Amy. Kanye. Herbie? Winehouse, West win big, but Hancock shocks

I didn't watch the Grammys and didn't care... I'll admit it, I hate hip-hop and I'm pretty much out of touch with today's music scene. I think it's cool that Hancock won the big prize though. It's a great thing for the jazz world. How often does jazz -- and I'm not talking about the "Kenny G/smooth jazz kind -- get that kind of mainstream attention?

Grammy loves giving props to the older legends, and Hancock is certainly that. Working with Miles, the classic Headhunters album... Great stuff. I hated that "Rockit" song in the early 80's, but I'll forgive him for that one. I haven't heard this new album, and I hadn't even heard of it until a couple of weeks ago, but I think I'll pick it up. Let's hear it for real musicians making real music!!

Do you mean to tell me that Kanye Jesus didn't win everything? Oh, the horror of it all.

bravo Vince Gill...way to knock "mr I'm the best in the world" down a notch!

Yay to Vince Gill for putting that egotistical jerk in his place where he belongs!!! I'm over Kanye West and have been for a loooonnnnggg time!

This year's Grammy show was one of the best! They did a very good job of mixing the old with the new espeically with the Keely Smith and Tina Turner performances. It seems that the folks that vote for the Grammy's are looking past record sales and recognize quality more lately.

There are some improvements to be made. The whole Foo Fighters contest/concert was terrible. This band seems to put out the same record out every time and has nothing new to say. Why not recognize some of the great rock bands of our time like Radiohead or Modest Mouse? Glossing over Producer of the Year, Mark Ronson, was a mistake. Without his efforts, no one would know who Amy Winehouse is.

Lastly, I loved the genuine surprise that Herbie Hancock showed when he won. He even nervously dropped his "thank you" notes. How the producers tried to cut his acceptance speech down for the night's biggest award was a shame.

Frankly I am suprised that everyone is suprised that Hancock took Album of the year. I know that West and Winehouse were the favorites but how refreshing to have the best actually win! Kanye would do well to curb his ego a bit ... maybe than his talent would have a chance to "shine through".

The Grammys? Is that even a legit award? It's right up there with the Cable Ace. And even they don't hand that out anymore. Yawn.

I noticed when they were doing a tribute to musicians who passed away last year, they forgot Lydia Mendoza, the mother of Tejano music. I guess she's obscure, but historically speaking, she's on par with the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers (as far as American Music is concerned)

Why is a music critic calling Joni Mitchell a 'folk icon'? Aside from the fact that she has not done anything resembling folk since about 1969, the Herbie Hancock album was a jazz affair which focused mainly on her pop and jazz-oriented work.

To those who knocked Kanye and hip-hop, let me guess your OLD!!!!!

I thought that was one of the most entertaining and organized Grammy's that I've seen in a long time. I think it's great when we get to hear artists from yester year gone by too. Although I'm not against hip-hop, it looks as though the country is listening and interested in other types of music besides hip-hop. Herbie Hancock ... it could be a new trend.

i enjoyed this article on the grammys,, i doubt there is another paper with this writers flair on giveing a great overveiw, however ,upset the beatles. it cant be done , not by anybody,, watch for julian in 2008,, he did it 1 time ,,he can do it again,,axle rose is siting on 4 albums i also read on the internet,, long live rock n roll

I used to think Kanye was cool and just needed to become accustomed to celebrity. He has disappointed. His bitterness over not always winning everything outshines his talent, which is only the trend for now and will not last forever. He would do well to learn some humility and be grateful for what he's got.

mad ----Kayne and most hip-hop artist steal 99% of their music from real musicians that have come before them and actually put in the work. Most play no actual instrument and very few can actually sing well. They are lyrical poets that can rythm while covering some mundane meaningless subject matter. I challenge you to give me one Kanye West song where the background is his own? Every popular song he's ever had is stolen from a real artisit, Through the Wire, Touch the Sky, Gold Digger, . There's nothing wrong with enjoying Hip-Hop for what it is...Entertainment, but come on, a Grammy?

Apparently people didn't notice Kanye laugh at the Vince Gill joke. Kanye is an amazing artist and is arguably a musical genius. Just because you don't like the style doesn't mean he doesn't have talent, talent that is above and beyond his ego. That said, good for Herbie Hancock, he has been relegated to Bose commercials and only being known in jazz circles for too long.

In response to PJO. I suppose that along with hip-hop you also protest the award of best documentary at the Oscars. After all many documentary filmmakers use footage that they themselves did shoot. Sure they may arrange it in a unique way, and create something all together different than the original. But this isn't really relevant to you is it. In fact lets just get rid of any derivative artwork in general.

mad-Let me guess you're YOUNG and not wise enough to know the meaning of real talent!?!?!?!? Not to mention what it's like to admire an artist who has real talent and knows how to be humble every once an awhile. Kanye West had the audacity to proclaim HIMSELF as an icon! Excuse me? He needs to learn some lessons that his MAMA never taught him.

I actually enjoyed most of the Grammy awards. The Performances to the Beatles songs were excellent. In regards to Kanye West he is definitely talented and I am sure as he matures his music will just keep getting better. I think the passing of his mother was a tragic thing and for him to stand up in front of that whole audience and sing about him mom like that was special. I am also happy to see Herbie Handcock win for best album. He is also a special talent that came from Chicago just like Kanye.

PS. Is it me or does Amy Winehouse dance like Elaine in Seinfeld?

Nice to see some Chicago folks take down the self-aggrandizing Mr. West a bit. The show was awful, as are most awards shows. Like the Oscars, it is often a celebration of commerce over artistry.

Shake your booty, make some money - BINGO! Awards show!

The Grammy telecast last night left irrelevant and old. How many time do they have to honor the beatles? Everyone knows they are one of the greatest bands of all time. In the time of weak album sales you would think the Grammys would like to showcase more new artists to create a buzz. However, the telecast was just the same music recycled again and again, and again.

I've been disappointed with most of the "Best Song" winners for the past several years now, including this one. Call me an old fogie, but I believe the criteria for this award should include the issue of "standard-ability." In other words, does a given piece of music have the potential for becoming a "standard" or is it just a flash-in-the-pan representation of the "hot" sound of that year? With this factor in mind, "Delilah" should have been the obvious winner. I'm not that crazy about it, but if appears to have the greatest chance of being re-recorded and performed by other artists in years to come. How many "stars of tomorrow" are going to use "Rehab" in their auditions - other than the inevitable American Idol wannabes?

Actually, Sen. Obama is now TIED with Sen. Clinton in the Grammy sweepstakes. She won several years ago for her narration of "It Takes A Village."

Oops...hit the "post" button too quickly...In addition, President BIll Clinton has won TWO Grammys!

To Mad: Old? Sure, I bascially admitted to it in my first post. If 38 is "old," then so be it. Actually, I'm too young to have heard Herbie Hancock when he was in Miles Davis' band, and too young (although I was alive) to remember when the Headhunters album came out.

But that's great, timeless stuff, and I'll happily take that (or his new, Grammy winning album, or Joni Mitchell herself) over pretty much anything happening in the music world from the newer pups. Except for a few of the "jam bands" or a few gifted musicians who know history (Derek Trucks, for instance), there's nothing going on that interests me.

I really liked the way Kanye West slammed George Bush on national TV a couple of years ago (after Katrina), but other than that I don't see the big deal about the guy. Lots of ego, little talent (at least not that I can see. I'm old). I'm sorry his mother died, but that has nothing to do with his music.

First, may I congratulate Herbie for his award winning work and wish him more in the future. As for the Grammy's show, I must admit having watched very little of the actual broadcast and appreciate the excellent overview offered here.
I did however see a part of the Kanye West acceptance and thought his admonishing of the orchestra as reasonable and appropriate given his current place in the industry and the tragedy of his loss.
As for the comment of Vince Gill, Paul is likely awaiting Kanye in the wings...... Smile :>)