The Grammy Awards were announced tonight, with Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith taking home the award in the Best Traditional Blues Album category for Joined at the Hip, while Buddy Guy won for Best Contemporary Blues Album (Living Proof), edging out the likes of Solomon Burke, Bettye LaVette, the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, and soon-to-be-Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dr. John.
The blues winners aren’t of course announced during the glitziest portion of the annual awards viewed by millions, but during a Pre-Telecast Ceremony that features award presentations in nearly 100 other categories as well as performances from select nominees. This year’s ceremony included performances from a number of blues or blues-related artists, including Contemporary Blues Album nominees Guy and Shepherd, Traditional Blues Album nominee Cyndi Lauper, Traditional Folk Album nominee Maria Muldaur, Americana Album winner Mavis Staples, and Contemporary Jazz Album nominee Trombone Shorty.
At some point, you should be able to view video of the full Pre-Telecast Ceremony – including those blues performances – on the Grammy site as well as on YouTube, but we’re not seeing them there quite yet.