Facebook Twitter Email
JANUARY 4, 2000

The nominees for the 43rd annual GRAMMY awards were announced on Wednesday and for the first time, Native American artists have their own category.

"Justice has been served," said Tom Bee, founder and owner of the Sound of America Record (SOAR) label, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "Its a very good time for Native Americans in the music industry."

The good times, however, have been long in the making -- about ten years, said Bee. The seasoned musician and recording industry veteran was among several who campaigned heavily over the past decade for the creation of a category to recognize Native artists and their work.

In June, their hard work finally paid off. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the group responsible for the GRAMMYs, announced the creation of the new category, focused on traditional Native musicians.

But while it took some time for the GRAMMYs to come around, Bee on Wednesday said he was happy with the nominees for the "Best Native American Music Album" category. No doubt Bee was pleased with the inclusion of SOAR's own Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow soundtrack, recorded at the popular Albuquerque event.

Come February, it will face some strong competition from the other nominees. Included are pow-wow favorites, The Black Lodge Singers, nominated for Tribute to the Elders. Reknowned Oneida songstress Joanne Shenandoah, fresh off her appearance and wins at the third annual Native American Music Awards in November, also graces the category with Peacemaker's Journey.

Rounding out the group are Veterans Songs, by Lakota Thunder, and and Joseph Fire Crow, nominated for Cheyenne Nation. All five nominees were released between October 1, 1999, and September 30, 2000.

A special steering committee participated in the nominating process, ensuring the authenticity of awardees. Bee himself served on the committee and said over 100 submissions were considered.

At least one other category, however, has a Native presence. "In a Distant Place," featuring Navajo flutist R. Carlos Nakai and three others, has been received a nod in the "Best New Age Album" category.

The GRAMMY awards ceremony will take place February 21, in Los Angeles, California. It will be televised on CBS.

Get a list of other nominees:
Complete Nominee List (NARAS 1/3)

Relevant Links:
The Grammys - www.grammy.com
Sound of America - www.soundofamerica.com
Joanne Shenandoah - www.joanneshenandoah.com

Related Stories:
Stars shine at NAMMYs (Arts and Entertainment 11/13)
Latin GRAMMY awards air tonight(Arts and Entertaiment 9/13)
GRAMMYs to honor Native music (Arts and Entertaiment 6/7)