Legendary Black Musicians That Never Won A Grammy
The 2013 Grammy winners has been nominated and awarded. I am more interested in the Grammy’s winners of the past so that we can cover a bit of music history – Black History. What does Chuck Berry, Diana Ross, Bob Marley, Jimmy Hendricks and Tupac Shakur all have in common? All four are black music musicians in the Hall of Fame and countless American Music Awards but No Grammy. Dianna Ross had 12 nominations but never won the big “G” with and without the Supremes. Tupac had seven nominations. Chuck Berry was in the prime of his career when the Grammy’s started in 1959; several major hits under his belt, which includes “Johnny Be Good,” but no “G” either.
Political Rappers Don’t Win The Grammy’s Even If Your Tupac
One would be lead to ask, what were these judging thinking or were they judging the controversy behind some of these artists? When some friends were kicking it in my office, the night of my 33rd (even though I celebrate the whole month), birthday talking about Grammy winners Tupac’s “Dear Mama” came on; we were shocked to find out that Tupac never won a Grammy. In 1996 he was nominated for “Dear Mama.” Everyone who was listening to rap music in the 1990’s had to respect his musical talents, whether, or not you were a fan. If characters in the rap genre such as Kanye West, Eminem, and Ludacris (None of which I am a fan of; I love my music just like I love my books – nonfiction.) could win the big “G” then why wouldn’t, arguably, the best rapper win at least one?
When I think about the late great Bob Marley and all that he contributed to the music industry, I find it very hard to believe that he didn’t win a Grammy, either. “No Woman No Cry or One Love” should have sealed the deal for the big “G.” Perhaps, like Tupac, his songs had too much truth and not enough commercial appeal. I feel as if it is my duty to say, “Thank You” to Mr. Marley and Tupac for making me aware of the bigger picture behind the black struggle and has drastically affected our communities. The socioeconomic disparities are still apparent today that was around in the 1960’s when Bob Marley was with The Wailers.
The sun is shinning brighter then it ever has for Black History Month. These legends have all gone to live with the Lord except for Ms. Ross. Go ahead and research the information yourself. Love to hear what your thoughts on the matter . . . go ahead a leave a comment.