While the headlines around yesterday’s Grammy Awards focused on the artists featured during the CBS telecast, we’re turning the spotlight on those noble, accordion-toting winners who flew under the radar at the pre-telecast ceremony.
It was no surprise that Jimmy Sturr walked away with his 18th Grammy for Best Polka Album. This was Sturr’s fourth consecutive win and, at this point, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where anyone else wins this category. (Per our interview with Jimmy three years ago: “I’ll [step down] when the New York Yankees do.”)
Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra: Hank’s Magic mp3
Buy Let the Whole World Sing by Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra
Meanwhile, Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet took home the Grammy for Best Zydeco/Cajun Album. (Initially, we heard that Steve Riley won this award, but it turns out there was some confusion because both albums have the same title.) Unfortunately, I don’t have any clips from their winning album — but I did find one place where you can buy it online:
Buy Live At The 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival by Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet
Conjunto legends Los Tigres del Norte won once again for Best Norteño Album. They’ve already collected numerous Latin Grammys over the years and appear to have extended their dominion over the main awards ceremony as well.
Los Tigres del Norte: Rumbo al Sur mp3
Buy RaÃces by Los Tigres del Norte
One of our longtime favorites, They Might Be Giants, won their second Grammy, this time for Best Musical Album for Children. The Here Come the 123s album and DVD has been in heavy rotation in our household for months and nothing calms our fussy baby faster.
They Might Be Giants: Hot Dog! mp3
Buy Here Come the 123s by They Might Be Giants
If you know of any other accordion artists who won hardware at the Grammys last night, let us know!
2 Comments:
Ruben Ramos & The Mexican Revolution has won the tejano grammy for thier album “Viva La Revolucion”. There is an accordionist in this band, not sure what his name is. Ruben Ramos has recorded with Flaco Jimenez and with Los Super 7. Google his name and you will find a website with one of his songs availible as a free download.
by Nathan on February 9th, 2009
Thanks Nathan — I forgot about that category. (There are too many Grammy categories to keep track of these days.) Rick Fuentes is the name of the accordion player in Ruben Ramos’s band. You can listen to a track off their Grammy-winning record here:
http://rubenramos.homestead.com/acariciame.html
by Chris on February 10th, 2009