The Rolling Stones, an iconic rock band with a legacy spanning decades, have an intriguing relationship with the Grammy Awards. In this article, we'll delve into their Grammy journey, exploring the reasons behind their late recognition and the impact it had on their career.
The Late Arrival of Grammy Nominations
It's a puzzling question: how did the Stones, with their iconic albums and singles, go unnoticed by Grammy voters until the late 1970s? The answer lies in the preferences of Grammy voters during that era, who favored pop and traditional pop over rock. This resistance to rock music was a common trend, with hip-hop also facing similar challenges in later years.
The Beatles, with their pop-leaning sound, received five consecutive album of the year nominations, showcasing how Grammy tastes aligned more with their style. The Stones, on the other hand, were often on the rockier side of pop/rock, which may have contributed to their initial exclusion.
The Lack of Rock Categories
Another crucial factor was the absence of dedicated rock categories in the Grammys until 1980. Rock bands had to compete in the pop vocal performance category, which included rock and folk alongside pop. It wasn't until 1995 that the best rock album category was introduced, and fittingly, the Stones became the first winners.
Making Up for Lost Time
The Recording Academy has since made efforts to acknowledge the Stones' impact. They received a lifetime achievement award in 1986, becoming the first group to receive this honor. This award, along with their induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame for several recordings, serves as a belated recognition of their immense contribution to music.
Recent Grammy Success
Despite the initial delay, the Stones have had a fair share of Grammy nominations and wins in recent years. Their last two studio albums, 'Blue & Lonesome' and 'Hackney Diamonds', each won a Grammy, and their new album, 'Foreign Tongues', produced by Andrew Watt, is expected to receive a best rock album nod in the 2027 nominations. Watt's own Grammy success, including producer of the year and multiple album wins, adds to the anticipation.
A Look Back at Grammy Nominations
Here's a breakdown of the Stones' Grammy nominations since 1979:
- 1979: 'Some Girls' - Nominated for Album of the Year
- 1981: 'Emotional Rescue' - No nominations
- 1982: 'Tattoo You' - Nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
- 1985: 'Undercover' - No nominations
- 1987: 'Dirty Work' - Nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ('Harlem Shuffle')
- 1990: 'Steel Wheels' - Nominated for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ('Mixed Emotions' and 'Almost Hear You Sigh')
- 1995: 'Voodoo Lounge' - Won Best Rock Album and Best Music Video, Short Form ('Love Is Strong')
- 1998: 'Bridges to Babylon' - Nominated for Best Rock Album and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ('Anybody Seen My Baby?')
- 2006: 'A Bigger Bang' - Nominated for Best Rock Album
- 2018: 'Blue & Lonesome' - Won Best Traditional Blues Album
- 2025: 'Hackney Diamonds' - Nominated for Best Rock Song ('Angry') and Best Rock Album
- 2027: 'Foreign Tongues' - Grammy nominations TBD
Conclusion
The Rolling Stones' journey with the Grammys is a fascinating one, marked by initial exclusion and belated recognition. Despite the late start, they've made their mark, winning multiple awards and leaving an indelible impact on the music industry. Their new album, 'Foreign Tongues', produced by the talented Andrew Watt, has the potential to add another Grammy to their collection, solidifying their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
