The Grammy Awards were on last night, and I know it’s not fashionable in some circles to watch the now 55 year old celebration of several genres of music, but as a long time lover of all music, I can never resist. The show runs tape delayed in Seattle, even though it’s filmed on this coast. It's already happened by the time we see it. So most of the country will see it and talk about it on social media. And CNN and AP sent out breaking news alerts to my phone when Mumford and Sons picked up the album of the year, so helpful.
So in a little protest I actually DVR’d the whole spectacle and watched this morning while doing my Monday morning chores. This way I could fast forward through the acts I did not care to see and the endless commercials.
Took me about 90 minutes to watch the 3 hour and 30 minute show.
Why do I watch? It used to be to keep up with who are some of the hottest performers in genres I might not necessarily listen too. Yes, the Grammys are notoriously behind the times. But they do honor the elder statesmen as well. And the tribute collaborations are becoming stuff of legend. Sting, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, and Ziggy Marley came together at the 2013 Grammy Awards for their Bob Marley Tribute.
The other great tribute was Levon Helms, the drummer for The Band who passes away last year. It was nice to see Sir Elton John with the kids like Mumford & Sons and Mavis Staples belted her heart out.
Te best Grammy tribute in my book, is a tribute performance by Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, Steve Van Zandt and Elvis Costello performing "London Calling" to honor Joe Strummer of the Clash right after he died. That 2003 Grammy gem brings me to tears every time.
