Esperanza Spalding Makes Grammy History
Posted 2/14/2011

Bassist/singer Esperanza Spalding became the first jazz artist to win the Grammy Award for best new artist on Sunday, Feb. 13.

“Esperanza is a phenomenal artist, and we’re thrilled about her Grammy win,” said Mark Wexler, senior vice president and label manager of Concord’s jazz and classics group. “All of us at the Concord Music Group are delighted that she’s been honored by her peers in the music industry, and we’re proud to be a part of her success.”

In Spalding’s acceptance speech during the Grammys telecast, she made a point of mentioning saxophonist Joe Lovano, with whom she plays in the ensemble Us Five, which was named best jazz group in the 2010 DownBeat Critics Poll.

Spalding was not the only jazz musician who took home a Grammy in a crossover category. Keyboardist Herbie Hancock won for Best Pop Collaboration with vocals for his rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” (with Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No 1, Jeff Beck and Oumou Sangare) from his album The Imagine Project.

Hancock also won the best improvised jazz solo award for his take on Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” on that album. The Stanley Clarke Band’s self-titled album won for best contemporary jazz album and Dee Dee Bridgewater won best jazz vocal album for Eleanor Fagan (1915–1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee.

Saxophonist James Moody, who died on Dec. 9, earned a posthumous victory for best jazz instrumental album (individual or group) for Moody 4B.?

In another milestone, gospel/r&b legend Mavis Staples took home her first Grammy for You Are Not Alone, which was named best Americana album.