2026 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala: A Night of Musical Excellence and Tribute
The upcoming 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala is set to take place at the Beverly Hilton on Friday evening, featuring Norah Jones receiving the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award and a special appearance by Janet Jackson. The event, presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum, will honor 14 newly inducted recordings, including works by 2Pac, Radiohead, Selena, Funkadelic, Heart, and Lucinda Williams. Jackson's appearance is in celebration of her album "Rhythm Nation 1814" being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, while Jones' appearance pays tribute to her musical influence, Ray Charles.
The gala will feature performances by Erykah Badu, George Clinton, Josh Groban, Lucinda Williams, Teddy Swims, Take 6, and Heart founders Ann and Nancy Wilson. The lineup includes Fyütch and Aura V performing Ella Jenkins' "You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song," Clinton, Funkadelic guitarist Blackbyrd McKnight, and Badu saluting Funkadelic's "Maggot Brain," and the Wilsons performing selections from "Dreamboat Annie." Williams will perform songs from "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road," and Take 6 will perform The Soul Stirrers' "Jesus Gave Me Water." Taylor Hanson is set to perform a tribute to Nick Drake's "Pink Moon," and a tribute honoring Warner Records with the Visionary of Music Award will feature Groban, Swims, and Jones.
The gala will celebrate the induction of 14 recordings into the Grammy Hall of Fame this year, including albums and songs by Alice Coltrane, Eric B. & Rakim, Janet Jackson, Selena, and The Soul Stirrers. An online auction tied to the event is ongoing, featuring guitars signed by artists like Charli xcx, ROSÉ, and Sabrina Carpenter, as well as platinum tickets to the 2027 Grammy Awards. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Grammy Museum. The event will be hosted by journalist Anthony Mason.
The Grammy Hall of Fame, established in 1973 by the Recording Academy's National Trustees, recognizes recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance. The gala promises to be a memorable evening celebrating the rich musical heritage of the inducted recordings and the artists who have made a lasting impact on the music industry.