100-year-old former President back in the running

Three days after Vice President Kamala Harris lost a historic bid to win occupation of the White House, a 100-year-old former president of the United States scored a coveted 10th nomination and unprecedented Grammy honors in 2025.

With rewards slated for excellence in 94 categories on Feb. 2, 2025, kudos to former President Jimmy Carter, a three-time Grammy winner, centenarian, Democrat, and 39th commander-in-chief for already capturing the prize for being a long-distance runner, relentless campaigner, and winner.

Friday, Nov. 8, the former leader was named one of five sure winners in the best audiobook, narration, and storytelling category.

Although already a three-time winner in the Spoken Word category, he must beat singer/actress Barbra Streisand, funk music recorder George Clinton, country singer Dolly Parton, and pop legends The Beatles to win another prize for being the oldest Grammy winner of all time.

His “Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration” will champion an unprecedented victory for any president or Grammy contender.

Reportedly, the nominated 10-track compilation features excerpts from his Sunday school lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, where he served as a teacher.

Set to music compiled by Jon Batiste, Keb Mo, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, and others in a montage to prove a finalist in the sought-after, globally-regarded narrated nod to significance.

From the small town he famously lauded to prominence when he humbly boasted his skill as a peanut farmer, the one-term president has indelibly etched added prominence to his legacy.

Renowned for being kind, generous, humble, caring, and dignified, Carter celebrated a century on Oct. 1.

Complicated by the fact he lost his beloved wife last November, he is a 9-year survivor of brain cancer.

Earlier in the month, his grandson Jason allegedly declared that his famous grandpa had cast a vote to elect the Democratic candidate and would be the first woman to occupy the White House.

By the way, 13,000 members voted in this year’s contests.

Belafonte Honors Endure For A Third Year

For the third time in Grammy history, the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change award will remain intact for contention and recognition on Feb. 2, 2025, when the global celebrations are held at the Crypto.com Arena in California.

Named for the New York-born actor/singer/humanitarian/activist who died at age 96 in 2023, the special honor recognizes “a tune that has had social influence and impact through message-driven lyrics that address a timely social issue; explores a subject impacting a community of people in need and promotes awareness, raises consciousness, and builds apathy.”

Presented for the first time in 2023 by First Lady Jill Biden when it was named a Merit Award dedicated to Harry Belafonte, this year’s outright naming holds particular significance for the legendary icon’s dedicated contribution.

The first honor was given to “Baraye” by Iranian recorder Shervin Hajipour.

Earlier this year, a second was presented in the contribution of “Refugee” by K’naan, Gerald Eaton, and Steve McEwan, who won the coveted prize.

Robeson, Reggae, Marley Remix Too

Although no new Grammy categories were added this year, several unexpected announcements acknowledged the contributions made by music industry creatives.

Some include Paul Robeson’s words, the remixing of music recorded by Julian Marley, and the five finalists who will contend to win the best dancehall category.

Marley’s winning collaboration with Alexx Antaeus on “Colors of Royal” is due another in the remix category for “Jah Sees Me.”

Separate from the singular nod to the genre that distinguishes the best dancehall recordings; the five finalists include Shensea, Vybz Kartel, Collie Buds, The Wailers, and music inspired by the “Bob Marley One Love” biopic.

Rocky Dawuni, a three-time Grammy nominee and Ghanaian reggae singer, is again up for another consideration in the Global Music Performance category.

Another unexpected finalist names Paul Robeson in the best historical contest. Along with actor Wayne Brady (The Wiz) and singer Alicia Keys (Hell’s Kitchen) prominently featured in Broadway musicals, theater adds to the many facets of competition. And while the top honors annually focus on popular recordings, leap-year tragedies will inevitably list 28-time Grammy winner Quincy Jones, who passed away at age 91 six days prior to the announcement.

On the celebrated evening of the industry’s best achievers, the en memorium segment will likely spotlight the legend’s many musical contributions to film, theater, television, and the record industry.

Catch You On The Inside!