35 Times the Grammys Got It Right

It’s very easy to make fun of the Grammy Awards. In fact, it’s downright fun.

After all, there are only a couple of hundred films released every year, but there are literally thousands of albums that drop every month. This means that narrowing down just a single winner for Album of the Year is a process that is inherently political and subject to insider whims and active campaigning.

Yet every once in a while, the stars align, and the Grammys actually nail it right on the nose. Sometimes, this happens with big-name categories like Album of the Year, and sometimes with smaller non-broadcast-worthy fare like Best Music Video. They often find the most success with Best New Artist, showing a good sense of who’s going to become a major player in the years to follow. So let’s admit the numerous times when the Grammy Awards actually got it right.

An early example of the Grammys getting it right was in 1962 when Ray Charles won Best R&B Performance for his classic hit “Hit the Road Jack.” The R&B category had some odd competition that year, but Charles undeniably deserved the win. This category continued until the late ’60s but was later revived in 2012.

In 1965, Stan Getz and João Gilberto’s bossa-nova-filled “Getz/Gilberto” won Album of the Year. The Recording Academy was known for its conservative choices, often preferring live albums and comedy records. But awarding “Getz/Gilberto” showed the Academy acknowledging and embracing new musical directions.

The Beatles won Best New Artist in 1965, besting the likes of Petula Clark and Antonio Carlos Jobim. This was a no-brainer considering the massive impact the Beatles were already making on pop music. The following years saw the Grammy Awards fully embracing rock, with nominees like The Byrds and The Rolling Stones starting to get nods.

Another significant moment was in 1968 when The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” won Album of the Year. This was a sea change from previous years dominated by Frank Sinatra. The album’s win signified the Academy’s recognition of rock’s growing influence.

In 1969, José Feliciano nabbed the Best New Artist award, solidifying his impact with hits like his rendition of “Light My Fire.” This year’s competition was tough, but Feliciano’s innovative blend of genres shined through. His influence would only grow with hits like “Feliz Navidad.”

The 1974 Grammy Awards saw Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” performed by Roberta Flack, win Song of the Year. The track also claimed Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, showing the song’s wide-reaching impact despite other strong contenders.

The 1978 Album of the Year category was perhaps one of the most competitive ever, featuring Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumors.” This turbulent, yet brilliant album won against heavyweight entries from Steely Dan and the Eagles. The intricate personal dynamics within Fleetwood Mac paid off artistically and commercially, making their victory well deserved.

The same year, the Record of the Year award went to the Eagles’ “Hotel California,” a song that became a cultural staple. Though it faced tough competition, its enduring popularity made it the right choice.

In 1980, Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” claimed the Best Disco Recording in a year when disco was fading. This was the only year the category existed, but it recognized one of disco’s most emblematic songs. The tough competition included names like Donna Summer and Michael Jackson, but Gaynor’s anthem was a genre-defining track.

Quincy Jones won the 1982 Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) award for his prolific work, including his production for Michael Jackson. His victory placed him among the top names in the industry, and his influence continued to grow.

Cyndi Lauper’s win for Best New Artist in 1985 was spot on. Her debut album was a smash hit, and her colorful persona made her a standout. The category that year was also strong, featuring artists like Sheila E. and The Judds, but Lauper’s enormous impact was undeniable.

Mariah Carey’s Best New Artist win in 1991 came on the heels of the Grammy’s Milli Vanilli controversy. Carey’s remarkable vocal range and songwriting prowess couldn’t be overlooked, especially in a tough year that included acts like The Black Crowes and Wilson Phillips.

The Best Metal Performance category, created in 1990, saw Metallica’s “Black Album” win in 1992. This win, over competitors like Motörhead and Soundgarden, cemented Metallica’s pivotal role in metal music’s history.

Whitney Houston’s version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” won Record of the Year in 1994, proving that the timeless appeal of her vocal performance could not be denied. Despite tough competition, this win was a standout in Grammy history.

Radiohead’s “OK Computer” won Best Alternative Album in 1998, signifying a major milestone in the recognition of experimental rock. Up against formidable competition like The Chemical Brothers and Björk, Radiohead’s atmospheric and innovative sound stood its ground.

Fiona Apple’s “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” won Best Alternative Album in 2021, during a time when the global pandemic made its jagged, raw emotionality resonate deeply. The album tackled heavy themes with innovative soundscapes, making it a standout choice.

Finally, Olivia Rodrigo’s Best New Artist win in 2022 felt like a culmination of an organic rise to pop stardom. Using alt-rock influences rather than traditional dance-pop, her success has already made a significant impact, positioning her for a long career ahead.

These examples show that while the Grammys are often criticized, there are moments where they have accurately reflected the musical accomplishments and trends of their time.

Source: USA TODAY NETWORK, Getty Images, AFP via Getty Images