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blog post Holger Petersen at the Grammys

posted by Holger Petersen on Feb 09, 2012

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Blues

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As co-owner of Stony Plain Records, I feel honoured that we have received six Grammy nominations in the blues and folk music categories over the years. I’ve attended each time, and have many great memories about the people I’ve met and the music I’ve seen at various parties and at the show itself. The most memorable one was last year in Los Angeles at which I attended the awards with Maria Muldaur, who was nominated in the best traditional folk album category for her disc — Maria Muldaur and Her Garden of Joy.

During the actual televised awards, the one everyone sees around the world, they usually only give away eight awards over three hours. The other 70ish are given away at the Pre-Telecast Ceremony during the early afternoon. Maria was invited to perform that afternoon — along with an all-star blues cast that included Mavis Staples, Buddy Guy, Cyndi Lauper, Bettye LaVette, Kenny Wayne Sheppard and Betty Wright. Hanging out in the backstage dressing room with those artists was a rare treat for a blues lover from Northern Alberta. Presenters hanging around included Laurie Anderson (with husband Lou Reed) and co-hosts Esperanza Spalding and Bobby McFerrin.

It was wonderful to see Mavis Staples win her first Grammy for best Americana recording that day. Overcome with emotion, Mavis remembered her father, Pops Staples, and said: “It’s been a long time, a long time.” Mavis was 71, and has been recording since the mid-50s under her own name and with her family, The Staples Singers.

Another highlight win was Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith for best traditional blues album, Joined at the Hip. It was a truly deserving award for the blues veterans. Perkins was the oldest Grammy Award winner ever at the age of 97. Sadly, both Perkins and Smith have since passed away.

In this clip, the all-star blues band perform Willie Dixon’s “Wang Dang Doodle” at the 2011 Grammy Pre-Telecast Ceremony. After a shaky start by Lauper, Guy saves the day with a scorching solo followed by intense performances Wright, Muldaur and Mavis Staples.