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For those of you who don’t know, The Grammy’s, a.k.a. music’s biggest night, was created as an alternative way to embrace the greats in the music industry who might qualify for a Walk of Fame star. The Grammy’s has honored a plethora of artists since its first awards ceremony in the 1950s, ranging from the genres of rock, pop, soul, r&b, jazz, reggae, and hip-hop.
This year’s tribute fell nothing short of their annual music legacy. Watching Bruno Mars and Morris Day and the Time hit the stage to honor the late and great legend of pop, Prince, reminded me why these award ceremonies were created and the importance of recognizing amazing musical talents for their hard work and dedication to the game.
It’s not easy to get on stage and pay homage to successful legends within the industry. Only a few can pull it off. Here’s a list of the 5 greatest Grammy Awards tributes.
5. Tribute to Aretha Franklin: 2011
Aretha Franklin may be on her way to retirement, but the crescendo of her voice is a sound we’ll never forget. Mrs. Franklin was honored at the 2011 Grammy Awards by Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Martin McBride, Christina Aguilera, and Florence Welch. The ladies joined each other on stage, as they each took the mic for a solo performance of a classic hit from the queen of soul’s collectables, while also showcasing their background vocals during the rendezvous.
4.Tribute to Bob Marley: 2013
Have you ever sat down and listened to reggae’s greatest musician, Bob Marley, and felt like he was talking to you? That’s how I feel every time I hear his voice singin’, “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be alright.” The 55th annual Grammy awards had the crowd up on their feet, singing and dancing the night away to the influential Jamaican legend. Bajan pop star Rihanna and Bob Marley’s sons, Ziggy and Damian Marley, lit the stage in fluorescent red, green, and yellow to honor the icon.
3.Tribute to Lionel Richie: 2016
You know you’re killing it when the honoree is shaking his head in the crowd with a big grin shouting “YES!” Lionel Richie bopped, swayed, and sang along to the voices of John Legend, Demi Lovato, Luke Bryan, Meghan Trainor, and Tyrese, from his seat, before hoping on stage with them to remind us why he’s one of the greatest.
2.Tribute To Four Tops: 2009
Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo, Smokey Robinson, and Abdul Fakir aligned the stage, looking like a 90s r&b male music group, for a tribute to the Four Tops in 2009. The gentleman came through with the synchronized choreography and smoove black and white matching suits, topping it off with a black bow tie. Don’t they look and sound great!
1. Tribute to Stevie Wonder: 2015
Beyoncé did not come to disappoint. Her performance during the 57th annual Grammy awards proved she was a huge fan of Stevie Wonder, and by the look on his face you could tell he was proud about the way she embraced him and his music wholeheartedly. The queen felt the music in her veins and showed it all in the movement of her hips that are to die for, in an embellished gold and black mini body-con dress that went well with her straight, gold locs. Ed Sheeran and Gary Clark Jr. later joined her on stage for a duet and let the music, sound of their voices, and guitar speak for itself.