GRAMMY WTF?  1963 Best New Talent. More: tomorrow.

The Grammy Awards are one of music’s most prestigious trophies. Since the inaugural ceremony in 1959, winners have spanned a vast array of musical styles and winners as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Eminem and Lizzo. There have, however, been some instances where one can’t comprehend the outcomes and omissions. Caffè Lattè looks back on some of the most baffling moments and unsuccessful -yet influential- acts…

GRAMMY WTF?

BEST NEW TALENT 1963

WINNER:

NOMINATED BETTER CHOICE:

The advent of rock ‘n’ roll seemed to have been missed completely by the Academy when considering which acts to nominate for Best New Talent. When the first Grammy was awarded in the category in 1960, the voters picked well. Winner Bobby Darin enjoyed a string of hits that spanned several genres.

Successful Top 40 acts seemed to be absent in the years that followed. Comedian Bob Newhart won in 1961. Next was musician Peter Nero in 1962. The academy would not reflect public taste until 1965 when this category’s Grammy went to The Beatles.

In 1963, Robert Goulet won the Best New Talent Award. The American/ Canadian performer found fame via the musical “Camelot”. Nominated against him was a curious assortment of others: comedians Vaughn Meader and Allan Sherman; The New Christy Minstrels; and 2 much more deserving options: Peter, Paul & Mary and The Four Seasons.

Of all six contenders, surely Frankie Valli’s group should have been the obvious choice. The Four Seasons achieved two US #1 singles in 1962 (“Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry”) and a third (“Walk Like A Man”) in the following January. Dozens of other chart hits followed. Here was a chance to not only recognize a group’s popularity and success, but an opportunity to give The 4 Seasons its first Grammy. Sadly, the group never received an award from the Academy.

NEVER WON A GRAMMY AWARD*:

*(excludes life achievement categories)

 

THE JACKSON 5

As discussed in previous posts, Motown played an integral role in the development of soul and pop music. Its enviable roster of acts was responsible for a consistent quality and success rate on the charts. Curiously, the label received little love from the Academy when it came to the Grammy Awards. The Supremes, its most successful act and a pioneering girl group, failed to collect a trophy. Other overlooked Sixties acts on the famous label include: The Marvelettes, Martha & The Vandellas, The Miracles, The Four Tops, Mary Wells, Tammi Terrell and Junior Walker & The All Stars. 

Additionally, the Academy failed to recognize some Motown classics that are among the finest pop/ soul recordings. These include "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", :Reach Out, I'll Be There", "Dancing In The Street", "Love Child", "Heat Wave", "You're All I Need To Get By" and "Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)".

After its significant impact in the 1960s, Motown entered the Seventies by launching The Jackson 5. The siblings delivered a string of US #1 hits: “I Want You Back”, “A.B.C.”, “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There” in 1969-70. Not even the impressive young Michael Jackson’s obvious talent drew a response from Grammy voters.

The Jackson 5 received only 2 nominations: for “A.B.C.” and “Dancing Machine”. In both cases, the boys were unsuccessful. After leaving Motown, the brothers continued under the name The Jacksons. A Grammy Award continued to elude them.

Despite the immense ability displayed by the teenage Michael, he missed out on a win for his early solo releases, including “Rockin’ Robin” and the US #1 “Ben”. He would have to wait until 1979 for the first of his career Grammy Awards. Michael then made up for lost time, scooping up a total of 13 trophies. On the other hand, his sister Janet has collected 5 awards in her own right.