THE GRAMMYS KICK OFF YEAR LONG 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Quincy Jones and Joss Stone kicked off the year long 50th Anniversary of The Grammy’s and they also announced the MusiCares person of the year for 2008.

The Grammys kicked off their 50th Anniversary year long celebration on May 8th, 2007 and The Recording Academy President Neil Portnow, legendary composer, producer and musician Quincy Jones and multi platinum recording artist and two time Grammy Winner Joss Stone all showed up for the event outlining a tremendous Grammy Year to come. The Grammy Event, which took place at The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California started off with Joss Stone receiving her Grammy Award for Best Vocal Collaboration by a duo or group for her rendition with John Legend and Van Hunt, of Sly and The Family Stones classic hit ‘Family Affair.’ The legendary Quincy Jones, who has won an astonishing 27 Grammy Awards was then introduced as the 50th Anniversary Grammy Ambassador and he promptly named Aretha Franklin as the 2008 MusiCares person of the Year. Jones, who has been a driving force behind the Recording Academy since it’s inception has seen The Grammy Awards grow from a National Televised event in America into the biggest musical Awards show in the world.

We caught up with Quincy Jones to discuss how honored he is to be the 50th Anniversary Grammy Ambassador and how much he’s seen the Grammy’s grow.

“It’s an honor, it really is. To see something grow to this size is amazing. That’s what I enjoy most, is seeing a vision come to fruition. That’s my favorite thing. Whether it’s artists or projects or whatever. Especially when people don’t expect it.”

We also talked with Quincy Jones, who will be turning 75 this year to find out how he feels to be apart of The Grammy’s once again.

“They (The Grammys) have a lot of work for me, I tell you that. I haven’t even wanted to hear it yet. Neil Portnow said he’s going to lay it on me later. But whatever it is, it’s ok. They call it a Diamond Anniversary next year. That means seventy-five.”

With so many incredible Grammy moments in the past 50 years, we caught up with Joss Stone after the press conference to find out her favorite Grammy moment, which was her instant classic duet of Janis Joplin’s ‘Take a Piece of My Heart’ with Melissa Etheridge.

“Melissa Etherdige, singing with her. I’ve listened to her since I was born. You know like me mom got her CD when I was really young, so I know all of her songs and I know her voice like the back of my hand and I love also the music on her records it’s like slamming like really really bad. So, when I sang with her one it’s nice to sing with her because that’s like a moment because I come from back in Devon (England) listening to her over and over again and now I’m on a stage singing with her. Like how did that happen? So, that’s kind of strange but a beautiful thing. But then also to speak with her and to actually listen to her point of view. I understand she really is a beautiful spirit. She’s a very kind and warm person, so yeah that was nice.”

The Grammys also announced that Roy Feinson will be the official Grammy poster artist for the 50th Anniversary and the year-long celebration will include The Grammy Museum launch, a retrospective coffee table book and an upcoming Grammy Brand fashion line. The Grammy Awards will take place February 10th, 2008 in Los Angeles, Ca.