Louisiana's GRAMMY® Award Winners

To understand Louisiana's rich musical legacy, look to generations of talented Cajun and Creole artists. Their stories — and sounds — have enlivened the ritzy jazz clubs of New Orleans and humble front porches. It's no wonder that the state boasts a remarkable lineup of GRAMMY® Award-winning artists, from the soulful Jon Batiste to pop icon Britney Spears. In fact, in 2008, the GRAMMY® foundation created a dedicated category for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album, a grouping emblematic of our music's global impact. 

Whether you’re a melomaniac or are simply curious about the state’s melodic heartbeat, celebrate our trailblazing musicians and the unique cultural traditions they represent below.

1. General Field

The General Field recognizes exceptional achievements across all music genres, highlighting albums and recordings that resonate with a broad audience and demonstrate artistic excellence.

• Bob Dylan: Album of the Year (1972), "The Concert for Bangla Desh"; Album of the Year (1997), "Time Out of Mind"
• Toto (Bobby Kimball): Album of the Year (1982), "Toto IV"
• Daniel Lanois (producer): Album of the Year (1997), "Time Out of Mind"; Album of the Year (2005), "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb"
• Chris Thomas King, Evelyn Cox, Sidney Cox, Willard Cox: Album of the Year (2001), "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
• Jon Batiste (Contributing artists: P.J. Morton, Hot 8 Brass Band, Gospel Soul Children Choir, St. Augustine High School Marching 100 and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews): Album of the Year (2022), “We Are”

2. American Roots Music

Louisiana is fertile ground for American Roots music, blending traditions like blues, jazz, Cajun and zydeco, which have influenced the broader landscape of American vernacular music.

• Rebirth Brass Band (Stafford Agee; Glen Andrews; Vincent Broussard; Keith Frazier Phil Frazier; Chadrick Honore; Derek Shezbie; Derrick Tabb); Chris Finney (recording engineer); Tracey Freemen (producer): Best Regional Roots Music Album (2011), "Rebirth of New Orleans"
• The Band Courtbouillon (Steve Riley; Wilson Savoy; Wayne Toups); Joel Savoy (recording engineer): Best Regional Roots Music Album (2012), "The Band Courtbouillon"
• Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience (Jose Alvarez; Stan Chambers; Terrance Simien; Keith Sonnier; Danny Williams): Best Regional Roots Music Album (2013), "Dockside Sessions"
• Jon Cleary; Anthony Daigle (recording engineer); Mike Dorsey (recording engineer); John Porter (recording engineer & producer): Best Regional Roots Music Album (2015), "Go Go Juice"
• Anthony Daigle (recording engineer): Best Regional Roots Music Album (2014), "The Legacy" 
• David Farrell (recording engineer); George Receli (recording engineer & producer): Best Regional Roots Music Album (2013), "Dockside Sessions"
• Queen Ida (Ida Lewis Guillary): Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording (1982), "Queen Ida & The Bon Temps Zydeco Band On Tour"
• New Orleans Nightcrawlers (Kevin Clark; Barney Floyd; Cayetano Hingle; Kerry Hunter; Craig Klein; Miles Lyons; Jason Mingledorff; Matt Perrine; Brent Rose): Best Regional Roots Music Album (2021), "Atmosphere"
• Lost Bayou Ramblers (Jonny Campos; Eric Heigle; Louis Michot; Andre Michot): Best Regional Roots Music Album (2017), "Kalenda"
• Rockin’ Sidney (Sidney Simien): Best Ethic or Traditional Folk Recording (1985), "My Toot Toot"
• Jo-El Sonnier; Shane Theriot (recording engineer & producer): Best Regional Roots Music Album (2014), "The Legacy"
• Jon Batiste: Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance (2022), “Cry”
• Aaron Neville and Dirty Dozen Brass Band: Best American Roots Performance (2023), "Take Me to the River New Orleans" (documentary)
   

3. Blues

These artists represent a spectrum of blues styles deeply influenced by Louisiana. From the traditional sounds of Professor Longhair and Anthony Daigle to the contemporary approaches of Buddy Guy and the Tedeschi Trucks Band, these musicians have carried the torch of blues excellence.

• Dr. John & The Lower 911 (Malcolm John Rebennack Jr.; David Barard; Herman Ernest; John Fohl): Best Contemporary Blues Album (2008), "City That Care Forgot"
• Scott Billington (Producer); David Farrell (recording engineer); Steve Reynolds (recording engineer); Irma Thomas: Best Contemporary Blues Album (2006), "After the Rain"
• Scott Billington (Producer); Steve Reynolds (recording engineer): Best Contemporary Blues Album (2016) , "Porcupine Meat"
• Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown: Best Traditional Blues Recording (1982), "Alright Again"
• Tedeschi Trucks Band (Maurice “Mobetta” Brown): Best Blues Album (2011), "Revelator"
• Anthony Daigle: Best Traditional Blues Album (2002), "A Christmas Celebration of Hope"
• Dr. John (Malcolm John Rebennack Jr.): Best Jazz Vocal Performance (1989), "Makin’ Whoopee"; Best Traditional Blues Album (1992), "Goin’ Back to New Orleans"; Best Rock Instrumental Performance (1996), "SRV Shuffle"; Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals (2000), "Is You Is, or Is You Ain’t"; Best Blues Album (2012), "Locked Down"
• Chris Finney (recording engineer): Best Contemporary Blue Album (2008), "City That Care Forgot"
• Buddy Guy: Best Contemporary Blues Album (1991), "Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues"; Best Contemporary Blues Album (1993), "Feels Like Rain"; Best Contemporary Blues Album (1995), "Slippin’ In"; Best Rock Instrumental Performance (1996), "SRV Shuffle"; Best Traditional Blues Album (2003), "Blues Singer"; Best Contemporary Blues Album (2010), "Living Proof"; Best Blues Album (2015), "Born to Play Guitar"; Best Traditional Blues Album (2018), "The Blues Is Alive and Well"
• Professor Longhair: Best Traditional Blues Recording (1987), "Houseparty New Orleans Style"
• Bobby Rush: Best Traditional Blues Album (2021), "Rawer Than Raw"

4. Cajun and Zydeco

While the dedicated GRAMMY® categories for Cajun and Zydeco have evolved into the broader "Best Regional Roots Music Album" category, the artists listed here were pivotal in gaining recognition for these distinct Louisiana sounds.

• Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience (Jose Alvarez; Ralph Fontenot; Terrance Simien; Keith Sonnier; William Terry; Danny Williams); Joshua Murrell (recording engineer & producer): Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album (2007), "Live! Worldwide"
• Beausoleil (Tommy Alesi; Jimmy Breaux; David Doucet; Michael Doucet); Woods Drinkwater (recording engineer): Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album (2008), "Live at the 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival"
• Buckwheat Zydeco (Reginald Dural; Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural Michael Melchione; Kevin Menard; Olivier Scoazec; Lee Allen Zeno); David Farrell (recording engineer): Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album (2009), "Lay Your Burden Down"
• Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band (Adrian “A.J.” Bellow; Chubby Carrier; Randy Ellis; Randy Kelly; Earl Sally); Ivan Klisanin (recording engineer & producer): Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album (2010), "Zydeco Junkie"

5. Composing/Arranging

Composing and arranging extends beyond performance. From subtle instrumental voicings to complex orchestral scores, Louisiana composers and arrangers have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

• John Beasley (arranger): Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella (2021), "Donna Lee"

6. Country

While Louisiana might be associated with blues and jazz, the state has made significant contributions to country music, too. Our rich storytelling tradition and deep connection to rural life resonate with many of the themes found in this genre of music.

• Brooks & Dunn (Kix Brooks): Best Country Performance by a Duo/Group (1993), "Hard Workin’ Man"
• Johnny Horton: Best Country & Western Performance (1959), "The Battle of New Orleans"
• Jerry Lee Lewis: Best Spoken Word or Non-Musical Recording (1986), "Interviews From the Class of ‘55 Recording Sessions"
• Hank Williams, Sr.; Hank Williams, Jr.: Best Country Vocal Collaboration (1989), "There’s A Tear in My Beer"
• Lucinda Williams: Best Country Song (1993), "Passionate Kisses"
• Aaron Neville: Best Country Vocal Collaboration (1994), "I Fall to Pieces"
• Tim McGraw: Best Male Country Vocal Performance (2004), "Live Like You Were Dying"; Best Country Collaboration with Vocals (2005), "Like We Never Loved at All"
• James Burton: Best Country Instrumental Performance (2008), "Cluster Pluck"
• Trina Shoemaker (recording engineer): Best Country Album (2019), "While I’m Livin’"
• Derek Mixon; Chris Stapleton: Best Country Song (2022), "Cold"

7. Dance/Electronic

The realm of electronic music might seem a departure from Louisiana's traditional sounds, but Louisiana's rhythmic innovations in jazz, blues and zydeco have fostered a connection to this genre. 

• Beyoncé and sampled by Big Freedia and Adam Piggot: Best Dance/Electronic Recording (2023), "Break My Soul"

8. Folk

Folk music, with its emphasis on storytelling, tradition and acoustic instrumentation, finds a natural home in Louisiana's music heritage. The state's history is filled with compelling narratives of diverse communities, and folk music serves as a powerful medium for preserving and sharing these stories.

• Beausoleil (Tommy Alesi; Jimmy Breaux; David Doucet; Billy Ware): Best Traditional Folk Album (1997), "L’Amour ou La Folie"
• Malcolm Burn (recording engineer & producer): Best Contemporary Folk Album (2000), "Red Dirt Girl"
• Clifton Chenier: Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording (1983), "I’m Here"
• Bob Dylan: Best Contemporary Folk Album (1997), "Time Out of Mind"; Best Traditional Folk Album (1994), "World Gone Wrong"; Best Contemporary Folk Album (2001), "Love and Theft"; Best Contemporary Folk (2006), "Modern Times"
• Lucinda Williams: Best Contemporary Folk Album (1998), "Car Wheels On a Gravel Road"

9. Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music

Gospel music has a profound and enduring presence in Louisiana, a response to the state's Black history and religious life. The powerful vocals and heartfelt messages of gospel have provided solace, inspiration and a sense of community for generations.

• Mahalia Jackson: Best Gospel or Other Religious Recording (1961), "Everytime I Fell the Spirit"; Best Gospel Recording (1962), "Great Songs of Love and Faith"; Best Soul Gospel Performance (1976), "How I Got Over"
• Lynn Cox; Evelyn Cox; Sidney Cox; Willard Cox: Best Southern Gospel, Country Gospel or Bluegrass Gospel Album (1994), "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"
• Lauren Daigle: Best Contemporary Christian Song (2018), "You Say"; Best Contemporary Christian Album (2018), "Look Up Child"
• PJ Morton: Best Gospel Album (2021), "Gospel According to PJ"

10. Jazz

Characterized by improvisation, syncopation and a unique rhythmic feel, early jazz drew from blues, ragtime and European musical traditions. Legendary figures like Louis Armstrong laid the foundation for jazz as we know it, and New Orleans continues to be a hotbed of innovative jazz talent.

• Louis Armstrong: Best Vocal Performance (1964) ,"Hello, Dolly!"
• Wayne Shorter Quartet & Chick Corea Trio (Brian Blade): Best Jazz Instrumentation Album (2005), "Beyond the Sound Barrier"; Best Jazz Instrumental Album (2014), "Trilogy": Best Jazz Instrumental Album (2018), "Emanon"; Best Jazz Instrumental Album (2021), "Trilogy 2"
• Harry Connick, Jr.: Best Jazz Vocal Performance (1989), "When Harry Met Sally"; Best Jazz Vocal Performance (1990), "We Are In Love"
• John Fischbach (recording engineer); Cassandra Wilson (artist & producer): Best Jazz Vocal Album (2008), "Loverly"
• Branford Marsalis: Best Jazz Instrumental Performance (1992), "I Heard You Twice The First Time"; Best Jazz Instrumental Album (2000), "Contemporary Jazz"
• Wynton Marsalis: Best Jazz Instrumental Performance (1983), "Think of One"; Best Classical Performance (1983), "Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E Flat/L.Mozart: Trumpet Concerto in D/Hummel: Trumpet Concerto in E Flat"; Best Jazz Instrumental Performance (1984), "Hot House Flowers"; Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist or Soloists with Orchestra (1984), "Wynton Marsalis - Edita Gruberova, Handel, Purcell, Etc."; Best Jazz Instrumental Performance (1985), "Black Codes From the Underground"; Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group (1986), "J Mood"; Best Jazz Instrumental Performance (1987), "Marsalis Standard Time, Volume I"; Best Jazz Instrumental Solo (1997), "Stardust"; Best Spoken Word Album for Children (1999), "Listen to the Storyteller"
• New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (Irvin Mayfield): Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album (2009),"Book One"
• Nicholas Payton: Best Jazz Instrumental Album (2023), "New Standards Vol. 1"
• Louis Prima: Best Performance by a Vocal Group of Chorus (1958) ,"That Old Black Magic"
• Cassandra Wilson (artist & producer): Best Jazz Vocal Performance (1996), "New Moon Daughter"

11. Music for Visual Media

Louisiana artists and composers have lent their talents to numerous visual projects, bringing their distinctive musical sensibilities to the screen. Whether crafting sweeping orchestral scores or more intimate and atmospheric pieces, their contributions have enriched the cinematic experience.

• Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor): Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (2012), "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
• Jon Batiste: Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (2022), “Soul”

12. Musical Film/Music Video

Film and music video mediums allow artists to express their creativity in new dimensions, combining sound with imagery to tell stories, enhance performances and create immersive experiences for the audience. Louisiana artists have embraced these forms, producing memorable and award-winning works.

• Merry Clayton: Best Music Film (2014) ,"20 Feet From Stardom"
• Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (Alex Ebert): Best Long Form Music Video (2012) ,"Big Easy Express"
• Jon Batiste: Best Music Video (2022), “Freedom”

13. Opera

While perhaps not as widely known as its contributions to other genres, the state has fostered talent in operatic performance and composition. The emotional depth and theatricality of opera can resonate with the dramatic storytelling traditions found in other forms of Louisiana music.

• Terence Blanchard: Best Opera Recording (2023), "Fire Shut Up in My Bones"

14. Package, Notes & Historical

Beyond the musical content itself, the presentation and documentation of recordings play a vital role in preserving musical history and enhancing the listener's experience. Album artwork, liner notes and historical reissues provide valuable context and insights into the music and the artists who created it. 

• Chris Thomas King: Best Historical Album (2002), "Screamin’ and Hollerin’ The Blues - The Worlds of Charley Patton"
• Tom Piazza: Best Album Notes (2003), "Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: A Musical Journey"

Enjoy this video of "The Healin' Song" which was written and recorded by Jo-El Sonnier and several other GRAMMY^® winners to support the Community Foundation of Acadiana.

15. Pop

Pop music, characterized by its broad appeal and catchy melodies, has seen contributions from numerous Louisiana artists (most notably, Britney Spears). While the state might be more known for its roots music, its musicians have also ventured into the pop genre, bringing their unique vocal styles, instrumental talents and songwriting abilities to a wider audience.

• Harry Connick, Jr.; Tracey Freeman (producer): Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (2001), "Songs I Heard"
• Branford Marsalis: Best Pop Instrumental Performance (1993), "Barcelona Mona"
• Aaron Neville: Best Pop Performance by a Duo/Group (1989), "Don’t Know Much"; Best Pop Performance by a Duo/Group (1990), "All My Life"
• Aaron Neville; Art Neville; Charles Neville; Cyril Neville: Best Pop Instrumental Performance (1989), "Healing Chant"
• Johnny Rivers: Best Contemporary Single (1967), "Up, Up And Away"; Record of the Year (1967), "Up, Up And Away"
• Trina Shoemaker (recording engineer): Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album (2004), "All Things New"
• Britney Spears: Best Dance Record (2004), "Toxic"

16. R&B

Rhythm and Blues (R&B) is a genre with deep roots in Black southern musical traditions. Blending elements of blues, jazz and gospel, R&B evolved into a distinct and influential style known by soulful vocals, strong rhythms and emotionally charged lyrics.

• Ledisi: Best Traditional R&B Performance (2021), "Anything for You"
• PJ Morton: Best Traditional R&B Performance (2018), "How Deep Is Your Love"; Best R&B Song (2019), "Say So"
• Solange: Best R&B Performance (2016), "Cranes In the Sky"
• Lucky Daye: Best Progressive R&B Album (2022), “Table for Two”

17. Rap

While geographically distant from the early epicenters of hip-hop, Louisiana has cultivated a distinctive and influential rap scene. New Orleans bounce music, with its high-energy rhythms and call-and-response vocals, has become a significant sub-genre. Louisiana rappers bring unique vernacular, storytelling and musical influences to the broader hip-hop landscape, creating a style all their own.

• Frank Ocean: Best Urban Contemporary Album (2012), "Channel Orange"; Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (2012), "No Church in the Wild"
• Lil’ Wayne; Darius “Deezle” Harrison (songwriter & producer): Best Rap Song (2008), "Lollipop"; Best Rap Album (2008),"Tha Carter III"
• Lil’ Wayne: Best Rap Solo Performance (2008), "A Milli"; Best Rap Performance by a Duo/Group (2008), "Swagga Like Us"; Best Rap Performance (2016), "No Problem"

18. Rock

Louisiana's contribution to rock music might be less apparent than its impact on blues or jazz, but the state has produced artists who have left their mark on the genre. From raw and energetic performances to more introspective and experimental sounds, the state's rock scene reflects a diverse range of styles.

• Ani DiFranco: Best Recording Package (2003), "Evolve"
• Bob Dylan: Best Rock Vocal Performance (1979), "Gotta Serve Somebody; Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group (1989), "Traveling Wilburys Volume One"; Best Male Rock Vocal Performance (1997), "Cold Irons Bound"; Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance (2006),"Someday Baby"
• High on Fire (Des Kensel):Best Metal Performance (2018), "Electric Messiah"
• Toto (Bobby Kimball): Record of the Year (1982), "Rosanna"; Producer of the Year (1982)
• Daniel Lanois (producer): Record of the Year (2000), "Beautiful Day"; Best Rock Album (2001), "All That You Can’t Leave Behind"; Record of the Year (2001), "Walk On"
• Art Neville: Best Rock Instrumental Performance (1996), "SRV Shuffle"
• Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor): Best Metal Performance (1992), "Wish"; Best Metal Performance (1995), "Happiness is Slavery"; Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (2012),"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
• Trina Shoemaker (recording engineer): Best Rock Album (1998), "The Globe Sessions"
• Lucinda Williams: Best Female Rock Vocal Performance (2001) ,"Get Right With God"

19. Louisiana GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

The GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award is given to performers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording. Louisiana has been home to numerous artists whose impact on music has been so profound and enduring that they have received this prestigious honor. These individuals represent the pinnacle of musical achievement, both within Louisiana and across the globe.

• Louis Armstrong (1972)
• Mahalia Jackson (1972)
• Fats Domino (1987)
• Hank Williams (1987)
• Van Cliburn (2004)
• Jerry Lee Lewis (2005)
• Jelly Roll Morton (2005)
• Clifton Chenier (2014)
• Buddy Guy (2015)
• The Meters: Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, Art Neville, Cyril Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr. (2018)

20. Louisiana Recording Academy Trustees Award Winners

The Recording Academy Trustees Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions other than performance to the field of recording during their careers. This award recognizes the crucial roles played by those behind the scenes — the producers, engineers, songwriters and industry professionals who contribute to the creation and preservation of music. 

• Cosimo Matassa (2007)
• Allen Toussaint (2009)
• Dave Bartholomew (2012)

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