GRAMMY WTF?  1989 Song Of the Year. 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?

SONG OF THE YEAR 1989

WINNER:

NOMINATED BETTER CHOICE:

As fun as “Don’t Worry Be Happy” is, there was a more worthy song that should have been selected by the Grammy voters. Bobby McFerrin’s vocal talent produced a #1 hit in America, Canada and Australia. The disc also peaked at #2 on the UK chart. The use of a cappella improvisation made the song distinctive and one can see why it appealed to the voters.

By selecting McFerrin’s song, Grammy was unjust to Tracy Chapman. She was successful that year in 3 other categories, including Best New Talent. Compared to “Don’t Worry Be Happy”, “Fast Car” is so much more deserving. The former could be dismissed as frivolous fun, while Chapman’s lyrics have lost none of their potency over the years. Only a stone cold heart remains unmoved by its theme and the pain in her vocal delivery.  

NEVER WON A GRAMMY AWARD*:

*(excludes life achievement categories)

 

THE BEACH BOYS

One of the most insane omissions by Grammy voters is the fact that one of America’s most important pop groups has never won a trophy. The Beach Boys’ songs embodied the Californian lifestyle during the 1960s, celebrating sun, surf, cars and girls. Powered by the genius creativity of Brian Wilson, the band scored several hits, including “I Get Around”, “Fun, Fun, Fun”, “Surfin’ U.S.A.”, “Heroes And Villains”, “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “California Girls”. Few pop records of the time come close to the sonic vision of “Good Vibrations” or the sublime “God Only Knows”. A revival in 1989 led to a fourth US #1 single: “Kokomo”.

Despite all of the group’s critical and commercial success, it is astounding that no Grammy Awards were forthcoming and that The Beach Boys have only been nominated 4 times.