February 11, 2008

Music's Big Night!

Grammy's 50th Anniversary Celebration brings together the old and the new

By Claudia Atticot

Music's biggest stars turned out for the 50th anniversary of the Grammy Awards, on February 10. R&B singer Alicia Keys got the party started singing, "Learnin' the Blues" with late great Frank Sinatra, who appeared in black-and-white archive footage. The performance set the stage for a retro-styled show filled with a lively mix of legends and newcomers.

ROBYN BECK—AFP/GETTY IMAGES Former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood accepts the Best Female Country Vocal Solo Grammy.

Past and Present

The Golden Celebration featured dancing diva Beyonce Knowles joined by legendary artist Tina Turner, for a sparkling performance of Turner's mega hit "Proud Mary." Other duos included Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli, jazz singer Keely Smith and Kid Rock. Rousing trio John Fogerty, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard rocked the crowd with some upbeat classics.

The Big Winners

British singer Amy Winehouse, with her trademark towering beehive, led the pack winning five awards. Winehouse accepted her awards live via satellite from London, where she also performed for the Grammy audience.

Rapper Kanye West took home four rap awards including Rap Album, Rap Solo Performance and best rap album of the year. He was up for eight awards.

PETER MACDIARMID—GETTY IMAGES FOR NARAS British singer Amy Winehouse joins the Grammy celebration via satellite from London. Winehouse won five out of her six nominations.

After performing his lively hit song "Stronger," West toned it down with "Hey Mama," a tribute to his mother, Donda West, who died in November. The song appeared on his 2005 album Late Registration. Following his best rap album win, West continued his tribute by saying, "I know you're really proud of me right now and I know you want me to be the No. 1 artist in the world and Mama all I'm going to do is keep making you proud."

Surprise, Surprise!

The biggest surprise was for the final prize of the night, the coveted Album of the Year. Jazz great Herbie Hancock snagged the award for his album, "River: The Joni Letters." This is the first time in 43 years that a jazz album has won album of the year. "River" is only the second album in Grammy history to achieve this honor. "I'd like to thank the Academy for courageously breaking the most this time," said Hancock. "This is a new day, that proves that the impossible can be made possible."

Other awards went to the Foo Fighters for best rock album for "Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace." Veteran rocker Bruce Springsteen won three awards, including one for best rock song. Vince Gill won best country album, for "These Days" and Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake and Mary J. Blige each took home awards.

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