Santana Dominates At The Grammys
Guitar legend Carlos Santana dominated the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards, taking home a record-tying eight trophies for his six-million-selling album "Supernatural." Though more than three decades have passed since Santana gained national attention at Woodstock, he had won only one Grammy--1988's Best Rock Instrumental Category for "Blues for Salvador"--before last night (2/23).
Santana's other awards came in the Pop Duo or Group with Vocal, Pop Instrumental Performance, Rock Duo or Group with Vocal, and Rock Instrumental Performance categories. "Supernatural" got the Grammy nod in the Album Of The Year and Rock Album categories.
The album's breakout track, "Smooth," which featured Matchbox 20's Rob Thomas on vocals, won Record Of The Year and Pop Collaboration with Vocals, and "Smooth" songwriters Thomas and Itaal Shur took home the Song Of The Year award.
The 52-year-old Santana shares with Michael Jackson (who won eight awards in 1983) the record for the most Grammy wins in a single year. (Since Santana didn't have a hand in writing "Smooth," he didn't take home a ninth award.)
Santana's comeback was orchestrated with the help of embattled Arista Records' head Clive Davis, who first signed him to Columbia Records in 1969. "Supernatural" was Santana's first album for Arista, and Davis is credited for teaming Santana with young artists like Thomas and Everlast, as well as veterans like Eric Clapton.
Teen pop star Christina Aguilera got the nod over Britney Spears in the best new artist category, despite the fact that Spears' debut album is the best-selling ever by a teen. And despite their enormous sales, boy groups Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync went home without Grammys.
Sting got honors in the Pop Album category for "Brand New Day," and TLC 's "Fanmail" won for Best R&B Album. Eminem's debut LP, "My Name Is," got the nod as best Rap Album. Beck's "Mutations" won in the Alternative Performance Category, and the Dixie Chicks ' "Fly" won the trophy in the Country Album category.
Sting, TLC, Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Barry White, and Eminem took home two trophies apiece.
Cher took home her first Grammy ever for the track "Believe." The song, which was honored in the Dance Recording category, is the biggest single of her career.
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards to Harry Belafonte, Woody Guthrie, John Lee Hooker, Mitch Miller and Willie Nelson.
Clive Davis and 1960s "wall of sound" innovator Phil Spector, received Trustees Awards.
Just 10 Grammys were doled out during the televised portion of the ceremonies, which were hosted by Rosie O'Donnell. More than 80 other Grammys were awarded during ceremonies held earlier in the day. The Staples Center in Los Angeles hosted the ceremonies for the first time.
A complete list of Grammy Winners follows.
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