GRAMMY WTF?  1983 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 1983

WINNER:

NOMINATED BETTER CHOICE:

 

George Benson had already experienced Grammy success with his first win in 1976 in the Record Of The Year category back in 1976 for his interpretation of Leon Russell’s composition “This Masquerade”. He has since scooped up 10 trophies from 25 nominations. One of those 10 award wins was in 1983.

“Turn Your Love Around” was nominated for Best R&B Song against 2 legends of soul: Stevie Wonder (for both “That Girl” and “Do I Do”) and the classic “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye. Deniece Williams’ “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle” and Dazz Band’s “Let It Whip” were also nominated for the same trophy.

Considering the former two males had already been highlighted by Grammy voters, the fact that Gaye lost in that category is astounding. Of all 5 nominated recordings. “Sexual Healing” remains the best remembered. Benson’s single peaked at #5 in America. Gaye’s track rose to #3 in the U.S.A. and made the Top 10 in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Both singles topped Billboard’s Soul Chart; Benson for 1 week while Gaye reigned for 9 weeks. Of the 5 competing in the category, only “Do I Do” failed to reach #1 on that chart. Like “Sexual Healing” would later in that year, “That Girl” remained in the top position for 9 weeks. Based on Pop or R&B Chart success, Gaye or Wonder had a stronger case. As for Gaye, once again he failed to win his elusive first Grammy Award.

NEVER WON A GRAMMY AWARD*:

*(excludes life achievement categories)

 

BUDDY HOLLY

His career was tragically cut short, but Buddy Holly (and his band The Crickets) left an indelible impact on the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll. The young American recorded a solid catalogue that has been mined by countless others, ranging from Santana and The Rolling Stones to The Knack and Linda Ronstadt. Holly influenced The Beatles, The Byrds, Ramones, The Hollies, The Kinks, Don McLean and a myriad of similar significant acts.

His look, songcraft and presentation had a profound effect on the aspiring rockers that followed in Holly’s wake. Among his best remembered singles are rock staples such as: “That’ll Be The Day”, “Peggy Sue”, “Every Day”, “Rave On”, “Not Fade Away”, “True Love Ways” and “Oh Boy!”.

No doubt, Holly was destined to see his role in shaping rock music expand. Sadly, this was not destined to be. Holly was a casualty in the plane crash that also claimed the lives of Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper in February 1959. His death was memorialized in Don McLean’s 1971 global hit record “American Pie”. 

Grammy voters seemed oblivious to this artist’s importance. He not only never won an award, but received no nominations. It is ironic that many of the acts that drew inspiration from Holly have, on the other hand, been rewarded.