Grammys 2024 In Memoriam: Musical Tributes Echo Through the Night
The Grammys 2024 took a poignant turn as musical legends paid heartfelt tributes to their departed peers. Stevie Wonder honored the late Tony Bennett, performing “The Best Is Yet to Come” and a touching “duet” with Bennett on “For Once in My Life.” As Wonder celebrated Bennett’s love for art, peace, unity, and civil rights, he bid farewell with the poignant words, “Tony, I’m going to miss you forever.”
Annie Lennox, joined by Wendy & Lisa, commemorated the legendary Sinead O’Connor with a rendition of her iconic hit, “Nothing Compares 2 You.” Lennox concluded her performance by advocating for a ceasefire and calling for world peace, paying homage to O’Connor’s activism. The Irish singer-songwriter passed away on July 26, 2023, at the age of 56.
Throughout the evening, the Grammys honored a lineup of influential figures from the music industry who left an indelible mark. Lenny Kravitz paid tribute to Clarence Avant, “The Godfather of Black Music,” recognizing his role in labels like Venture Records and Sussex Records. Avant, who passed away in August 2023 at age 92, played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of artists like Quincy Jones and Bill Withers.
The In Memoriam section unfolded as Jon Batiste, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Ann Nesby, and Cory Henry delivered a soulful performance featuring classics like “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” and “Optimistic.” The segment paid tribute to a host of artists, songwriters, performers, and music executives, including luminaries like Jimmy Buffett, Chita Rivera, Burt Bacharach, and rapper Magoo.
Later in the evening, Fantasia Barrino and Oprah Winfrey took the stage to honor the late entertainer Tina Turner, adding another layer to a night filled with poignant musical tributes. As the Grammys embraced these moments of remembrance, the echoes of the departed artists’ contributions lingered, reminding the audience of the enduring impact of their musical legacies.
