Frank Sinatra was the hot favorite to be the big winner at the first Grammy Awards in 1959, but — perhaps in an early indication that things wouldn’t always go according to plan at the Grammys — “Ol Blue Eyes” held both records of the Year and Song of the Year.
The most recognized awards in the music industry were established in 1958 by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in the United States.
The first Grammy Awards were held on May 4, 1959 with only 28 categories, a number that has since surpassed 100 and has now stabilized at 91. Many of the music elite attended. Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Gene Autry, Johnny Mercer, Henry Mancini and André Previn gathered for a gala dinner and awards ceremony in the Beverly Hilton’s Grand Ballroom.
Although Sinatra topped all the nominees with a total of six, he would not turn out to be the night’s biggest winner. Instead, the first record of the year and song of the year awards ever went to Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare).” by Domenico Modugno, and the album of the year has on The music of Peter Gunn by Henry Mancini.
Over the years, the number of categories has increased to reflect the evolution of the music industry and the growth of new genres. In the early years, categories were limited to pop, classical, and jazz, but over time expanded to include broader music genres, including rock, R&B, country, hip-hop, and world music.
Throughout history, the Grammy Award for Album of the Year has gone to many of music’s biggest names, including Sinatra, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Carole King, Tony Bennett, Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, The Bee Gees, Whitney Houston, U2, Quincy Jones, Eric Clapton, Adele, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.
Four of them – Sinatra, Wonder, Simon and Swift – won a record three albums of the year. One of Simons was with Simon & Garfunkel.
Browse the gallery to remember classic albums or discover ones that have stood the test of time.
Source: Deadline
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
