Reviewed by: Pat Byington
These Alabama natives took home Grammy Awards last night
In case you missed it, the 66th Grammy Awards was an event to remember. Taylor Swift became the first artist to win Album of the Year four times, the 2-year-old Hazel Monét became the youngest Grammy nominee ever and Phoebe Bridgers took home four different awards.
This year, several artists from Alabama took home a Grammy—read on to learn more.
But first… meet the Birmingham artist who designed logos for the 45th and 46th Grammy Awards
In 2003, Birmingham artist Rodney Davidson got a call he’ll never forget: an offer to design the logo for the 45th Grammy Awards. A freelance graphic designer and illustrator living in The Magic City, Rodney was thrilled for the opportunity to design such a prominent logo.
“I recieved a call on a Friday afternoon asking if I’d like to do a logo for the Grammy Awards in the Recording category. At first, I thought it was a joke. But as I got into it, I realized that they had been following me and my career for some time, and that this was the real deal. That’s when I got excited and nervous!”
Rodney Davidson, Graphic Designer
For the 45th Grammy Awards—hosted at Madison Square Garden—Rodney designed a logo showcasing the New York skyline, including the Empire State Building rising out of a guitar.
“The Grammys had just come back to Madison Square Garden after 9/11, and I definitely wanted to include the New York skyline. I was able to convince them that, as stringed instruments are some of the most ancient instruments of all, a guitar could speak for all genres of music and instruments.”
Rodney Davidson, Graphic Designer
Rodney attended the 45th Grammy Awards in New York, where he saw an eight-story-tall version of his logo draped on the front of Madison Square Garden. That moment was surreal, and he was sure that he’d never have another moment like that again.
Then, they reached out to have Rodney create the logo for the 46th Grammy Awards!
Three Alabamians took home Grammy Awards last night
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
A native of Green Hill, Alabama, Jason Isbell and his band, The 400 Unit, took home two Grammy awards last night.
- The Grammy Award for Best Americana Album, awarded to Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit for their album “Weathervanes”
- The Grammy Award for Best American Roots Song, awarded to Jaso Isbell for “Cast Iron Skillet”
In addition, he was nominated for The Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance, but lost out to Brandy Clark and Brandi Carlile’s performance of “Dear Insecurity.”
The Blind Boys of Alabama
Renowned gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama took home their sixth Grammy award last night in the Best Roots Gospel Album category for their 2023 album “Echoes of the South.” The group was formed in 1939 in Talladega, Alabama, and has seen a revolving roster of musicians over the years, the majority of whom have been vision impaired.
Luke Crowder
Of course, one of the biggest headlines from last night’s award ceremony was the arrest of Killer Mike, who was detained after an alleged altercation backstage. However, the rap artist took home a total of three Grammy Awards—one of which was aided by an Alabama music producer.
Birmingham-based music producer Luke Crowder—who has worked with the likes of Drake and 21 Savage—took home a Grammy for his work on Killer Mike’s recent album, “Michael.” The album took home the Grammy for Best Rap Album last night.
Excited to see these Alabama connections to the Grammys? Let us know by tagging @thebamabuzz on Instagram!
