Here’s the Grammy Special Merit show that aired last night on PBS, which did everything it could to bury it.
But the performances are amazing, and Jimmy Jam Harris did yeoman working hosting it. David Wild wrote a great script.
At 48:00, Greg Phillinganes introduces 85 year old Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, who kills it singing his hits written by honoree Isaac Hayes. Stunning. Like Gladys Knight, Moore has retained all of his voice. He’s not only pitch perfect, but he has rare textures in that voice that have aged like a fine wine. Remarkable stuff here. This is an artist of lifelong talent at work.
Elsewhere, you’ll see Cyndi Lauper, Chris Isaak, Philip Bailey of Earth Wind & Fire, Cynthia Erivo with a soaring Leslie Odom Jr. and many more. A beautifully produced show that got ZERO promotion. What can you do at this point? Watch it now. It will make you feel better. The whole last half hour is devoted to John Prine, and it’s captivating.
