The upcoming Grammy season is being commemorated in style with two special throwback shows on CBS. Producer Ken Ehrlich, known for his work on the Grammy telecasts for over 40 years, is behind these specials that celebrate the history of the prestigious awards.
The first special, “Grammy Greats: The Stories Behind the Songs,” will air on Friday night and will focus on the winners in the Song of the Year category. The second special, “Grammy Greats: The Most Memorable Moments,” will premiere on Sunday and will showcase unique duet pairings and standout moments from past Grammy telecasts.
Ehrlich brings his vast knowledge and expertise to these shows, having interviewed many of the featured artists, including Billie Eilish, Joni Mitchell, Dua Lipa, Sting, Elton John, and more. These specials are part of a trio of shows produced by Ehrlich for CBS in one week, with the first being an Andrea Bocelli Christmas special that aired on Christmas Eve.
In a recent interview with Variety, Ehrlich discussed the process of putting together these Grammy specials. He revealed that the interviews for the shows were done over the summer, with most of them conducted in person. The Andrea Bocelli special, on the other hand, came together in just five weeks and was filmed during Bocelli’s sold-out concerts in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
Despite the rush to put together the Bocelli special, Ehrlich managed to deliver two Grammy tribute shows that are sure to delight music fans. The decision to air both specials in the week between Christmas and New Year’s was a strategic one, allowing viewers to relive some of the most iconic moments from Grammy history.
Both “Grammy Greats: The Stories Behind the Songs” and “Grammy Greats: The Most Memorable Moments” promise to be a trip down memory lane for music lovers, with Ehrlich’s expert curation and behind-the-scenes insights adding a special touch to the shows. As Grammy season approaches, these specials serve as a fitting tribute to the legacy of the awards and the artists who have left their mark on music history. He’d say, “Who’s new? Who’s got something going on?” And I said, “This girl Brandi Carlile.”
I really love the fact that the Song of the Year category was chosen as the peg for this special show, because it truly celebrates the heart and soul of music. Songwriting is such a personal and intimate art form, and each song tells a unique story that resonates with listeners in different ways. By focusing on the songs themselves, we get a deeper insight into the creative process, the emotions behind the lyrics, and the impact that music can have on our lives.
Through interviews with artists like Elton John, Brandi Carlile, and Bonnie Raitt, we get a glimpse into the inspiration and meaning behind some of the most iconic songs in music history. Hearing these artists reflect on their songs, their collaborations, and the stories behind the music adds a whole new layer of appreciation for these timeless classics.
As we delve into the stories behind songs like “Dance With My Father,” “Daughters,” and “Fallin’,” we not only gain a deeper understanding of the songs themselves but also a greater appreciation for the artists who brought them to life. The power of music to evoke emotions, tell stories, and connect people is truly remarkable, and this special show highlights the magic of songwriting in a way that is both poignant and inspiring.
By focusing on the Song of the Year category, we are able to shine a spotlight on the heart of music and the artists who pour their souls into every lyric and melody. It’s a celebration of creativity, passion, and the universal language of music that transcends boundaries and touches our lives in profound ways. And that, to me, is what makes the Song of the Year category so special and deserving of its own commemorative special.
Brandi Carlile is a name that has been buzzing in the music industry for quite some time now. Her journey from the hit song “The Story” to the Grammy-winning “The Joke” has been nothing short of remarkable. However, not many people know about the struggles she faced along the way.
In a recent interview, a music industry insider revealed that Brandi Carlile’s label had initially doubted her talent and failed to promote her music. As a result, they dropped her from their roster, leaving her to navigate the music industry on her own. Despite this setback, Brandi persevered and continued to create music that spoke to her soul.
One of Brandi’s most iconic songs, “The Joke,” went on to win a Grammy award, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in the music industry. The song’s powerful lyrics and emotional delivery struck a chord with audiences around the world, showcasing Brandi’s raw talent and vulnerability.
As Brandi continued to release music, she explored new themes and sounds, pushing the boundaries of her artistry. Songs like “Right on Time” showcased her growth as a musician and her ability to connect with her audience on a deeper level.
In a surprising turn of events, Brandi’s journey was compared to the story behind Luther Vandross’s hit song “Dance With My Father.” Richard Marx, the songwriter behind the track, shared the emotional journey of writing the song for Luther, only to have him suffer a stroke shortly after. Celine Dion ended up singing the song in Luther’s place, adding another layer of emotion to the already poignant track.
The interview also delved into the behind-the-scenes of the Grammy Awards, shedding light on the creation of iconic moments like the In Memoriam segment. The idea of adding music to the tribute was a game-changer, allowing artists to pay homage to their musical heroes in a meaningful way.
One of the standout moments from the Grammy Awards special was the performance of “Masseduction” and “One Kiss” by Dua Lipa and St. Vincent. The unexpected pairing of the two artists created a mesmerizing performance that captivated audiences and solidified their places in music history.
Overall, Brandi Carlile’s journey from obscurity to Grammy success is a testament to her resilience and talent. Despite facing setbacks and doubt from her label, she continued to push forward and create music that resonated with fans worldwide. As she continues to evolve as an artist, there’s no doubt that Brandi Carlile will leave a lasting impact on the music industry for years to come. But, you know, it was good to look back at those moments and see how far we’ve come in terms of representation and diversity in music. It’s important to acknowledge the progress that has been made while also recognizing that there is still work to be done. And I feel privileged to have been a part of that journey, to have been able to showcase some incredible talent and bring people together through the power of music. I may not have always been on the cutting edge, but I tried my best to celebrate the artistry and creativity that makes music so special. And I hope that my efforts have helped to shape the Grammy show into a more inclusive and forward-thinking platform for artists of all genres. As an old guy, I managed to do four shows this year, including one with Elton John and three Grammy-branded shows. It’s not a bad feat for someone like me. The Grammys have four general categories, with Song of the Year being just one of them. I wonder if the Academy and I might explore the other three categories in the future.
There seems to be a notion at the Academy and the network that if people tune in to these shows, we might consider doing a few more. Personally, I wouldn’t mind that at all. These shows are enjoyable to do and much easier to manage compared to a lengthy live show. However, there is a lot of overlap between Record and Album of the Year categories. I would need to do some research to see how many names are repeated in both categories.
When planning these shows, I took a peek into the country and R&B genres and discovered some outstanding performances that didn’t necessarily win the top awards but were still exceptional. These could make for fascinating shows that showcase Grammy’s hidden gems. There are countless memorable performances that have yet to be unearthed, like the one with Bonnie, Bruce, Allen Toussaint, and Dr. John performing “Yes, we Can Can” after Katrina. These performances deserve to be seen by a wider audience.
In today’s era of streaming services, there should be a platform for showcasing these remarkable performances. It’s a shame that many of Grammy’s greatest moments are currently undiscovered. I believe there is a place for these shows in the vast landscape of entertainment. It’s time to delve into the archives and bring these hidden treasures to light.
