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GRAMMYS ADD TRIBUTE TO NEW ORLEANS: Toussaint, Dr. John, Irma Thomas among singers tapped for special performance.
*Tonight’s live Grammy telecast from Los Angeles will include a musical tribute to New Orleans and Southern soul from an all-star lineup, it was announced yesterday (Feb. 7).
This special segment will include artists from various musical genres, including New Orleans' own local legends Allen Toussaint, Dr. John and "Soul Queen of New Orleans" Irma Thomas; rockers Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, and U2's The Edge; and soul singer Sam Moore.
"Our Academy represents thousands of music people across the country, many of whom were directly affected by the New Orleans tragedy," said Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy. "Music's Biggest Night wouldn't be complete if we didn't take this unique opportunity to pay homage to a region with such rich musical history and culture. New Orleans, we'll always be there for you."
Additionally, singer/songwriters Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow and Sting, all of whom are previous Grammy Award winners, have been announced as presenters. They join previously announced presenters Big & Rich, Chris Brown, Michael Buble, Dave Chappelle, Common, Destiny's Child, Matt Dillon, Jenna Elfman, Tom Hanks, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Terrence Howard, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, Ludacris, Bonnie Raitt, and James Taylor.
Performers include Mariah Carey, John Legend and Kanye West -- all with eight nominations each; Madonna with Gorillaz; Paul McCartney; Kelly Clarkson, Springsteen; U2 and Mary J. Blige; Coldplay; Faith Hill and Keith Urban; Christina Aguilera and Herbie Hancock; Jay-Z with Linkin Park; Jamie Foxx with Kanye West; Sugarland; an all-star tribute to Sly And The Family Stone featuring Maroon 5, Will.I.Am of The Black Eyed Peas, Robert Randolph, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Joss Stone, John Legend, Ciara and Devin Lima; and nominee Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir join Mariah Carey.
