Friday, May 16 marked the GRAMMY Museum’s Annual Hall of Fame Gala at the Beverly Hilton. The GRAMMY Hall of Fame’s purpose since 1973 has been to “honor recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance,” specifically those that are “at least 25 years old.”
The 51st of its kind, this year’s class of inductees included the likes of Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, Luther Vandross, JAY-Z, Cat Stevens, and Emmylou Harris. The evening’s gala also included two honorees: Republic Records was this year’s Label Honoree while GRAMMY Award-winning artist Jon Batiste received the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award.
A group of impressive performers celebrated the star-studded guests of honor, with artists including Conan Gray, John Mellencamp, and Leslie Odom Jr. taking the stage to perform tributes to the Hall of Fame’s fresh members and honorees. According to a statement from the GRAMMY Museum, performances included:
- Longtime Santana band member Andy Vargas, alongside Carlos Santana’s wife and percussionist Cindy Blackman Santana and guitar virtuoso Orianthi, performed Santana’s “Smooth.”
- Soul legend Eddie Floyd and Big Star drummer Jody Stephens performed Floyd’s “Knock On Wood.”
- 13-time GRAMMY winner Emmylou Harris, with producer Daniel Lanois and acclaimed GRAMMY Award-winning jazz drummer Brian Blade, presented selections from Harris’ Wrecking Ball.
- GRAMMY Award winner and powerhouse vocalist Ledisi performed Clara Ward’s “How I Got Over.”
- Singer-songwriter, actor and Latin GRAMMY® nominee Leslie Grace performed Gloria Estefan’s “Conga.”
- GRAMMY-winning actor and singer Leslie Odom Jr. interpreted Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much.”
- Musician and author Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles took on Cat Stevens’ “Wild World.”
- Conan Gray and John Mellencamp performed a tribute to this year’s label honoree, Republic Records.
- GRAMMY Award-winning bandleader and composer Jon Batiste performed and received the inaugural Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award.
More information about the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame can be found here.
Photo Credit: Timothy Norris/Getty Images
