It’s late. The 50th Annual Grammys are wrapping up here on the west coast. I’m tired. There were too many awkward moments during the production for me to declare this year’s ceremony a resounding success.
However, it was worth slogging through to the end to see Herbie Hancock win album of the year for "River: The Joni Letters," a tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell.
Hancock is the first jazz instrumentalist to take home the honor in 43 years.
In his acceptance remarks, a stunned Hancock first dropped his notes. Then, he praised his predecessors Miles Davis and John Coltrane. "I’d like to thank the academy for courageously breaking the mold this time and in doing so honor the giants upon whose shoulders I stand, some of whom like Miles Davis, John Coltrane unquestionably deserved this award," Hancock said.
In an obvious reference to Barack Obama, he continued, "this is a new day that proves the impossible can be made possible. Yes, we can - to coin a phrase…"
Below: Grammy greatness, 2004. Beyonce performing "Dangerously in Love."
