Report questions GRAMMY award

FROM THE ARCHIVE

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JULY 5, 2000

A report quoting Erin Bello, founder of the Native American Music Association, the group responsible for the annual NAMMYs, questions the new GRAMMY award for Native American music.

In the report, Bello, who lobbied heavily for the award says she had a conversation with a GRAMMY official who wanted to know who would be eligible for the award.

"[The GRAMMY official] wanted to know, was she correct in assuming that (Indigenous) would not qualify based on the description of the category. And I said, ‘Absolutely," the report says.

The debate seems to center around the way the category has been described. A press release issued by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences on June 6, 2000 states "the addition of 'Best Native American Music Album' in the Folk Field creates a unique slot where traditional Native American music can be represented and celebrated."

In June, Indianz.Com reported on the new award. Concerned that contemporary artists like Indigenous would not be represented, we asked Adam Sandler of the National Recording Arts and Sciences to clarify the statement.

Sandler said the award is not limited to traditional artists. He said the word "traditional" was not meant to be used to differentiate between the two categories of music.

"There is a good cross section of the diversity of artists and music," Sandler told Indianz.Com, recognizing the difference between the various types and music within the genre

The trade industry magazine Billboard will publish their yearly insert on Native American music in their July 15 edition. Several artists will be featured, including Lumbee singer Jana, whose single "Ooh Baby Baby" is gaining national attention, and Santa Fe, New Mexico resident Star Nayea, one of Indian Country's favorite female performers.

Get the Story:
Who's Eligible For 'Best Native American Music Album' Grammy? (The New London Day 7/4)

Related Stories:
GRAMMYs to honor Native music (Arts and Entertainment 6/7)
Indigenous brings down the house (Arts and Entertainment 5/26)

Relevant Links:
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS): www.grammy.com
The Native American Music Awards: www.nativeamericanmusic.com
Billboard Magazine: www.billboard.com