2025 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala: Celebrating Timeless Music and Honoring Republic Records
The 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, was a night of celebration and recognition for some of music history's most iconic recordings. From Cat Stevens' Tea for the Tillerman to Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt and Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine's "Conga," the event honored the enduring legacy of influential albums and singles.
But the gala was more than just a retrospective. It also shone a spotlight on the continuing evolution of music and the industry titans who shape it. This year, Republic Records, home to some of the biggest names in music today, was honored as the label honoree.
John Mellencamp, known for his heartland rock anthems, delivered a memorable tribute to Republic Records. Before launching into his classic hit "Small Town," Mellencamp quipped about avoiding political commentary, eliciting cheers from the audience. He also performed "Longest Days" and "Jack and Diane," showcasing his enduring appeal. Conan Gray, a rising star on the Republic roster, warmed up the crowd with his hit “Heather.”
The evening's performances were as diverse as the honorees themselves. Ledisi kicked off the night with a powerful rendition of “How I Got Over,” while Leslie Odom Jr. paid homage to Luther Vandross. Emmylou Harris, a 13-time GRAMMY winner, reunited with producer Daniel Lanois and drummer Brian Blade for a rare performance of songs from her groundbreaking album, Wrecking Ball. Speaking about the album that “It was a huge turning point, because it was a sea of change that inspired me in a lot of ways that I still feel I'm carrying on from it 30 years later.”
It wasn't just contemporary artists honoring the classics. Eddie Floyd took the stage to perform "Knock on Wood" alongside Big Star's Jody Stephens, bridging generations of music. And while Carlos Santana was absent, his spirit was present as his wife, drummer Cindy Blackman, teamed with Santana collaborator Andy Vargas and guitarist Orianthi, to deliver an energetic rendition of "Smooth.”
Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles offered her take on Cat Stevens’ “Wild World,” a song that still resonates deeply today. Gloria Estefan received the honor for "Conga" personally, recalling the song's origins on a plane journey. Latin Grammy nominee Leslie Grace honored Estefan by performing the song in what became a truly memorable moment for all in attendance.
One of the night's most poignant moments came with Jon Batiste's soulful cover of Ray Charles' "Georgia on My Mind." Batiste, the inaugural recipient of the Ray Charles Architect of Sound award, earned a standing ovation for his performance.
The inductions spanned various genres and eras, highlighting the diverse tapestry of American music heritage. These additions to the GRAMMY Hall of Fame included:
- Big Star - '#1 Record'
- Linda Martell - "Color Him Father"
- Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine - "Conga"
- Clara Ward - "How I Got Over"
- J.D. Crowe and the New South - 'J.D. Crowe And The New South'
- Eddie Floyd - "Knock on Wood"
- Geeshie Wiley - "Last Kind Words Blues"
- Luther Vandross - 'Never Too Much'
- Jay-Z - 'Reasonable Doubt'
- Santana - 'Supernatural'
- Cat Stevens - 'Tea for the Tillerman'
- Emmylou Harris - 'Wrecking Ball'
- Fela Kuti & Afrika 70 - 'Zombie'
The Lipman brothers of Republic Records, during their acceptance speech, recalled their humble beginnings and expressed gratitude for the artists who chose to entrust them with their careers and dreams.
The 2025 GRAMMY Hall of Fame Gala served as a reminder of the power of music to transcend generations and the vital role of record labels in nurturing and promoting artistic vision. What timeless recordings would you like to see honored at future galas? Share your thoughts in the comments below!