GRAMMY WTF?  1979 - 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 1979

WINNER:

NOMINATED BETTER CHOICE:

Of all the nominated acts in the Best New Talent category, A Taste Of Honey was the only one to reach the top. “Boogie Oogie Oogie” made #1 on Billboard’s Pop, Soul and Disco charts. In terms of longevity, there were better options.

A Taste Of Honey’s debut album showed minimal chances of continued success. In fact, the act would only have one more Top 40 hit: an English remake of “Sukiyaki” in 1981. Also nominated that year were four acts that have enjoyed commercial and/ or critical success beyond 1978: The Cars, Toto, Chris Rea and Elvis Costello.

In 1978, The Cars charted with “Just What I Needed”, “My Best Friend’s Girl” and the super-catchy “Let’s Go”. In the 1980s, the band scored big with singles such as “Drive”, “Shake It Up”, “You Might Think” and “Tonight She Comes”. Again, the Academy failed in foreseeing the success The Cars would achieve. The Cars never received a Grammy. 

Chris Rea’s catalogue may not contain many commercial hits, but this artist has demonstrated talent and ability that has stood the test of time. Among its highlights are the tracks “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)”, “Diamonds”, “Let’s Dance”, “On The Beach” and “La Passione”. Rea never received a Grammy. 

Elvis Costello emerged as a new wave artist, but soon proved himself to be a versatile master of many genres. He has constantly re-invented his sound. Thankfully, Costello did finally receive his (only) Grammy in 1998 for his album with Burt Bacharach. 

 

Considering the group’s sweep in 1982, Toto would have been the safest bet. The group members had already proven themselves as session musicians, playing on albums by Steely Dan, Cher and Boz Scaggs. Debut album ‘Toto’ made the Top 10 in America, Australia and some European countries. The band would reap the rewards in 1982, scooping up Grammy Awards for Record (“Rosanna”), Producer and Album (‘IV’) Of The Year. Around the same time, the group reached #1 in America with the career-defining “Africa”.

Granted, Rea and Costello’s potential may not have been that obvious in 1979. On the other hand, The Cars had proved that its first hit was no fluke. None of the other nominees came with the pedigree of Toto. Here was a credible unit of experienced musicians that had come together to form a new group.

NEVER WON A GRAMMY AWARD*:

*(excludes life achievement categories)

 

DIANA ROSS

As if ignoring the consistent success of The Supremes was not unforgiveable enough, the Academy has continued its misjudgement throughout the solo career of the girl group’s former lead singer Diana Ross.

The case for The Supremes has been discussed in a previous post. After singing lead on a dozen US #1 singles for the girl group (only The Beatles accrued more in the same decade), Diana Ross quit. She launched a solo career in 1970.

In her own right, Ross has added to her tally of US chart-topping singles with: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “Touch Me In The Morning”, “Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)”, “Love Hangover”, “Upside Down” and “Endless Love” (the latter a duet with Lionel Richie). That’s a total of 18 US number one songs. In Britain, she reached the top with “I’m Still Waiting” and “Chain Reaction”.

After 13 nominations, Ross still has never brought home a Grammy Award. She was most recently nominated in 2013 for her album ‘Thank You’ in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category. losing to Michael Bublé’s ‘Higher’.

Ross is not only one of the most successful female recording artists, but has played a highly influential role in music history over several decades. She led the most successful act on the Motown label’s roster during the 1960s. As a Supreme and a soloist, Ross has influenced followers such as Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and TLC. The Academy has been remiss to not have recognized her historical significance. In 2012, she did receive a Lifetime Achievement Grammy.