Did the Grammy Awards Neglect Etta James' and Don Cornelius' Deaths?
Many viewers of last night's Grammy Awards feel that the show ignored the deaths of "Soul Train" host Don Cornelius and blues music legend Etta James after they were missing from the "In Memoriam" segment of the show.
"Can't believe Etta James and Don Cornelius weren't in the Memorium," Music writer Toure tweeted on Sunday.
Host LL Cool J made a mention of Cornelius as he introduced a performance by the Foo Fighters and Deadmau5. But James and Cornelius' photos were excluded from the "In Memoriam" segment of the show, while Apple founder Steve Jobs appeared in the section with a "digital music pioneer," caption, as well as the inventor of the album cover, Alex Steinwess.
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The Grammy Award Show released a statement, clarifying that they did in fact show their respects to the music icons.
"Re: Etta James tribute was by Bonnie Raitt & @AliciaKeys at the top of the telecast & @Questlove gave special attn to Don Cornelius," a message posted on the Grammys' official Twitter account read Sunday night.
Singers Bonnie and Alicia Keys performed a tribute to Etta James at the head of the show, but a mention of James and Cornelius was totally absent in the memoriam, infuriating his fans and viewers of the show.
"I'm glad Etta got a tribute from Alicia but she still should've gotten a picture in the Memorium. It's just a picture," Toure added.
Etta James lost to leukemia last month after she battled the disease for years. The "At Last" singer also suffered from drug addiction and dementia.
Don Cornelius was found shot dead in his California home from an apparent suicide earlier this month. The television host began the now-legendary music show "Soul Train," changing the scope of music television forever.
"Take it from me here and my man Questlove, if you were standing next to THE Don Cornelius, you were definitely on the hippest trip in America. Don Cornelius was the conductor of 'Soul Train' and thanks to him a lot of [people] learned about the meaning of soul and also how to dance. Don, peace, love and soul," LL Cool J said.
