I’m just suddenly realizing the Grammy organization is a lot more than just The Grammy Awards. Who knew?!?

For example, there’s a Grammy Museum in Los Angeles that houses very cool music memorabilia, and the museum holds special events and exhibits all the time. There’s also a Grammy store, both at the museum and online. Take a look at this tour:

In addition to the annual awards, the organization also gives out lifetime achievement accolades in a separate ceremony and I also just learned this weekend that there is a Grammy Hall of Fame! The Hall of Fame was started in 1973 as a way to recognize recordings of a historical significance. Inductees can be albums or singles, and they have to have been released 25 years ago to qualify, so no “new” music. The Grammy organization just announced a few additions this year, including (from the Grammy site):

3 FEET HIGH AND RISING by De La Soul (album)
APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION by Guns N' Roses (album)
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB by Buena Vista Social Club (album)
“I FEEL LOVE” by Donna Summer (song)
“KISS AN ANGEL GOOD MORNIN'“ by Charley Pride (song)
“LET'S HAVE A PARTY” by Wanda Jackson (song)
THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL by Lauryn Hill (song)
“ORY'S CREOLE TROMBONE” by Kid Ory's Creole Orchestra (As Spike's Seven Pods of Pepper)(song)
“WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES” by The Doobie Brothers (song)
“YOU DON'T MISS YOUR WATER” by William Bell (song)

It doesn’t look like there are annual additions, since the last batch prior to this year was in 2021 but perhaps that’s a pandemic delay. There will be a gala induction ceremony for these distinguished artists in May 2024, so we can all be on the lookout for that.

As for the songs themselves, I’ve always loved “What A Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers, it was on repeat back in the day.

And I’ve always ADORED the cover of “What A Fool Believes” from M People.

And of course, if you know me then you know my favorite from the list is “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer. A song credited with changing the face of dance music for years and years to come. Here it is with a new fancy music video that brings it to life:

And while we are looking at covers, here’s Sam Smith’s version of “I Feel Love” from a few years ago:

So much fun! And the impact of these works on future songwriters, singers, and producers is certainly legendary. I stand with the Grammy organization in proudly thanking them all.

What’s your experience? JIM

Grammy Hall of Fame #MusicMonday