album — not to be confused with fellow Speak Now single “Ours,” which led off the 2010 LP’s deluxe repackaging. And though she’d dabbled in the past on videos for “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” and “The Best Day,” the song marked the pop star’s first true directorial effort helped along by co-director Roman White. And she was clearly taking notes that would inspire her future work during the process — just watch the scene where she and her rakish, blonde fiancé get into a screaming match in their kitchen and tell any Swiftie it doesn’t look familiar…”Everything Has Changed” feat. Ed Sheeran (Red)This 2012 collaboration with Ed Sheeran upped the ante in Swift’s videography by handing off the bulk of the storytelling to other people entirely — in this case, a pair of elementary schoolers portraying younger versions of Tay and the “Thinking Out Loud” crooner. The close friends and frequent collaborators only appear in the final moments of the video, but the kids and their adorable story would pick up nearly a decade later in the visual for the pair’s 2022 duet remix of Sheeran’s “The Joker and The Queen.””Blank Space” (1989)What does Swift do when the media paints her as a serial dater — verging on maneater — who’s constantly burning her way through a revolving door of famous men? Write a smash hit about it, of course. With help from Joseph Kahn, Swift turns tabloid fodder into cinematic gold by casting herself as the unhinged nightmare dressed like a daydream, always ready to make the bad guys good for a weekend and add their names to her little black book. Too bad the poor fools won’t find out until it’s too late that their names are in red, underlined…”Look What You Made Me Do” (reputation)#TaylorSwiftIsOverParty? As if. With the release of the “Look What You Made Me Do” video, Swift officially entered her reputation era and shifted her skewed public perception off its tilted axis and back in her favor. Yes, there were snakes serving tea, bathtubs filled with diamonds, and a Taylor or two for every era that had come before. But the true feat of the glossy, karma-fueled visual was reminding the superstar’s fans, doubters and haters alike that her ability to come back from the proverbial dead with a smash single in hand will always be stronger than anything thrown at her.”The Man” (Lover)For her solo directorial debut, Swift wanted to make both a statement and a splash. So she chose to skewer the sexism and toxic masculinity she’s endured throughout her career as “The Man,” cleverly dressing in drag as a rich, cocky manspreader by the name of — you guessed it — Tyler Swift. As has become custom over the years, the music video was filled with Easter eggs and cameos from famous faces like TikTok star Loren Gray, Dwayne Johnson and even her own father. The video eventually made history as well, when Swift became the first solo female to ever take home the prize for Best Director at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2020.”cardigan” (folklore)Filmed at the height of the pandemic, Swift proved with the video for “cardigan” that she is always capable of creating magic, even in the most challenging of circumstances. Taking cues from the fantasy and period films she had devoured during the early days of quarantine, the visual took a more fantastical turn than many of the past videos in the star’s filmography. As the sole star of the show, a nightgown-clad Swift is transported to magical worlds by her trusty piano — a perfect parallel to the fictional worlds she dreamed up on folklore.”willow” (evermore)When evermore arrived by surprise just five months after its older sister, Swift announced that she was venturing deeper into the metaphorical woods. And with that, the music video for “willow” picks up right where “cardigan” left off. The clip doubles down on the fantasy of folklore by setting the singer on a journey filled with witchcraft, scenes straight out of a storybook, and an onscreen reunion with Taeok Lee, who last appeared as a backup dancer on the Red Tour in 2013.”All Too Well: The Short Film” (Red (Taylor’s Version))There was really only one way to do the mystical 10-minute version of “All Too Well” justice after Swift dug it out from the vault for Red (Taylor’s Version) — a short film, directed by Swift herself. Enlisting actors Dylan O’Brien and Sadie Sink as the doomed lovers at the center of the autumnal tale, Swift wrote the treatment, took charge on set, and manifested her creative vision with her most fully-realized project to date. The sweeping, 15-minute mini-movie soon inspired Swift to write and direct her first feature film, and helped the singer win the 2023 GRAMMY for Best Music Video.”Anti-Hero” (Midnights)”It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me.” With that witty inner dialogue, Swift introduced Swifties to the most hilariously self-destructive version of herself. But even self-loathing looks like a blast through the superstar’s point of view, whether she’s outrunning ghosts dressed in whimsical ’70s-style bedsheets or commiserating with her gigantic monster of a doppelgänger who just wants to be part of the gang.The Taylor Swift Essentials: 13 Songs That Display Her Storytelling Prowess And Genre-Bouncing GeniusManeskinPhoto: Allen J. Schaben / ContributorFacebookTwitterE-mailFacebookTwitterEmailSee and hear what the GRAMMY-winning and nominated stars were up to when they stopped by to talk with the Recording Academy ahead of the 2023 GRAMMYs telecast.Nina Frazier|GRAMMYs/Feb 8, 2023 – 02:38 amOn Music’s Biggest Night, stars stopped to talk with the Recording Academy ahead of the 2023 GRAMMYs telecast. Watch interviews with Lifetime Achievement Awards recipient Nile Rodgers, first time nominees Bonobo and The Marias, industry legends like LL Cool J and so many more.Head to live.GRAMMY.com all year long to watch all the GRAMMY performances, acceptance speeches, the GRAMMY Live From The Red Carpet livestream special, the full Premiere Ceremony livestream, and even more exclusive, never-before-seen content from the 2023 GRAMMYs.2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Winners & Nominees ListCarly Pearce & Bill AndersonCarly Pearce, GRAMMY-winner with Ashley McBryde for Best Country Duo/Group Performance of “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”.Nile RodgersNile Rodgers, recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, GRAMMY-winner for Best R&B Song on Beyonce’s “Cuff It” and GRAMMY-nominated for Album Of The Year on Beyonce’s Renaissance. ManeskinManeskin, GRAMMY-nominees for Best New Artist.BonoboBonobo, GRAMMY-nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Recording for his song “Rosewood” , and Best Dance/Electronic Music Album for his album, Fragments.The MariasThe Marias, GRAMMY-nominated for Album of the Year for Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti”.NellyNelly is a three-time GRAMMY-winner and 12-time nominee.Aoife O’DonovanAoife O’Donovan, GRAMMY-nominated with Allison Russell for Best American Roots Performance for “Prodigal Daughter”.FridayyFridayy, GRAMMY-nominated for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song , and Song Of The Year for “God Did”.Jacob CollierJacob Collier, GRAMMY-nominated for Album of the Year for work on Coldplay’s ‘Music of The Spheres’.LL Cool JGRAMMY-winner LL Cool J. Machine Gun KellyMachine Gun Kelly, GRAMMY-nominated for Best Rock Album, Mainstream Sellout.Tiara ThomasTiara Thomas, GRAMMY-nominated for Album of the Year for Mary J. Blige’s album, Good Morning Gorgeous.Photo: Leon Bennett / Stringer / Getty ImagesFacebookTwitterE-mailFacebookTwitterEmailThe three-day immersive experience on the Hollywood Walk of Fame brought live performances, visual exhibits and sheer fun for music industry professionals and influencers.Tamara Palmer|GRAMMYs/Feb 8, 2023 – 01:07 amThe Recording Academy and CBS presented the first-ever GRAMMY House: Where The Stars Align on the Hollywood Walk of Fame from Feb. 1-3 in celebration of the 2023 GRAMMYs. For three days, the GRAMMY House hosted a full schedule of programming, performances, DJs and multimedia art installations, with a special tribute to this year’s 50th anniversary of hip-hop.At the invitation-only experience interacted with a lovingly curated treasure trove of hip-hop history, including photographs, seminal books on the art and culture, and platinum award. The hallway leading to the performance area was plastered with popular lyrics and catchphrases, while the main stage was styled like a subway station, with graffiti naming some of hip-hop’s pioneers. Platinum plaques and photos demonstrated the culture’s business and artistic achievements.GRAMMY House also offered a variety of social media-ready photo ops and black and white portrait taking. Guests could also shop a merch pop-up featuring an exclusive, limited-edition GRAMMY capsule collection designed by Brast Studio CEO Mark Braster, the lead merch designer for Rolling Loud 2023 who has worked with SZA, the Los Angeles Lakers, H&M, Neiman Marcus, Jack Harlow and more.If you weren’t there, we’re afraid that you kinda missed out on some big fun! But we’re definitely not here to rub it in at all, we’re here to share the jewels of the fully immersive, three-day pop-up experience. Here are the key moments from the first-ever GRAMMY House.Universe of Hip-HopA large “Universe of Hip-Hop” space created by Anthemic Agency and FLOOD Magazine featured a multigenerational photo exhibit and art installations, including a towering collage of turntables, speakers, samplers and other essential early tools that helped to create the beats and rhymes that captivate the world. The visual experience was curated by Cey Adams, the founding creative director of Def Jam and legendary imagemaker behind iconic logos for the label and Mary J. Blige. The designer of a new book from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Adams is currently touring a retrospective exhibition featuring 40 years of his work.Adams called on photographer friends Janette Beckman, Danny Clinch, Brian “B+” Cross, Greg Noire, Michael Lavine and Gunner Stahl to share standout shots from their acclaimed work, and the exhibit included some of the most recognizable images from the culture, from the 1970s to the present. In so doing, he highlighted the vital role of these photographers in the visual artist development of hip-hop.”That Danny Clinch image of Tupac was iconic,” Adams offers as an example. “That’s the image you see in your sleep when you think of Tupac! When you think of Salt-N-Pepa, you think of them in those 8-Ball jackets, and that’s one of Janette Beckman’s photos.”#GRAMMYsNextGen Power BrunchOn Wednesday, the GRAMMY House hosted the inaugural POWER BRUNCH for the new, astonishingly accomplished class of 35 official #GRAMMYsNextGen Ambassadors and Advisors. These executives, producers, songwriters and engineers work in diverse parts of the industry, and have mobilized to help the Recording Academy spark the brains and hearts of young artists and future music business boundary-breakers. At GRAMMY House, the group celebrated their new roles and learned more about Recording Academy membership from Kelley Purcell, Vice President of Membership & Industry Relations. Seize The Opportunity For anyone entering the industry, a chance to showcase your talent could be the bridge between you and a prosperous career. During the Celestial Sessions Emerging Artist Showcase, Guest host and social comedy star Desi Banks pulled three aspiring singers onto the stage to be a part of the GRAMMY Week magic. The inspiring performances embodied some of the most critical lessons in making it in this industry: Bring your passion everywhere you go, don’t be afraid to fail, stay open to opportunities, and take them. With just 10 seconds of pure courage, you could make a moment that changes your career path forever. — Rachael MacQuarrie, GRAMMY U RepresentativeThe Starmaker StudioThursday’s STARMAKER STUDIO brought leading platinum producers together to share stories and advice to the next generation. Moderated by Murda Beatz, panel members Jocelyn “Jozzy” Donald, London On Da Track, Jeff Gitty, Larrance “Rance1500” Dopson, ATL Jacob, Tommy Brown, and Ojivolta consistently dropped knowledge aimed at aspiring beatmakers and creators in hip-hop and beyond.”Culture beats strategy every time,” Jozzy, who has three GRAMMY-nominations this year for her work on albums by Mary J. Blige and Beyoncé, advised. While business acumen is vital, her advice puts natural talent at the forefront, right where it belongs.After a great Q&A session with the audience, Murda Beatz bid the crowd farewell, with a piece of advice to stay and mingle. “Your [future] Platinum collaborator may be in this room!”The Lit Closing PartyThe packed second annual #GRAMMYsNextGen Party and Red Carpet closed out the GRAMMY House week in style. Leading young artists, tastemakers and the next generation of music executives wearing their most fashionable fits, mingling and enjoying light bites and delicious themed cocktails: One Eye Open Like CBS, Thug Passion and Grammy Gold. Special invited guests included actors, artists and influencers such as Jaden Smith, DaniLeigh, Lil Mosey, Jaden “jxdn” Hossler, London on da Track, JELEEL!, Bktherula, Earthgang, Sebastian Bails, Asher Angel, Mod Sun, Zhavia, Yung Trench, Loren Gray, Surf Mesa, Em Beihold, Vedo, King Mala, Jogie, McKayla Chandler, Blu de Tiger, Max Drazen, Lilliana Ketchman, Aidan Bissett, Trevor Daniel, Cub Sport, Nija Charles, Sierra Capri, Ava Kolker, McKenzi Brooke, La’Ron Hines, and Diarra.The inaugural GRAMMY House set a high bar for networking, celebrating music and music culture — and just sheer fun. Up and coming artists, producers, creatives and executives have a new and exclusive place to aspire to gather. If those labels describe you, don’t worry about the FOMO that might be present right now, the event producers advise — please take this as motivation to participate in future GRAMMY House events!Head to live.GRAMMY.com all year long to watch all the GRAMMY performances, acceptance speeches, the GRAMMY Live From The Red Carpet livestream special, the full Premiere Ceremony livestream, and even more exclusive, never-before-seen content from the 2023 GRAMMYs.What Happened At Recording Academy’s 2023 Producers & Engineers Wing GRAMMY Week Event: Musical Titans, Transfixing Sound & Undeniable Atmosphere(From left) Victoria De Angelis, Damiano David, Frankie Valli, Clive Davis, Ethan Torchio and Thomas Raggi attend the Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry IconsPhoto: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyFacebookTwitterE-mailFacebookTwitterEmailReturning to the swank Beverly Hilton after a two year break, the invitation-only event featured an A-list roster of guests, performances from GRAMMY-nominated artists, and heartfelt tributes.Rob LeDonne|GRAMMYs/Feb 7, 2023 – 11:43 pmA cultural icon and a crown jewel of the music industry’s most important weekend, Clive Davis and the Recording Academy’s Pre-GRAMMY Gala is known for a guest list full of household names and stellar performances remembered. It’s also a night when the most successful people in the music industry come together not as competitors, but in celebration. Or as Davis put it, “We come here to break bread.”Returning to the swank Beverly Hilton after a two year break, the fête was sponsored by Hilton, IBM, JBL and Mastercard. An eclectic mix of personalities — a hallmark of the Gala — graced the red carpet as onlookers gathered outside the hotel, hoping for a glimpse of industry excellence.”It’s crazy,” Måneskin bassist Victoria De Angelis tells GRAMMY.com; the Italian rock band was nominated for Best New Artist. “It has just been super fun. We’re meeting so many artists we love,” De Angelis noted, pointing out fellow party guest, Metallica rocker Lars Ulrich. Meanwhile Frankie Valli, who was nominated for Best New Artist in 1962 as part of his legendary vocal group the Four Seasons, had a similar sentiment. “It’s a lot of fun getting to see Clive and all of the people I’ve known over the years,” Valli told GRAMMY.com, noting he’s known Davis for at least a half century. “It’s just a great evening out.” The performance portion of the night began with Maneksin taking the stage first, ripping out their singles “I Wanna Be Your Slave” and “Beggin’” — the latter the band’s star-making cover of the 1967 original by the Four Seasons.”We’re old school guys,” Alice Cooper tells GRAMMY.com. “We’re coming here to see what the new artists are doing.”Providing a link between the songs of yesteryear and today’s hottest talents, Davis then surprised the audience when Valli took the stage to perform his own, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.” It was a moment the audience relished, with the night’s guests, from Joni Mitchell to Janelle Monáe, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Sharon Stone and Machine Gun Kelly singing along to its earworm chorus of “I love you baby!”Offset, Cardi B, Judy GreenWald, LyorCohen and Janelle Monae | Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyAside from the industry veterans (including performer Elvis Costello), those from the new class making their grand debuts on stage at this year’s Pre-GRAMMY Gala include Myles Frost, the TONY-winning star of MJ The Musical, as well the hip-hop star Latto. Nominated for Best New Artist and one of 2022’s breakout stars, she had attendees on their feet with her rousing hits “Sunshine” and “Big Energy.” Lil Baby, meanwhile, participated in a salute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop curated by Swiss Beatz, performing his songs “Forever” and, appropriately, “California Breeze.”Lauren Daigle, who recently signed to Atlantic Records, also delivered a memorable first performance at the party of her own with a cover of Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man.”Craig Kallman, Clive Davis, Julie Greenwald, and CEO of The Recording Academy Harvey Mason jr. | Lester Cohen/Getty Images for the Recording AcademyCurrently celebrating its 75th anniversary, Daigle’s appearance and song choice was meant to bridge the gap between the Atlantic’s storied history with its newest artist, and coincides with this year’s Icon Award recipients: Atlantic Music Group Chairman and CEO Julie Greenwald and Atlantic Records Chairman and CEO Craig Kallman.”The people who inspired me every day are my artists,” said Greenwald during her acceptance speech. “I have loved every journey we have gone on together. Being able to play some small part in bringing your music, art and creative vision to the world has been the greatest gift and I’m so appreciative of every marketing plan I was allowed to dream up, every video treatment I pitched, photoshoot we collaborated on and all of the campaigns we launched.”It was a sentiment Atlantic star Cardi B reciprocated. “When I was in the middle of making my first album, I was very scared,” she recalled during a heartfelt speech. “I was pregnant and afraid to tell anyone, in case I had to decide between my family or my career because I knew that happens to other artists on other labels. But with Craig and Julie, the exact opposite happened. You told me I could do both, and I will never, ever forget that. For real. Deadass.”Lizzo | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for the Recording AcademyMeanwhile, Lizzo delivered her own tribute in song with a performance of her song “Break Up Twice” from her GRAMMY-nominated album Special. Another tribute came in the form of Sheryl Crow honoring the late Christine McVie with a heart-wrenching rendition of her signature “Songbird” as well as the Fleetwood Mac classic “Say You Love Me.”Paying homage to the late Whitney Houston also served as a theme for the night, where her family and collaborators remembered the star’s legacy. In tribute, Jennifer Hudson offered an anthemic rendition of the icon’s “The Greatest Love of All,” armed with her powerhouse vocals and a passion for the artist herself.”Honoring Whitney tonight makes me feel very, very blessed,” Houston’s close collaborator, friend and songwriter Narada Micheal Walden tells GRAMMY.com. “God is in charge and her spirit is still with us, especially being in this very hotel she passed away years ago.”For Narada, the emotion is still fresh. “She gave so much, Not just as a great singer, her heartpower and love was so pure. The energy we wanted to put in the music, we really wanted it to live forever. We thought about it and prayed about it, and here we are still living it.”Jennifer Hudson | Lester Cohen/Getty Images for the Recording AcademyHouston’s legacy was also the theme of Kevin Costner’s opening speech; the two co-starring in The Bodyguard. “Maybe this isn’t the room for it but I don’t want to miss the moment and this is from the heart,” Costner said as a hush fell over the room. “Neither one of us, in the end, could protect your beloved Whitney. But your fingerprints on her life are clean, my friend,” he said, referring to Davis. “You were a miracle in her life.”It was not only Davis’ impact on Houston’s life, but the industry itself that was a topic of conversation all night. Getting ready to celebrate his 91st birthday, the legend was still a master of ceremonies with the night’s starry guestlist and performers showing their respect.Lil Wayne | Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for the Recording Academy”I’d like to thank Mr. Davis for having me,” Lil Wayne humbly said as he delivered some of his biggest hits, from “A Milli” to “Lollipop.””Clive Davis’s parties are just always off the chain,” the artist Damon Elliott tells GRAMMY.com “He’s like a dad to me.”Paul Schaffer recalled his own memories with Clive to GRAMMY.com. “My very first time meeting him was in the ’70s,” he says. “I used to play on the Barry Manilow records and Barry was signed to Arista [Records]. I’ll never forget when Ron Dante, his producer, brought me in to play Clive a song.” Now, Schaffer adds that he’s been attending the Pre-GRAMMY Gala for 11 years with his daughter, Victoria. “It’s very significant to be here. It’s the hottest party.”Head to live.GRAMMY.com all year long to watch all the GRAMMY performances, acceptance speeches, the GRAMMY Live From The Red Carpet livestream special, the full Premiere Ceremony livestream, and even more exclusive, never-before-seen content from the 2023 GRAMMYs.2023 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Complete Winners & Nominees List(L-R): Nirvana’s Pat Smear, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl accept the Recording Academy’s 2023 Special Merit Awards Ceremony.Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty ImagesFacebookTwitterE-mailFacebookTwitterEmailIn addition to seven music legends receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, the GRAMMY Week event honored recipients of the Music Educator Award, Trustees Awards and Technical GRAMMY Awards.Ernesto Lechner|GRAMMYs/Feb 7, 2023 – 10:14 pmAmid the madness of GRAMMY Week, there was an air of tranquility surrounding the Wilshire Ebell Theatre on the afternoon of Feb. 4. The sunlit streets were nearly empty, the red carpet was discreetly hidden from public view. Inside the theater, music royalty, entertainment journalists and GRAMMY nominees congregated for one of the week’s most emotionally charged events: the Special Merit Awards Ceremony.Music teacher Pamela Dawson beamed as Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. handed her the 2023 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Mama Dawson, as she is known among her students at DeSoto High School in Texas, is loved by all for her relentless positivity and encouragement. “I thank you God for giving me the gift of music,” she said. “My mother believed in me even when I didn’t. My heritage is a big loving heart that I can give to others.”In the Technical GRAMMY Award department, the Academy recognized the efforts of the Audio Engineering Society and Dr. Andy Hildebrand — inventor of the Auto-Tune software program. The Trustees Awards honorees were Henry Diltz, who photographed iconic album covers of the ’60s and ’70s; the late Ellis Marsalis, jazz pianist and educator; and the late Jim Stewart, founder of the mythical Stax Records.”Dad had an open-door policy that helped create a utopian reality,” said Stewart’s daughter Lori, addressing the label’s unusual-for-the-time policy of working with talented artists regardless of their racial or ethnic background. “More than a business, Stax was a family.”Then, it was time to salute the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the gallery of selected artists painted a wondrous picture of popular music — from classic rock and grunge to soul, hip-hop, funk, jazz, and blues.In his typical unconventional fashion, 10-time GRAMMY winner Bobby McFerrin accepted his award doing what he does best: singing. “I want to have some fun today,” began the “Don’t Worry Be Happy” hitmaker in his inimitable falsetto. Backed briefly on vocals by his three adult children, McFerrin smiled and improvised, surprised and delighted, crediting his late father — the first Black singer to be offered a contract at the Metropolitan Opera — as a major inspiration. “Have fun,” he concluded. “Play. Don’t think. Be good to yourself.’Equally moving — but in a more grungy, Seattle kind of way — was seeing the surviving members of ’90s pioneers Nirvana. “Kurt Cobain is never far away,” said the band’s bassist and founding member Krist Novoselic. “Just turn on the radio.” He also thanked young people from all over the world for the many fan letters he continues to receive, as drummer Dave Grohl and guitarist Pat Smear stood by his side, nodding approvingly.Legendary blues singer Ma Rainey (1886-1939) received a long-overdue induction to the Lifetime Achievement gallery. On hand to collect the award were her great nephew, Frank Nix, and great great niece Cassandra Behler. “Ma was an amazing performer and businesswoman,” said Behler. “I can’t imagine the sacrifices she made for her career and lifestyle.”Prolific beyond any reasonable expectation, guitarist and producer Nile Rodgers was visibly moved — almost lost for words. “I’m sorry to be so emotional,” he told the crowd, which responded with an even bigger round of applause. “This journey was a series of steps.” The founder of disco-funk collective CHIC, Rodgers is known for his unmistakable guitar sound — adding waves of funk to every single genre it touches — and sensitive production work. When he thanked the musicians that he worked with, the list was regal, including David Bowie, Diana Ross, Bryan Ferry, and Beyoncé — the latter of whom he would go on to win Best R&B Song with at the 2023 GRAMMYs (and accept on her behalf!).”Do you like my coat?,” asked English-American rapper and producer Slick Rick “The Ruler,” showing off an elegant, light purple coat over his suit and matching tie. “Macy’s women’s section.” Slick’s speech was as witty as his rapping. He mentioned listening to Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By” as a kid, then outlined his love for the music of the Beatles, the Supremes, Jamaican dancehall and hip-hop — and his fateful move to the U.S. in 1976.Fittingly, the Supremes were also honorees this year. During their induction, Florence Ballard’s daughter Lisa Chapman explained that she couldn’t share any personal anecdotes because her mother died when she was only 3 years old. “I thank [the late] Mary Wilson, because she never left my Mom’s side,” she said. “They’re probably sipping on the finest champagne right now,” added Wilson’s daughter Turkessa Babich. “They are always with us.”The last artists to be honored were two immensely talented sisters, Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart. The sibling duo changed the nature of the game for women in hard rock, and guitarist Nancy Wilson spoke of her beginnings in music. “I left college in 1974 to join the band,” she recalled. “Our dream was to be the Beatles. Not to be their girlfriends, or marry one of them, but to be them — and we did it.” Wilson was effusive in praising her sister, powerhouse singer Ann. “We survived the sheer insanity of a rock ‘n’ roll circus. We were two military brats, two badasses, and we stood up. We rocked our butts off, and we did all of it together.”Wilson’s last words — bringing the event to its conclusion — were dedicated to the fans: “You were always the reason for us to catch dreams in our butterfly nets.”Lizzo, Beyoncé, Bad Bunny and More Celebrate 2023 GRAMMYs Wins on Social MediaRead List
