It’s the end of an era at the Grammy awards. Executive producer Ken Ehrlich will wind up his 40 year run with the show this January. Beginning in 2021, the EP will be Ben Winston, who has also been EP for James Corden’s late night talk show.
Ehrlich’s retirement was expected, as the Grammys and NARAS are going through a big change this year. Neil Portnow is stepping down from running the whole organization next month. Deborah Dugan of the organization (RED) is succeeding him.
Ehrlich worked for the famous producer Pierre Cossette for years, eventually taking over and forming his own company, AEG/Erhlich Productions. He is indefatigable when it comes to batting home runs, one after another. This past winter he not only produced the Emmy-nominated Grammy show but also CBS specials honoring Aretha Franklin and Motown.
Winston is a six-time Emmy Award winner and a 22-time nominee, he has produced a multitude of shows including “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” co-created “Carpool Karaoke,” and “Drop The Mic” and has produced many music specials for artists such as Bruno Mars, Sam Smith, Harry Styles, Justin Bieber to name a few.
Winston will face the ever growing challenge of bringing ratings to the Grammys while sticking with actual talent. Ironically, Ehrlich’s last show will likely be all about Lil Nas X, “Old Town Road,” and maybe getting an Album of the Year award for Bruce Springsteen. That would be his crowning glory.
