GRAMMYS GO CRAZY
The Recording Academy will salute Prince with a tribute concert that will be filmed two days after the Grammys and air later this year on CBS. The Academy confirmed the news Thursday morning.
The lineup for Let’s Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince includes Alicia Keys, John Legend, Gary Clark Jr., Beck, Common, Foo Fighters and H.E.R. Former Prince percussionist Sheila E. is musical director, alongside Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Longtime Grammys producer Ken Ehrlich will produce the show.
"Prince. The Purple One. His Royal Badness—regardless of how you identify him, he is indisputably one of the greatest musical virtuosos of all time," Academy chief Deborah Dugan enthused. "With his subversive attitude and commanding nature, he straddled musical genres and created electrifying music that was bursting with character. He continues to serve as an inspirational icon for artists and fans worldwide, and we are so honored to pay tribute to his legacy at this year's post-Grammys special."
"One of the true joys of producing the Grammy Awards is both working with and being able to tribute your heroes, and Prince gave me the opportunity of doing both," said Ehrlich. "His Grammy appearances, though few, were historic, and it's with mixed feelings that we approach this opportunity to celebrate the amazing legacy he left us. We've gathered a remarkable collection of artists across genres and across generations to salute one of music's truly singular iconic writer/performers, and believe me, it's a tall order to do him justice."
Ehrlich told Rolling Stone the show will cover different eras of Prince’s career and include deep cuts as well as the hits. “There are times when we will try and suggest to an artist that their choice might not be the best choice, but ultimately we will go with what their instincts are,” Ehrlich told the magazine.
Other participants include Susanna Hoffs, Morris Day and the Time, Earth, Wind & Fire, St. Vincent, Mavis Staples, Chris Martin and Juanes.
Previous tribute shows have focused on the music of The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Motown and The Bee Gees.
