GRAMMY WTF?  1978 Best R&B Song 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 R&B SONG 1978

WINNER:

NOMINATED BETTER CHOICE:

Grammy voters had a feast of worthy recipients in this category in 1977. Of the nominated acts, only one was white: Leo Sayer. He delivered a soulful vocal on his smash single “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”; an enduring floorfiller from a very capable entertainer dabbling in disco. This was his only Grammy win. That year he received his only other nomination; for the ballad “When I Need You”. Both singles topped the US Hot 100.

“You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” is a fun song that has lost none of its appeal. I’m not arguing that white performers should not win in R&B related categories. There were, however, more deserving songs vying in the same category in this instance that are better examples of rhythm and blues. 

Firstly, there were two Commodores hits competing for the same award. One of that year’s most enduring soul staples was the band’s ballad “Easy”, possibly the better choice of all that year. The Motown group’s other nomination was for its follow-up single, the funky “Brick House”. Both are great R&B gems.

Next, was another Motown classic: Thelma Houston’s remake of the Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes’ “Don’t Leave Me This Way”. Without losing any of its soulful origins, she delivered a disco makeover that reached #1 in the U.S.A.

Finally, there was the equally thrilling “Best Of My Love” by The Emotions, another US #1 single. This disco/ funk / pop track was injected with an infectious groove by members of Earth, Wind & Fire.

Sayer showed he could convincingly serve disco songs with “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” and parent album ‘Endless Flight’. Thelma Houston, The Emotions and especially Commodores (and later Lionel Richie from the group) were bona fide purveyors of R&B/ soul music for much longer.  

NEVER WON A GRAMMY AWARD*:

*(excludes life achievement categories)

 

PATSY CLINE

Like Brenda Lee, the fact that Patsy Cline not only never received a Grammy Award and was not even nominated defies logic. Cited as a fundamental figure in country music, the singer is often referred to as one of the genre’s most influential female singers.

She recorded some of the earliest country / pop crossover standards, including “Crazy”, “I Fall To Pieces”, “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “Sweet Dreams (Of You)”. Cline stands out as a woman who had to wrestle to select her material. With producer Owen Bradley, her vocal prowess was allowed to shine amidst orchestral arrangements and backup vocals from The Jordanaires.

Not even her tragic death in a plane crash in March 1963 sparked a revelation among Grammy voters of Cline’s immense influence and talent, cut off at her prime.