Tonight the world will tune into the 58th Grammy Awards, possibly one of the most televised music events…ever? Although we’re reluctant to predict who will win or what performances (and fashion choices) will even steal the show, the least we can do is come up with ten of our favorite moments that truly stood out during the many decades of its existence.
1. Gorillaz + Madonna = Holograms on stage
Joined onstage by De La Soul, Gorillaz – a collaboration between Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett – stole the 2006 Awards show along with a game Madonna.
2. Prince and Beyoncé open the 2004 Grammys
A stunning collaboration between two generations of soul performers, Beyoncé and Prince performed a medley of his some of his greatest hits.
3. Joe Strummer Tribute performed by Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl and “Little Steven” Van Zandt.
Photo credit: John Coffey
In 2003, shortly after the untimely death of Clash frontman Joe Strummer, Springsteen, Grohl, Costello and Van Zandt performed an awesome cover of “London Calling.”
4. Soy Bomb
Photo credit: Jean Luc Orlin
In 1998 while Bob Dylan was performing a live version of “Love Sick,” performance artist Michael Portnoy appears onstage shirtless with the words “Soy Bomb” written across his torso.
5. Bono swears on camera while “Zooropa” wins Best Alternative Music Album
Photo credit: SteBo
Ah, to think at one time U2 was considered “alternative music.” Having won that category award in 1994, Bono delivered an acceptance speech that included a the f—word. Or to be more exact he said, “I think I’d like to give a message to the young people of America – and that is we shall continue to abuse our position and f—up the mainstream.”
6. Eric Clapton wins six Grammys and delivers a touching speech about his son
Photo credit: Majvdl
1992 was a very tragic year for recording artist Eric Clapton. While most of the year was spent mourning the death of his four-year-old son, he rebounded only to win six Grammys and, as a result, delivered one of the most touching speeches in the history of the Awards show.
7. 1983: “Don’t sing rock n’ roll no more. Find Jesus like I did”
The above quote is attributed to Little Richard who joined Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Count Basie along with four grand pianos to deliver a rousing edition of “What I’d Say.” However, in response to Little Richard’s Jesus comment, Jerry Lee Lewis immediately launched into “Whole Lotta’ Shakin’.”
8. The first woman to win Song of the Year
That above honor went to Carole King who won for “You’ve Got a Friend” in 1972.
9. Standing ovation for John Lennon’s family
Photo Credit: Nationaal Archief
In 1982, the year after the murder of John Lennon, Yoko Ono and their 6-year-old son Sean are greeted with sustained applause as they accept the Best Album award for the John and Yoko collaboration “Double Fantasy.”
10. Marvin Gaye finally wins not one but two Grammys in 1983
Although he had been nominated several times, Gaye finally got the attention he deserved thanks to his best-selling album “Sexual Healing.”
