Grammy Awards Best Album Notes Winner History

May 2024 · 16 minute read

The Grammy Awards have long been celebrated as a prestigious recognition of exceptional talent and creativity in the music industry. While the awards primarily focus on artists, songs, and albums, there is a category that acknowledges the often overlooked but significant contribution of album notes. The Grammy Award for Best Album Notes pays tribute to the authors who provide insightful and informative liner notes that enhance the listener’s experience.

Since its inception in 1964, the Best Album Notes category has highlighted albums with outstanding album notes, which are sometimes referred to as liner notes. These notes serve as a rich source of information about the music, artist, recording process, and other relevant details that deepen the listener’s understanding and appreciation of the album.

To be eligible for this prestigious award, album notes must meet specific criteria. They should demonstrate exceptional research, writing, and editing skills. The notes should provide valuable context, historical background, and critical analysis that add depth and nuance to the album’s themes and content. In addition, the notes must be engaging and well-written, capturing the attention of the reader.

Over the years, the Grammy Award for Best Album Notes has seen an array of talented authors recognized for their exceptional contributions. From the eloquent writings of Leonard Feather and Stan Cornyn to the comprehensive insights of Dan Morgenstern and Cheryl Pawelski, the winners of this award have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Key Takeaways:

Grammy Award for Best Album Notes – Winners and Nominees (1964-1979)

Over the years, the Grammy Awards have recognized the importance of exceptional album notes, often referred to as liner notes. The Grammy Award for Best Album Notes, introduced in 1964, celebrates the individuals responsible for writing these insightful and informative pieces that provide valuable context and background to the music.

Let’s take a look at the winners and nominees for the Grammy Award for Best Album Notes from 1964 to 1979:

  • 1964: Leonard Feather and Stanley Dance won for “The Ellington Era” performed by Duke Ellington.
  • 1965: Stanton Catlin and Carleton Beals won for “Mexico (Legacy Collection)” performed by Carlos Chávez.
  • 1966: Stan Cornyn won for “September of My Years” performed by Frank Sinatra.
  • 1967: Stan Cornyn won for “Sinatra at the Sands” performed by Frank Sinatra.
  • 1968: John D. Loudermilk won for “Suburban Attitudes in Country Verse” performed by John D. Loudermilk.
  • 1969: Johnny Cash won for “At Folsom Prison” performed by Johnny Cash.
  • 1970: Johnny Cash won for “Nashville Skyline” performed by Bob Dylan.
  • 1971: Chris Albertson won for “The World’s Greatest Blues Singer” performed by Bessie Smith.
  • 1972: Sam Samudio won for “Sam, Hard and Heavy” performed by Sam the Sham.
  • 1973: Tom T. Hall won for “Tom T. Hall’s Greatest Hits” performed by Tom T. Hall.
  • 1974: Dan Morgenstern won for “God Is in the House” performed by Art Tatum.
  • 1975: Charles R. Townsend won for “For the Last Time” performed by Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys.
  • 1976: Pete Hamill won for “Blood on the Tracks” performed by Bob Dylan.
  • These talented individuals have contributed to the rich history of Grammy Award-winning album notes, providing music lovers with valuable insights and appreciation for the artistry behind the songs.

    grammy Best Album Notes

    Grammy Award for Best Album Notes – Winners and Nominees (1980-1999)

    Let’s take a look at the winners and nominees of the Grammy Award for Best Album Notes from 1980 to 1999. This award honors exceptional album notes that accompany musical recordings. These notes provide valuable insights, stories, and context to enhance the listener’s experience.

    YearWinnerAlbumPerformed By
    1980Dan MorgensternThe Changing Face of Harlem: Savoy SessionsVarious Artists
    1981Chris AlbertsonCrossroadsEric Clapton
    1982Orrin KeepnewsThe Complete 1957 Riverside RecordingsThelonious Monk
    1983Alan Dell, Ethel Gabriel, and Don WardellThe Tommy Dorsey/Frank Sinatra SessionsTommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra
    1984Stanley Walker and Allan StecklerThe Greatest Recordings of Arturo Toscanini – Symphonies, Vol. IArturo Toscanini
    1985J.R. TaylorBig Band JazzVarious Artists
    1986John PfeifferRCA/Met—100 Singers—100 YearsVarious Artists
    1987Bob Porter and Aziz GokselAtlantic Rhythm and Blues 1947–1974, Vols. 1–7Various Artists
    1988Orrin KeepnewsThelonious Monk: The Complete Riverside RecordingsThelonious Monk
    1989Bill LevensonCrossroadsEric Clapton
    1990Andy McKaieThe Chess BoxChuck Berry
    1991Lawrence Cohn and Stephen LavereRobert Johnson: The Complete RecordingsRobert Johnson
    1992Steven Lasker and Andy McKaieBillie Holiday, The Complete Decca RecordingsBillie Holiday
    1993Bill LevensonCrossroadsEric Clapton
    1994Bob Belden, Todd Coolman, and Michael CuscunaMiles Davis Quintet 1965-1968The Miles Davis Quintet
    1995Dan Morgenstern and Loren SchoenbergLouis Armstrong: Portrait of the Artists as a Young Man, 1923-1934Louis Armstrong
    1996Bob Belden, John F. Szwed, and Michael LangThe Complete Columbia Recordings of Woody Herman and His Orchestra & Woodchoppers (1945-1947)Woody Herman and His Orchestra
    1997Michael BrooksThe Lester Young Story, Vol. 3Lester Young
    1998John Fahey, Luis Kemnitzer, and Jon PankakeAnthology of American Folk MusicVarious Artists
    1999Bob Belden, Todd Coolman, and Michael CuscunaMiles Davis & Gil Evans: The Complete Columbia Studio RecordingsMiles Davis and Gil Evans

    The Grammy Award for Best Album Notes recognized outstanding contributors in crafting album notes that add depth and meaning to the music they accompany. These notable winners and nominees have left an indelible mark in the realm of album notes, enriching our understanding and appreciation of the artists and their work.

    Section 4 of this article will cover the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album from 2000 to 2010, so stay tuned!

    Grammy Award for Best Album Notes – Winners and Nominees (2000-2010)

    Here is a list of the winners and nominees for the Grammy Award for Best Album Notes from 2000 to 2010:

  • 2000: Bob Blumenthal won for “The Classic Quartet: The Complete Impulse! Recordings” performed by John Coltrane.

  • 2001: Bob Blumenthal won for “The Complete Columbia Recordings 1955-1961” performed by Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

  • 2002: Walter Mosley and Elijah Wald won for “…And It’s Deep Too! The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings (1968-1992)” performed by Richard Pryor.

  • 2003: David Evans won for “Screamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues: The Worlds of Charley Patton” performed by Charlie Patton.

  • 2004: Tom Piazza won for “Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: A Musical Journey” performed by Various Artists.

  • 2005: Loren Schoenberg won for “The Complete Columbia Recordings of Woody Herman and His Orchestra & Woodchoppers (1945-1947)” performed by Woody Herman and His Orchestra.

  • 2006: Alan Lomax and John Szwed won for “The Complete Library of Congress Recordings” performed by Jelly Roll Morton.

  • 2007: Dan Morgenstern won for “If You Got To Ask, You Ain’t Got It!” performed by Fats Waller.

  • 2008: Bruce Nemerov won for “John Work, III: Recording Black Culture” performed by Various Artists.

  • 2009: Alan Lomax and John Szwed won for “The Complete Library of Congress Recordings” performed by Jelly Roll Morton.

  • 2010: Tim Brooks, Gary Galo, and Steve Smolian won for “Take Me to the Water: Immersion Baptism in Vintage Music and Photography 1890-1950” performed by Various Artists.

  • grammy Best Album Notes

    This image showcases the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Album Notes.

    Grammy Award for Best Album Notes – Winners and Nominees (2011-2021)

    Here are the winners and nominees for the Grammy Award for Best Album Notes from 2011 to 2021:

    YearWinnerAlbumPerformed by
    2011Neil TesserSophisticated GiantDexter Gordon
    2012Billy VeraPeople Get Ready: The Curtis Mayfield StoryCurtis Mayfield
    2013David Sager, Steve Berkowitz, and Brian KehewThe Smile Sessions (Deluxe Box Set)The Beach Boys
    2014Ashley KahnAfro Blue Impressions (Remastered & Expanded)John Coltrane
    2015Sean WilentzThe Rise & Fall of Paramount Records, Volume One (1917-1927)Various Artists
    2016Joni MitchellLove Has Many Faces: A Quartet, A Ballet, Waiting to Be DancedJoni Mitchell
    2017Jon SavageRolling Stones – Singles Collection: The London YearsThe Rolling Stones
    2018David CantwellBig Bend Killing: The Appalachian Ballad TraditionVarious Artists
    2019Various ArtistsVoices of Mississippi: Artists and Musicians Documented by William FerrisVarious Artists
    2020Sheryl CrowThreadsSheryl Crow
    2021David SagerDead Man’s PopThe Replacements

    grammy nominated album notes

    Grammy Award for Best Historical Album

    The Grammy Award for Best Historical Album has been presented since 1979 and recognizes achievements in audio restoration. This prestigious award acknowledges the individuals responsible for compiling and engineering the winning album. Over the years, their roles have evolved, making a significant impact on the preservation and celebration of musical heritage.

    Here are some of the winners and nominees of the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album:


    YearWinnerAlbum
    1979Michael BrooksThe Lester Young Story, Vol. 3 by Lester Young
    1980Jerry Korn and Michael BrooksBillie Holiday (Giants of Jazz) by Billie Holiday
    1981Keith HardwickSegovia – The EMI Recordings 1927–39 by Andrés Segovia

    These illustrious winners represent the dedication and expertise required to bring classic recordings back to life. Their efforts ensure that future generations can experience the music and appreciate its historical significance.

    Grammy Award for Best Historical Album

    Grammy Award for Best Historical Album – Winners and Nominees (1979-1989)

    The Grammy Award for Best Historical Album recognizes achievements in audio restoration and has been presented since 1979. This prestigious award is given to individuals who excel in compiling and engineering the winning album. Let’s take a look at the winners and nominees from 1979 to 1989:

    YearWinnerAlbumPerformed By
    1979Michael BrooksThe Lester Young Story, Vol. 3Lester Young
    1980Jerry Korn and Michael BrooksBillie Holiday (Giants of Jazz)Billie Holiday
    1981Keith HardwickSegovia – The EMI Recordings 1927-39Andrés Segovia
    1982Michael Brooks and George SpitzerHoagy Carmichael – From Stardust to Ole Buttermilk SkyHoagy Carmichael
    1983Alan Dell, Ethel Gabriel, and Don WardellThe Tommy Dorsey/Frank Sinatra Sessions Vols. 1, 2, 3Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra
    1984Stanley Walker and Allan StecklerThe Greatest Recordings of Arturo Toscanini – Symphonies, Vol. IArturo Toscanini
    1985J.R. TaylorBig Band JazzVarious Artists
    1986John PfeifferRCA/Met—100 Singers—100 YearsVarious Artists
    1987Bob Porter and Aziz GokselAtlantic Rhythm and Blues 1947–1974, Vols. 1–7Various Artists
    1988Orrin KeepnewsThelonious Monk: The Complete Riverside RecordingsThelonious Monk
    1989Bill LevensonCrossroadsEric Clapton

    These exceptional albums and the talented individuals behind them have significantly contributed to the preservation and celebration of music history.

    Grammy Award for Best Historical Album

    Grammy Award for Best Historical Album – Winners and Nominees (1990-1999)

    Here are the winners and nominees for the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album from 1990 to 1999:

    YearWinnerAlbumPerformed By
    1990Andy McKaieThe Chess BoxChuck Berry
    1991Lawrence Cohn and Stephen LavereRobert Johnson: The Complete RecordingsRobert Johnson
    1992Steven Lasker and Andy McKaieBillie Holiday, The Complete Decca RecordingsBillie Holiday
    1993Lawrence Cohn and Andy McKaieRobert Johnson – The Complete RecordingsRobert Johnson
    1994Keith Olsen and Stacey BoyleThe Complete Billie Holliday on Verve 1945-1959Billie Holiday
    1995Allen R. Klein, Bill Levenson, and Michael BrovskyCrossroadsEric Clapton
    1996Russ Titelman, Joel Selvin, and Leroy MarinellMusic from The Motion Picture ‘Grace of My Heart’Various Artists
    1997Andrew SandovalWhere the Action Is! Los Angeles Nuggets 1965-1968Various Artists
    1998Rob Bowman, Jeff Tarragoini, and Bill DahlThe Complete Stax/Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975Various Artists
    1999William FerrisVoices of Mississippi: Artists and Musicians Documented by William FerrisVarious Artists

    Congratulations to all the winners and nominees during the 1990s! These albums showcased the rich musical history and the talent of the artists who made significant contributions to the industry.

    Grammy Best Historical Album

    Grammy Award for Best Historical Album – Winners and Nominees (2000-2010)

    Here is a list of the winners and nominees for the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album from 2000 to 2010:

    YearWinnersNominees
    2000David Hinckley and Skip Miller“Jelly Roll Morton – The Complete Library of Congress Recordings by Alan Lomax” performed by Jelly Roll Morton
    2001Tom Piazza“Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: A Musical Journey” performed by Various Artists
    2002Michael Cuscuna“Miles Davis Quintet 1965–1968” performed by the Miles Davis Quintet
    2003Dan Morgenstern“Lady Day: The Complete Billie Holiday on Columbia (1933-1944)” performed by Billie Holiday
    2004Bob Belden and Andy Mansfield“What It Is!: Funky Soul and Rare Grooves (1967-1977)” performed by Various Artists
    2005Steve Berkowitz, Alex Gibney, and Andy McKaie“Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: A Musical Journey” performed by Various Artists
    2006Michael Gray and Cheryl Pawelski“Lost Sounds: Blacks and the Birth of the Recording Industry 1891-1922” performed by Various Artists
    2007Lawrence Azerrad and Brian J. Ames“The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 6: 1966” performed by Various Artists
    2008Colin Escott and Cheryl Pawelski“Elvis Presley – The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Complete 50’s Masters” performed by Elvis Presley
    2009Reuben Cohen, Peter Moore, and Cheryl Pawelski“Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers” performed by Various Artists
    2010Michael Gray, Meagan Hennessey, and Cheryl Pawelski“The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967)” performed by Little Walter

    grammy nominated album notes

    Grammy Award for Best Historical Album – Winners and Nominees (2011-2021)

    Here are the winners and nominees for the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album from 2011 to 2021:

  • 2011: Daniel Richard and Daniel Goldmark won for “Syl Johnson: The Complete Mythology” performed by Syl Johnson.
  • 2012: Bob Dylan and Steve Berkowitz won for “The Genuine Bootleg Series, Vol. 8” performed by Bob Dylan.
  • 2013: Scott Billington and Michael Graves won for “Screamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues: The Worlds of Charley Patton” performed by Charley Patton.
  • 2014: Colin Escott, Cheryl Pawelski, and John Strohm won for “Hear Me Howling!: Blues, Ballads & Beyond As Recorded by the San Francisco Bay” performed by Various Artists.
  • 2015: Steve Berkowitz, Jan Haust, and Jeff Rosen won for “The Rise & Fall of Paramount Records, Volume One (1917-1927)” performed by Various Artists.
  • 2016: Steve Berkowitz, Jan Haust, and Jeff Rosen won for “Freedom Highway Complete: Recorded Live at Chicago’s New Nazareth Church” performed by Various Artists.
  • 2017: Steve Berkowitz, Michael Graves, and Richard Martin won for “Bob Dylan: The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12” performed by Bob Dylan.
  • 2018: Alan Elliott, Brooks Arthur, and Cheryl Pawelski won for “The Girl from Chickasaw County – The Complete Capitol Masters” performed by Bobbie Gentry.
  • 2019: Sarah Dodds, Richard Dodd, and Cheryl Pawelski won for “Voices of Mississippi: Artists and Musicians Documented by William Ferris” performed by Various Artists.
  • 2020: April Ledbetter and Steven Lance Ledbetter won for “Pete Seeger: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection” performed by Pete Seeger.
  • 2021: Cheryl Pawelski, Steve Rosenthal, and Andrew Sandoval won for “It’s Such a Good Feeling: The Best of Mister Rogers” performed by Fred Rogers.
  • grammy Best Album Notes

    YearWinnersAlbumPerformed By
    2011Daniel Richard and Daniel GoldmarkSyl Johnson: The Complete MythologySyl Johnson
    2012Bob Dylan and Steve BerkowitzThe Genuine Bootleg Series, Vol. 8Bob Dylan
    2013Scott Billington and Michael GravesScreamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues: The Worlds of Charley PattonCharley Patton
    2014Colin Escott, Cheryl Pawelski, and John StrohmHear Me Howling!: Blues, Ballads & Beyond As Recorded by the San Francisco BayVarious Artists
    2015Steve Berkowitz, Jan Haust, and Jeff RosenThe Rise & Fall of Paramount Records, Volume One (1917-1927)Various Artists
    2016Steve Berkowitz, Jan Haust, and Jeff RosenFreedom Highway Complete: Recorded Live at Chicago’s New Nazareth ChurchVarious Artists
    2017Steve Berkowitz, Michael Graves, and Richard MartinBob Dylan: The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12Bob Dylan
    2018Alan Elliott, Brooks Arthur, and Cheryl PawelskiThe Girl from Chickasaw County – The Complete Capitol MastersBobbie Gentry
    2019Sarah Dodds, Richard Dodd, and Cheryl PawelskiVoices of Mississippi: Artists and Musicians Documented by William FerrisVarious Artists
    2020April Ledbetter and Steven Lance LedbetterPete Seeger: The Smithsonian Folkways CollectionPete Seeger
    2021Cheryl Pawelski, Steve Rosenthal, and Andrew SandovalIt’s Such a Good Feeling: The Best of Mister RogersFred Rogers

    Grammy Award for Best Historical Album – Current Holders and Website

    As of 2023, the current holder of the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album is Cheryl Pawelski, Jeff Tweedy, and Bob Ludwig for “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition)”. The album showcases exceptional historical significance and preservation of music. It is a testament to the dedication and expertise of Pawelski, Tweedy, and Ludwig in curating and remastering this iconic record.

    The Grammy Awards celebrate the finest achievements in the music industry, recognizing artists, producers, engineers, and professionals for their exceptional contributions. The Best Historical Album category specifically honors individuals responsible for compiling and engineering albums that delve into the rich history of recorded music.

    For more information about the Grammy Awards and to explore the wide range of categories and nominees, visit the official website grammy.com. Discover the allure of the Best Album Notes, uncover the stories behind the music, and celebrate the remarkable talent that has shaped the landscape of the industry.

    FAQ

    What is the Grammy Award for Best Album Notes?

    The Grammy Award for Best Album Notes is an award presented annually since 1964. It recognizes albums with excellent album notes, also known as liner notes. The award is given to the author or authors of the album notes.

    When did the Grammy Awards for Best Album Notes begin?

    The Grammy Awards for Best Album Notes began in 1964.

    Are there different categories for Best Album Notes?

    From 1973 to 1976, a second award was presented for Best Album Notes – Classical.

    Who won the Grammy Award for Best Album Notes in 1964?

    Leonard Feather and Stanley Dance won for “The Ellington Era” performed by Duke Ellington.

    Who won the Grammy Award for Best Album Notes in 2021?

    David Sager won for “Dead Man’s Pop” performed by The Replacements.

    What is the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album?

    The Grammy Award for Best Historical Album is an award presented annually since 1979. It recognizes achievements in audio restoration. The award is given to individuals responsible for compiling and engineering the winning album.

    Who won the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album in 1989?

    Bill Levenson won for “Crossroads” performed by Eric Clapton.

    Who won the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album in 2021?

    Cheryl Pawelski, Steve Rosenthal, and Andrew Sandoval won for “It’s Such a Good Feeling: The Best of Mister Rogers” performed by Fred Rogers.

    Who is the current holder of the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album?

    As of 2023, Cheryl Pawelski, Jeff Tweedy, and Bob Ludwig are the current holders of the Grammy Award for Best Historical Album for “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition)”.

    Where can I find more information about the Grammy Awards?

    You can find more information about the Grammy Awards on the official website grammy.com.

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