This past Sunday, Shannon and I joined millions watching the red carpet ceremonies for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards from Los Angeles. As the crowds and celebrity status grew through late afternoon, with paparazzi commentary, dazzling fashion that even included Jayden Smith walking the red carpet with a castle on his head, and rumblings of who might be seen next, things quickly turned to the televised portion of the event. While Shannon dozed off shortly after the awards show began on CBS, I made it through the entire event, and I am so glad I did. It was monumental; not in the way it impacted society (Approximately $9 million raised to support wildfire relief efforts.) but how it impacted me. I felt a bit of vindication as album after album, artist after artist, that are in my lists of favorites from the past two years won awards. The Rolling Stones “Hackney Diamonds” album from 2023, my favorite of the year, had the old Brit rockers rolling on to a Grammy for Rock Album of the Year. My favorite jazz vocalist Samara Joy added two more Grammy awards to her growing stack of trophies. I was happy for Kacey Musgraves, winning a Grammy for the song ‘Architect’ which is from my favorite album of 2024, “Deeper Well”. There were many joyful moments as artists such as Sierra Ferrell, Sabrina Carpenter, and many, many more were awarded by their peers. Not only did I enjoy the Grammy moments throughout the day, whether the actual awards, performances, or memorium tributes, but it also helped me move through something I have needed to do for longer than I can say: Deactivating my Facebook page.
Personal pacts can get shot down quickly when there is nothing to gain, but it isn’t rare that breaking a personal pact can bring loss. I made a pact with myself on Sunday to stay off of social media during the Grammy’s, especially Facebook. I broke that pact about 30 minutes into the CBS broadcast and immediately was reminded of why I made that pact in the first place. Old, white men; old and tired music industry people, idiots who are complicit in putting our Country in the clown show of a place it is at the moment, just grabbling through on my time line with age old tropes that I could have written in my sleep. Nothing new. It’s like folks can’t have nice things. Yes, we all share in the same hypocrisies (thanks Tony Corleone). I still have Messenger activated, simply for two ongoing conversations that are important to me. If those end, I will go totally dark. I am still on Instagram and Threads, but Facebook is like a dying Mall where all the good stores have left, and it is mostly Generation X and Boomers waddling through life. Good Riddance. If you are reading this and have an inkling of doing the same, I encourage you; you do not need that bullshit in your world; none of us do.
The Grammys hold a special place with me, in my history. There was a time when I actually was a member of the Recording Academy (NARAS-National Academy for the Recording Arts & Sciences) and even got to go to the Grammy’s in 1996. During that time, I even qualified to vote, and did so a few times. During that period of my life I worked with artists in the Christian music business, as a manager. A nomination allowed for the trip that year and it was magical. CMA’s, ACM’s, Dove Awards, I have been in and out of all of these at some point in my journeys, and there isn’t anything quite like the peer awarded world of the Grammy Awards.
Riding in an elevator with Alanis Morrisette, running into Bonnie Raitt in a hotel lobby, naively handing my business card to Paul Stanley to watch him toss it to his handler. Attending various events over the couple days events. Getting my face melted off by what was Bryan Setzer’s newest project, The Bryan Setzer Orchestra, at the Grammy after party.
My favorite experience was during that Grammy after party event, standing near the red carpet watching folks come in. An entourage made its way down the massively wide crimson carpet. It was Snoop Dogg. Following behind him within his group was Hammer (M.C. Hammer). Without thinking, possibly in glee, I shouted, “What’s up Snoop?!” He looked at me and simply nodded. Cool experience.
Another thing that stood out was related to running into Paul Stanley in that scene I described earlier. KISS was done, and certainly weren’t up for a Grammy that year. Why were they there? Our seats for the main ceremonies were in the balcony of the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Once sat, our birdseye view of the stage had a feature: We could see some of the backstage activity. At one point, one of the bandmates I was accompanying said, “Look! It’s KISS!" And, there they were, skulking backstage in full KISS regalia, Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter. The band was introduced and presented the award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. “Let Her Cry” by Hootie & the Blowfish won the award.
This was the first time the original lineup of KISS was seen in full makeup since their breakup in the early 80’s. After personnel changes and multiple evolutions, they were back, reformed and would go on a blitzkrieg of a reunion tour. I saw that show in what is now my hometown in Birmingham, Alabama. Yes, Gene spit fire.
“How can THAT be the winner of THAT award?”, “What’s happened to music?”, “Music has gone downhill?”, “What is this rap shit?”, “Why does she have to sing in her underwear?”, “Why is she dressed like a witch?” I could continue, but especially since social media has come into our lives, the commentary swirling around the annual Grammy Awards is just too easy. It doesn’t even matter that folks do not understand that the Grammys, while recognizing top artists, is not a popularity vote by fans. It doesn’t matter that throughout history folks basically resist change. It’s just a fact that we can’t have nice things without someone trying to ruin the party. We are experts at that in America, and something as innocuous as the Grammys is the perfect environment for that ill-informed, ugly banter to thrive. It has been a gradual process for me, but as I begin moving into my seventh decade on this planet, I am learning to let it go and ignore it. I just don’t have time for the foolishness any more, and I hope you don’t either.
We, along with millions across the world will watch Super Bowl LIX today. Similar to what I have described throughout this writing happens every year during the big game as well; it is coming at halftime. I can’t wait for the halftime show with Kendrick Lamar. However, I highly suggest for your sanity, to avoid social media during it. Don’t let anyone steal your joy. And, if the halftime show isn’t for you, that’s o.k. You don’t have to love it, and you don’t have to sound off if you don’t.
Maybe you watched the Grammys, maybe you didn’t. Either way, if you have made it this far into reading my words today, I bet you like music. With that, I am sharing a simple ten song playlist of artists and songs that stuck out to me at this year’s Grammys. The playlists for Apple Music and Spotify are below.
As always, thanks for reading. Hold the ones you love. Look people in the eye and have tough conversations if needed. Yes, our world is on fire in many different ways, but, it is not over. We can see a brighter day, and we do need each other. Much love to all of you.
WINCHELL WORLD’S 2025 GRAMMY FAVORITES PLAYLIST, APPLE MUSIC
WINCHELL WORLD’S 2025 GRAMMY FAVORITES PLAYLIST, SPOTIFY:
