GRAMMYs to Honor Elton John in “I’m Still Standing: GRAMMY Salute”
Elton John will be this year’s Recording Academy’s post-GRAMMY Awards honoree, following in the footsteps of The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and the Bee Gees.
“I’m Still Standing: A GRAMMY Salute” will take place on January 30, two days after the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, in the Theatre at Madison Square Garden, with Coldplay‘s Chris Martin, Keith Urban, John Legend, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert — so far — slated to perform, as well as John himself A broadcast date for the special will be announced soon.
In a statement, Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow says that,
“Sir Elton John is an international music legend who has captivated audiences across generations for more than five decades. His creativity, dynamic presence and melodic virtuosity have positioned him as a cultural icon, and the Recording Academy is pleased to honor his immeasurable contributions to the music community.”
“I’m Still Standing” producer Ken Ehrlich added that,
“Elton John is an undeniable force within the music industry, and I can’t think of a better musician to honor at this special Grammy salute. We’re proud to pay tribute to his artistry and can’t wait to see what the participating musicians have in store for this momentous celebration of Elton’s work.”
John won his first GRAMMY in 1987 as part of the all-star “That’s What Friends Are For” AIDS benefit song. He’s won five total, the most recent in 2001, Best Musical Show Album for “Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida.”
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.
