MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Several Memphis and Mid-South artists will spend their Monday night in Los Angeles hoping to hear their name called as a winner at the Grammy awards.
Royal Studio co-owner and producer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell is nominated for a Grammy for the Memphis-recorded Mark Ronson song called “Uptown Funk” featuring Bruno Mars. “Uptown Funk” is up for three Grammys, including Record of the Year.
Bruno Mars performed the smash hit during last Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime performance, along with Beyonce, Coldplay and Memphis musician Kameron Whalum, who’s a member of Mars’ band.
Memphis saxophonist Kirk Whalum is nominated for his album “The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter IV” in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category.
Whalum has recorded or performed with top artists like Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones and, most notably, Whitney Houston, as well as many others. His sax is featured on the mega-hit “I Will Always Love You.”
Holly Springs, Mississippi’s The Cedric Burnside Project is up for Best Blues Album for “Descendants Of Hill Country.” The grandson of legendary R.L. Burnside and son of drummer Calvin Jackson, Cedric Burnside has been playing music all his life. He’s a four-time winner of the prestigious Blues Music Awards Drummer of the Year (2010-2014).
Other nominees with Memphis ties include Stax Records alum Mavis Staples of the Staple Singers fame, nominated for for Best American Roots Performance, and hip hop artist and singer Drake. Drake spent his summers in Memphis living with his father and musician Dennis Graham and making several visits to Royal Studios through the years. Drake is up for five Grammys.
The 58th Grammy awards will air Monday at 7 p.m. on CBS and WREG News Channel 3.