(Taking place Aug. 10–16, Elvis Week is an annual gathering of friends and fans from around the world designed to celebrate the life and career of Elvis Presley. For more information, visit www.elvisweek.com.)

There's an old axiom, mostly true, that we only remember the winners. What does that have to do with Elvis Presley? Well, when it comes to the GRAMMY Awards, some people seem to think the King was forsaken by music's biggest prize. Not so. Elvis earned 14 GRAMMY nominations. And while his three wins were for gospel recordings, those were very highly regarded recordings.

Also weighing in to Elvis' GRAMMY history is the fact that by the GRAMMYs' launch in 1959, Elvis had arguably already produced his most groundbreaking music, most notably all the great Sun Records recordings during which Elvis virtually invented rock and roll. But as we assembled our GRAMMY playlist for Elvis Week, we realized this Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient has a richer GRAMMY history than we'd come to recall, with his own nominations and wins, and those by artists who worked with the King or were influenced by him.

Elvis' GRAMMY Nominations

"A Fool Such As I"
Record Of The Year nominee, 1959

This twangy ballad was up for the big Record Of The Year GRAMMY in the show's second year, though it fell to Bobby Darin's classic "Mack The Knife." The Jordanaires provided backing vocals, and Elvis reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 with the track, originally a hit for Hank Snow.

"A Big Hunk O' Love"
Best Performance By A "Top 40" Artist; Best Rhythm & Blues Performance nominee, 1959

In this piano-driven rocker, Elvis isn't asking for much, just a big hunk o' love. Nominated in both an R&B category and the "Top 40" category — the latter long since phased out — the double nomination showed the King's versatility.

"Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
Record Of The Year; Best Vocal Performance Single Record Or Track, Male; Best Performance By A Pop Single Artist nominee, 1960

This great Elvis ballad earned three nominations, including Record Of The Year, this time getting aced out by Percy Faith's milestone instrumental "The Theme From A Summer Place." Combined with G.I. Blues (below) Elvis earned five nominations in 1960.

G.I. Blues
Best Vocal Performance Album, Male; Best Sound Track Album Or Recording Of Original Cast From A Motion Picture Or Television nominee, 1960

G.I. Blues spawned two more nods for Elvis, including one in arguably the longest titled category in GRAMMY history. In retrospect, this is not one of Elvis' landmark recordings, but he was fresh from military service and appetites for new Elvis music were more than whetted.

Blue Hawaii
Best Sound Track Album Or Recording Of Original Cast From A Motion Picture Or Television nominee, 1961

By 1961, Elvis was beginning a string of movie music that was often as trite as the movies themselves. Still, he earned a nomination for Blue Hawaii, though the album may have rightfully lost to the West Side Story soundtrack. Nevertheless, it did contain the classic ballad "Can't Help Falling In Love."

You'll Never Walk Alone
Best Sacred Performance nominee, 1968

By the mid- to late '60s, prior to his Memphis comeback, some of Elvis' most heartfelt recordings were his gospel sides. Always a fan of gospel music, and in his own way a religious man, Elvis would ultimately win three gospel GRAMMYs.

"Softly, As I Leave You"
Best Country Vocal Performance, Male nominee, 1978

Elvis' only posthumous nomination, this track earned a GRAMMY nod about a year and a half after his death, and the title may have been more than ironic. According to Elvis, it's a farewell note from a dying man to his wife. Perhaps this was Elvis' farewell note to his fans.

Elvis' GRAMMY Wins

How Great Thou Art
Best Sacred Performance, 1967

Elvis' second gospel album earned him his first GRAMMY win. Side one features solemn church music, while side two is more rollicking gospel. As with almost everything Elvis ever did, he showed the ambition, and ability, to be many things at once.

"He Touched Me"
Best Inspirational Performance, 1972

With backing from the Imperials, Elvis went for straight gospel with this gorgeous track, and continued to confound those who saw him as shocking in the '50s, and as a Las Vegas parody of himself in the '70s.

"How Great Thou Art"
Best Inspirational Performance (Non-Classical), 1974

By the mid-'70s, Elvis had proved he was one of the more compelling gospel recording artists, even while he was still having pop hits with songs such as "Moody Blue" and "Way Down."

Songs Inspired By, Songs That Mention, And Songs By Those Who Worked With Elvis

"Today, Tomorrow And Forever" (iTunes>)
Ann-Margret/Elvis Presley
Ann-Margret, Best New Artist nominee, 1961

OK, this duet didn't earn a nomination, but Ann-Margret was a Best New Artist Of 1961 contender (piano great Peter Nero took the award), and she and Elvis starred together in several movies, including Viva Las Vegas (which featured this tune on the soundtrack), and were reportedly more than just acting partners.

"Sweet Inspiration" (iTunes>) 
The Sweet Inspirations, Best Rhythm & Blues Performance By A Duo Or Group nominee, 1968

This vocal group sang backup for Elvis, most notably on his hit "Moody Blue." The gospel-inspired "Sweet Inspiration" features love song lyrics, playing out the eternal struggle between the sacred and the sinful. No doubt Elvis would have approved.

"(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" (iTunes>)
Chips Moman, Best Country Song, 1975

The great producer and owner of American Sound Studios in Memphis, Moman produced Elvis' big Memphis comeback, 1969's From Elvis In Memphis. He also co-wrote, with Larry Butler, this huge hit for singer B.J. Thomas.

Elvis' Favorite Gospel Songs
J.D. Sumner And The Stamps Quartet, Best Gospel Performance, Traditional nominee, 1978

J.D. Sumner And The Stamps sang backup for Elvis, and they returned the nod with this tribute of sorts to the King. Sumner has been called "the lowest bass singer in the world" and his vocal on E.'s 1974 hit "Way Down" comes pretty close to proving it when he ends the chorus with a note as deep as the Grand Canyon.

"Lost In The Fifties Tonight (In The Still Of The Night)" (iTunes>) 
Ronnie Milsap, Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, 1985

This country giant, who played piano on From Elvis In Memphis, longs for the '50s in this retro hit. Hmmm, just happens to be the decade that gave us Elvis.

"Graceland" (iTunes>)
Paul Simon, Record Of The Year, 1987

In Paul Simon's now-classic hit, the renowned Elvis museum Graceland is seen as some sort of saving grace, as if the King of Rock and Roll is a true savior. And maybe it's true. Music is, after all, a kind of medicine. The album of the same name also garnered Simon an Album Of The Year win in 1986.

"Walking In Memphis" (iTunes>)
Marc Cohn, Song Of The Year, Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male nominee, 1991

"Saw the ghost of Elvis/On Union Avenue/Followed him up to the gates of Graceland/ Then I watched him walk right through," sings Cohn on this ode to the Bluff City. The song was covered by another pop icon, Cher, who appears to play an Elvis look-alike in her video.

"Goin' Back To Memphis"
Scotty Moore, Best Country Instrumental Performance nominee, 1997

Moore was the guitarist on Elvis' Sun recordings and, as such, arguably invented rock and roll guitar playing. This instrumental is a nod to the great city and era that gave rise to Elvis and rock.

How are you going to celebrate Elvis Week? Leave us a comment and tell us your favorite Elvis memory.

The 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, will air live on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, Feb. 2. Watch highlights from the 2025 GRAMMYs on live.GRAMMY.com.

The 2025 GRAMMYs telecast will be reimagined to raise funds to support wildfire relief efforts and aid music professionals impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Donate to the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals.

Editor’s Note: This interview was conducted before the onset of the wildfires in Los Angeles.

Steve Cropper is still "selling energy" — putting forth what a younger generation might call blues rock "vibes" with his pals as if it were still 1970.

This ethos dates back to his time at the legendary Memphis label Stax Records, where Cropper served as a songwriter, producer, engineer and A&R. Crucially, Cropper was the guitarist in Stax's house band, Booker T. & The MGs — they of "Green Onions" fame — and backed artists including Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, and Carla Thomas. Among his many bonafides, Cropper co-wrote Redding's "(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay."

In his post-Stax years, the two-time GRAMMY winner and nine-time nominee produced and played on sessions with Jeff Beck, Jose Feliciano, John Prine, John Cougar, and Tower Of Power. He later joined Levon Helm’s RCO All-Stars group and was among the original members in Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi's Blues Brothers band. Cropper resumed his solo career in the '80s, releasing several albums, while continuing to collaborate with leading lights like Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, Elton John and Steppenwolf.

Steve Cropper has stayed true to himself for over seven decades, thanks in no small part to advice from Stax founder Jim Stewart. "He said, 'Just play yourself and if they don't like it, they'll tell you,'" Cropper tells GRAMMY.com. "So I've been playing myself all my life and it's worked out. That's pretty cool."

At the 2025 GRAMMYs, Cropper is nominated in the Best Contemporary Blues Album Category for the aptly named Friendlytown, recorded with a mix of long-time collaborators and a few newer faces, together billed as Steve Cropper & the Midnight Hour. Friendlytown's 13 tracks are familiar, digestible and straight-ahead rockin' — the kind of tunes you'd be thrilled to hear in a local dive. Featuring ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, Queen guitarist Brian May, singer Roger C Reale, and guitarist Tim Montana, Cropper co-wrote and co-produced all of Friendlytown with bassist Jon Tiven.

"Steve's guitar playing on the song 'Hurry Up Sundown' is probably some of his best solo work and rhythm work," Tiven says. "It's amazing that at this point in his career, he could still be creating some of the greatest music of his life. I think that's a wonderful testament to the strength of his talent."

Meet Me At The Friendlytown Trader Joe's

There was very little methodical music-making behind Friendlytown, which partially grew out of sessions Cropper put together for his 2021 album Fire It Up. "This record was just about a bunch of guys getting together and having some fun. It's just like, Let's have a blast and try to make the party come to the record, rather than the record come to the party," Tiven notes.

Cropper and Tiven had been working on songs for years with the hopes of finding friendly musicians to give them life. While some found homes, the duo sat on instrumentals for years — until Tiven ran into Billy Gibbons at Trader Joe's. When Tiven told the sharp-dressed man he was making a record with Steve Cropper, "He just lit up like a firecracker and said he'd like to bring us a song. I said, 'Well, it's only going on the record unless you play on it.' And he said, 'Well, that could be arranged.'"

Gibbons ended up on 11 tracks; Friendlytown marks the first time he and Cropper worked together in many years. The ZZ Top vocalist's influence is audible on the album, particularly the title track and Eliminator-esque "Lay It On Down."

In Session At Stax

While casual may be the name of Cropper's game these days, "it definitely wasn't 35, 40 years ago," he says. Back then (and largely before, as Cropper left the label in 1970), making music was "was very serious, and I don't even think the guys had a good time." With a laugh, Cropper recalls his best friend, the Stax bassist/MG Duck Dunn, pining for a world in which "Jim Stewart would've only smiled every now and then."  

While Cropper calls Stewart "the greatest guy I've ever met," the label head was known to be critical. "He knew if you fought for something, like a song, that it was a good song. And if you didn't fight for it, it wasn't worth nothing," Cropper says, chuckling. "He was right. I think about that all the time, but I don't use it. A songwriter could tell me how good a song they wrote is, but if I don't like it, I don't like it. I'm sorry!. I'm sure I've thrown away some good ones before." 

Read more: 1968: A Year Of Change For The World, Memphis & Stax Records

A young Cropper put up a couple of fights, and for good reason. He recalls stumping for Wilson Pickett's "Ninety-nine and a half": [Jim Stewart said] "You boys was out there woodsheddin’. That song ain't going to make it." Cropper pressed it, and Stewart relented. The track made the cut for Pickett's 1966 album The Exciting Wilson Pickett.

Another big Stax hit stayed on the shelf for nine months while Cropper and co. battled it out with Stax brass. "Finally Al Bell went to Jim and said, 'You got to put this record out. It's called ‘Knock on Wood.' And Jim says, 'Okay, but you got to use your own money,'" Cropper says. "He hated that record until it was a hit."

Reflecting on the hardest song he's ever played, Cropper quickly points to Sam and Dave's "Soul Man." But the 1967 smash isn't difficult for the reasons you might think: the guitarist had to balance a Zippo lighter on his leg during sessions and performances, which he used to mimic the song's opening horn line. "I always had to dance [when recording] with Sam and Dave, because they could hit a groove. A lot of guitar players don't know that I played with a Zippo lighter and I'd slide it," he recalls.

Cropper reportedly hated the sound and feel of new guitar strings — something, he says, is no longer the case in old age — and in a lip-smacking good tidbit of studio lore, explained how he managed his unique sound. "I carry a thing of ChapStick all the time and I would go up and down the strings; [that would] take about three months out of the string so it would sound like the rest of them."

Sittin' On A Legacy

After decades in the business, it seems as if Cropper – though ever a professional – doesn't take himself or the creative process too seriously. He jokingly shares a reccolation from a studio session during his Stax years: Once the session was finished, Cropper told the group "Damn, this sounds like a hit." "And Al Jackson said, 'Steve, they're all hits until they're released.' He's probably right."

One of Stax's reliable hitmakers was a close friend of Cropper's: Otis Redding. The two shared a deep musical bond and some shared history. Both musicians grew up on farms ("By the time I was 14, I was ready to leave the home. By the time I was 16, I was gone in my mind," Cropper notes) yet the guitarist describes Redding as "most streetwise person that I ever met. I think he just had it. It came natural to him."

Redding played guitar with one finger and you "never argued with Otis" — especially because he was never available for sessions for more than a day or two. Most Otis Redding albums, as a result, were compilations from different sessions.

"I remember we cut 'I Can't Turn You Loose' in 10 minutes," Cropper says. "[When we recorded] Otis Blue, we had everybody come back at 1 [a.m.] -- after they did their gig and they went home and had their shower – so we could cut it."

Cropper knew that  "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" — arguably Redding's biggest hit, and Cropper's first GRAMMY win —  was a hit. "You know why I knew it was a hit? Because we had Otis the longest I'd had him; for two weeks."

The gentle lull of "Sittin'" was a radical departure from Redding's Southern soul bombast, and perhaps a sign of what was to come if the singer hadn't died tragically in a plane crash. "That one song, we searched for a long time. We call it crossover music; so it could go either way:, R&B, pop, whatever. That was the first one we ever had," Cropper says.

There's Always A Catch

Steve Cropper is still going strong at 83 years old. He reports that he enjoyed HBO's recent Stax Records docuseries, and has an unfinished instrumentals album in the can. He hasn't time for regrets, only dreams, but the name of the one person Cropper wishes he had worked with fires off like lightning: Tina Tuner.

Cropper saw the late legend three times. "I really did admire Tina. She was the closest person to Otis, I think, in the business. It's the yeller, screamer, but everybody loves their music. She was so good, it didn't matter how it was she's yelling and screaming," he says.

Tina Turner's loudest albums still have melody and something "people will walk away humming" — the very thing Cropper loved about  Stax records. "We were selling groove and all, rather than the music," Cropper says of his work with the MGs. "We don't care about the music. We just cared about melody and what's in the simplicity of the song."

The 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, will air live on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, Feb. 2. Watch highlights from the 2025 GRAMMYs on live.GRAMMY.com.

The 2025 GRAMMYs telecast will be reimagined to raise funds to support wildfire relief efforts and aid music professionals impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Donate to the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals.

In light of the wildfires impacting Los Angeles, the 2025 GRAMMY Week event schedule has been repurposed to focus on raising funds to support wildfire relief efforts and aid music professionals. Donate to the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals.

Twenty-time GRAMMY winner Kirk Franklin will be celebrated at the 2025 Recording Academy Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective, one of the marquee events during GRAMMY Week 2025. Franklin will receive the Black Music Icon Award, which celebrates Black music creators whose commitment to their craft has profoundly shaped the industry and whose legacy of service inspires countless people around the world. 

An official GRAMMY Week 2025 event, the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective takes place Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, days ahead of the 2025 GRAMMYs. The event will highlight Franklin's transformative impact on gospel music and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of creators.

"Kirk has not only revolutionized gospel music, but has also bridged the gap between genres, redefining the possibilities of musical expression and inspiring generations with his message of hope and faith," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said. "His unwavering dedication to his craft and his legacy of service embody the very essence of the Black Music Icon Award. We look forward to honoring Kirk for his profound influence on the industry and the countless lives he continues to touch worldwide."

GRAMMY Week is the Recording Academy's weeklong celebration comprising official GRAMMY Week events celebrating the music community and current GRAMMY nominees in the lead-up to the annual GRAMMY Awards. GRAMMY Week 2025  culminates with the 2025 GRAMMYs, which take place live on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The 2025 GRAMMYs will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. Prior to the telecast, the 2025 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy's YouTube channel.

Learn more about Kirk Franklin below:

As a gospel artist, Franklin has revolutionized the genre by seamlessly blending gospel, R&B, and hip-hop. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Franklin began playing piano at the age of 4 and directing choirs by 11. His groundbreaking debut album, Kirk Franklin & The Family, became the first gospel album to sell over 1 million copies, remaining on Billboard’s Gospel charts for an impressive 100 weeks. Known for iconic tracks such as "Stomp," "Revolution," and "Brighter Day," Franklin's innovative music has crossed over into mainstream success, reshaping the gospel genre.

Through a joint-venture partnership with RCA Records and his company, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Franklin has created diverse, Christ-centered content while mentoring urban youth. Across his 13 albums, all certified gold or platinum, he has earned multiple accolades, including nine Dove Awards, 33 Stellar Awards, and a Soul Train Award. His collaborations with artists such as Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, and Chance the Rapper have further bridged the gap between gospel and mainstream music, reaching wider audiences.

In addition to his musical achievements, Franklin is an author, penning the 2011 book The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms, which addresses topics like marriage, politics and faith with refreshing transparency. Through his foundation, the Franklin Imagine Group (TFIG), he leads community outreach initiatives focused on education and mentorship, empowering future generations to grow through faith and music.

Franklin's leadership of urban contemporary gospel choirs — including the Family, God's Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC) — continues to dominate the Billboard Gospel charts while achieving crossover appeal. As a trailblazer in gospel music, Franklin's legacy resonates on a global scale, uniting audiences through the transformative power of faith.

Learn more about the Black Music Collective below:

The Black Music Collective is a hub for power players in Black music, across all genres, under the GRAMMY roof, bringing together creative geniuses and business leaders to set unified goals, align on a shared agenda, and build community. Follow the Black Music Collective on Instagram and Facebook for exclusive content.

The 2025 Recording Academy Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective will mark the fourth consecutive year of celebrating influential Black artists and industry leaders. Produced by MVD Inc., with Adam Blackstone returning as music supervisor, the event continues to recognize those whose contributions have profoundly shaped the music industry and culture.

It's fair to say that we're in a golden age of music biopics. In the last few months alone, Angelina Jolie has portrayed legendary opera singer Maria Callas, (Maria), cult indie favorites Pavement have blurred the boundaries between documentary and fiction (Pavements), and Pharrell Williams' rise to fame has been told in animated Lego form (Brick by Brick). And let's not forget British chart-topper Robbie Williams depicted as a CGI monkey (Better Man).

Hollywood's thirst for musical life stories shows little sign of being quenched, either. In 2025, the late King of Pop Michael Jackson (Michael) and New Jersey's finest Bruce Springsteen (Deliver Me From Nowhere) are both getting the big-screen treatment, with the latter starring man-of-the-moment Jeremy Allen White. Fast forwarding to 2027, The Beatles fanboy Sam Mendes is giving each and every member of the Fab Four their very own standalone dramatization. And there are also films in the pipeline centering on Linda Ronstadt, Bee Gees, and Frank Sinatra, just to name a few.

And even before 2024 comes to a close, one more biopic arrived: A Complete Unknown, where baby-faced thespian Timothée Chalamet depicts Bob Dylan's controversial switch to the electric guitar. Tipped for success at the Oscars, James Mangold's film follows 2007's monochromatic I'm Not There, in which the likes of Cate Blanchett, Ben Whishaw, and in his final film role, Heath Ledger, all portrayed different aspects of the bard's character to esoteric effect.

If the more conventional of the two appeals to your sensibilities, then there's plenty more where that came from. From stadium rockers and soul legends to gangster rappers and gospel greats, here's a look at 14 other music biopics from the past quarter-century that have hit all the right notes.

Made with the approval of Amy Winehouse's estate, Back to Black pays a sympathetic and respectful tribute to the singer who tragically became a member of music's 27 Club in 2011.

Sam Taylor-Johnson's film doesn't shy away from the issues that plagued her all-too-brief time in the spotlight. But it also ensures that her immeasurable talents remain a focal point, too. Industry's Marisa Abela – performing her own convincing Winehouse sound-alike vocals – effortlessly captures the essence of the beehived star on a journey that takes her from the Camden Town pub circuit all the way to the GRAMMYs (her visible astonishment at winning Album Of The Year provides the film's most uplifting moment).

Lesley Manville and Jack O'Connell also shine as Winehouse's beloved grandmother Cynthia and equally troubled on/off partner Blake, respectively, in a rounded portrait which deftly swerved any concerns of sensationalism.

'Bob Marley: One Love' (2024)

Bob Marley biopic One Love only covers two years of the reggae legend's life. But it's an eventful two years: Beginning with the Smile Jamaica gig during which he was nearly assassinated, the film later explores the recording of his seminal album Exodus, his fractious relationship with wife Rita, and the bizarre toenail infection that led to his untimely death.

Hot on the heels of playing one of Barbie's many Kens, Kingsley Ben-Adir is charm personified as the "buffalo soldier, dreadlock rasta," embodying exactly why Marley became such a beacon of positivity both in his Caribbean homeland and across the world. And he's just as convincing when, armed with an acoustic guitar, he tackles sun-kissed hits like "Turn Your Lights Down Low" and "Redemption Song," too.

Unsurprisingly, One Love broke all kinds of box-office records on its Jamaican release (and kept much-maligned blockbuster Madame Web off the top spot in the States), with audiences responding to a largely celebratory picture that further added to Marley's legend.

'Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody' (2022)

After honoring abolitionist Harriet Tubman (Harriet) and early 20th century millionaire Madam C.J. Walker (Self Made), director Kasi Lemmons switched her attention to a more recent Black icon with a highly watchable biopic of Whitney Houston.

Named after her most exuberant hit, I Wanna Dance with Somebody doesn't stray far beyond the diva's Wikipedia page, presenting her remarkable life in a linear, conventional fashion. However, perhaps surprisingly, it doesn't skimp on the personal life section, addressing her turbulent relationships with both secret lover Robyn Crawford and husband Bobby Brown, as well as the substance abuse issues that regularly threatened to derail her career.

Leading lady Naomi Ackie relies on lip-syncing in the musical moments – including several entertainingly faithful video recreations and, of course, the chart-topping rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." But that doesn't take away from her compelling performance, one that channels Houston's natural charisma and sheer force-of-nature personality, in a balanced depiction of a complex superstar.

The man behind Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby was never going to make a straightforward Elvis Presley biopic. And lo and behold, Baz Luhrmann's love letter to the King of Rock and Roll was a daring, often dizzying spectacle filled with dream sequences, historical revisionism and pop-cultural anachronisms (see the mashup with Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys).

However, the organized chaos is grounded by a truly mesmerizing lead performance from Austin Butler, an actor previously best-known for various Nickelodeon sitcoms, but who committed so hard to the role that he adopted a near-permanent Elvis twang.

Butler, who beat Harry Styles for the part, gets to play the icon in all stages of his career, from the hip-swiveling pin-up that got middle America all worked up to the fallen idol destroyed by alcohol, drugs and fame, not to mention the toxic partnership with unscrupulous manager Colonel Parker. A closing real-deal performance of "Unchained Melody" only proves just how authentic his portrayal is.

'Respect' (2021)

Aretha Franklin personally invited Jennifer Hudson to play her in a big-screen biopic following Dreamgirls' Oscar-winning success. Sadly, having passed away three years before Respect made it to cinemas, the Queen of Soul never got to see how her casting choice paid off.

Stepping into shoes that most would consider far too iconic to fill, the "American Idol" graduate effortlessly mimics Franklin on classics such as "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" and, of course, the revolutionary title track. And she also skillfully inhabits the character behind that wonderfully gutsy voice, navigating the various trials and tribulations that dogged her path to greatness along the way.

Covering the first three decades of Franklin's life — from her traumatic childhood and church beginnings to her pivotal role in the civil rights movement, abusive marriage and recording of seminal live album Amazing Grace — Liesl Tommy's directorial debut delves deep into the opening chapters of a woman who commanded, and ultimately earned, everyone's R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Sir Elton John can consider himself unlucky that his remarkable life story was dramatized just a year after Bohemian Rhapsody cleaned up at the box office. Had cinemagoers not already embraced a biopic of a flamboyant British rock act who rose to fame in the '70s (and one also directed by Dexter Fletcher), then Rocketman may well have enjoyed more than its modest success.

It's certainly bolder than Queen's money-spinner, tackling John's sexuality head-on while also presenting his body of work in a far more fantastical manner (see the gravity-defying performance of "Crocodile Rock"). Taron Egerton, who replaced Tom Hardy in the lead role, was also robbed of an Oscar nod, delivering a multi-layered performance that didn't rely solely on mere impersonation.

Rocketman still ticked off all the major career milestones, too, though — from John's iconic performance at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium to the perfect recreation of the "I'm Still Standing" video that brings the film to a suitably colorful close.

Bohemian Rhapsody's big-screen journey was even more of a rollercoaster than its titular song: its original Freddie Mercury, Sacha Baron Cohen, left due to creative differences as the project languished in development, while Bryan Singer's poor time management and questionable people skills saw him forced to vacate the director's chair halfway through shooting.

But despite all the backstage drama, the Queen biopic proved to be just as all-conquering as the stadium rock giants themselves, grossing more than $900 million at the worldwide box office and winning four Oscars, including Best Actor for its mustachioed leading man Rami Malek.

Neither audiences nor the Academy also appeared to care that the film — finished with the help of Dexter Fletcher — often played fast and loose with the real versions of events. But what it lacked in historical accuracies, it made up for in much-loved tunes, undeniable charisma, and sheer spectacle, as evident by the epic finale that recreated the band's triumphant Live Aid set to truly magnetic effect.

N.W.A.'s controversial rise from the streets of Compton to the cop-baiting dons of the hip-hop scene always seemed worthy of the Hollywood treatment. Still, few could have predicted the no-holds-barred result would strike such a chord: it briefly became the highest-grossing music biopic in box office history.

Straight Outta Compton certainly boasted a relevant pedigree. Director F. Gary Gray had previously worked with Dr. Dre in Set It Off and Ice Cube in Friday, while the latter was portrayed by O'Shea Jackson Jr, aka his very own son! And the inspired casting continued with fellow gangster rapper Snoop Dogg played by Lakeith Stanfield and the band's fast-talking manager Jerry Heller by Paul Giamatti.

The 2015 film, which charts Ice Cube's shocking departure, the appointment of Suge Knight, and the tragic death of Eazy-E, didn't just impact the world of cinema, either. Dr. Dre was so inspired by the finished product that he headed back into the studio to record his first album in 16 years.

As its title suggests, Tate Taylor's James Brown biopic practically implored cinemagoers to start dancing in the aisles, with leading man Chadwick Boseman aping the Godfather of Funk – both in sound and style – on anthems like "Get Up, (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)."

Of course, Get On Up had more to offer than moving and shaking; it painted an in-depth, if occasionally fabricated, picture of the man behind all the strutting. Boseman may have received posthumous awards attention for Black Panther, but his ability to switch from dazzling showman to volatile monster in the flick of a quiff, this is arguably his most versatile display.

Get On Up is no hagiography, though. Brown's early prison stint, troubles with the IRS, and bizarre incident in which he was chased by police after a gun-toting dispute about a restroom — they're all laid bare in a non-chronological affair that proves that rock star fact can often be stranger than fiction.

'Love and Mercy' (2014) 

After a string of much-maligned TV movies (An American Family, Summer Dreams), Beach Boys, and their troubled genius leader in particular, finally got a screen adaptation worthy of their creative talents.

A biopic of two halves, Love and Mercy first focuses on the recording of the band's seminal 1966 album, Pet Sounds, and the unfinished follow-up Smile that was plagued by Brian Wilson's mental health issues and quest for complete perfection. Then, John Cusack took over from the Golden Globe-nominated Paul Dano to depict the musical maestro in the 1980s, a heavily medicated period defined by his relationships with future wife Melinda and exploitative therapist Dr. Eugene Landy.

Wilson was so convinced by Paul Giamatti's portrayal of the latter that he was left in fear for 10 minutes on first watch. But every performance is equally believable in a sensitively handled tale that embodies the idea that "from great suffering comes great art."

Jimi Hendrix character study All Is By My Side might not have received permission to use any of the guitar hero's recorded compositions. But by focusing solely leading up to his American breakthrough — it begins with his 1966 arrival in London and concludes with his star-making performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival — this alternative biopic certainly doesn't suffer from the lack of hits.

OutKast's André 3000 also proved to be a casting masterstroke, the rapper and flutist once again showcasing his versatility with a performance as electrifying as Hendrix's solos.

Imogen Poots and Hayley Atwell also impress as the model who discovered the six-string wizard and the girlfriend who served as his muse, respectively. While 12 Years A Slave director John Ridley's  impressionistic approach is befitting of a man who thrived on freedom and instinct.

Not to be confused with the same-named Hitchcock noir, this 2009 biopic charts the rise and fall of the hip-hop superstar born Christopher George Latore Wallace, aka Biggie Smalls and, of course, The Notorious B.I.G. Selected for the lead role over fellow rappers Beanie Sigel and Nissim Black, relative unknown Jamal Woolard recaptures both the natural swagger and lyrical flow of the larger-than-life icon in a debut performance that deserved to send him stratospheric.

Angela Bassett's powerful turn as Wallace's mother and the hypnotizing soundtrack are equally impressive. Its all-encompassing narrative — which delves into the MC's Brooklyn school years, turbulent relationships with Lil' Kim and Faith Evans, and involvement in the East Coast/West Coast rivalry that left both of their most dominant figures dead — also helps make Notorious a far superior effort to the 2Pac-focused All Eyez On Me.

'Walk the Line' (2005)

Two decades before making A Complete Unknown, director James Mangold shone the spotlight on Dylan's longtime friend Johnny Cash, with Joaquin Phoenix stepping into the Man in Black's formidable country boots for a film based on two of his revealing memoirs.

Brilliantly parodied by Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Walk the Line essentially set the blueprint for the modern music biopic. There's the traumatic backstory (Cash lost his younger brother in a sawmill accident), the lengthy battle with drink and drugs, and then the triumphant comeback (the film is bookended by his legendary performance at Folsom State Prison).

But Walk the Line isn't just a one-man show. Reese Witherspoon deservedly picked up a Best Actress Oscar for her feisty portrayal ofJune Carter Cash, the singer's partner in both life and on stage (she also co-wrote his signature hit "Ring of Fire") who repeatedly helped bring Johnny back from the brink.

Ray Charles sadly passed away just four months before his rags-to-riches journey was depicted on the big screen (he had, however, approved a Braille reading of the script). But the general consensus is that Jamie Foxx did the man proud.

In fact, then best-known for his comedic talents, the actor is a revelation as the pianist who overcomes his poverty-stricken upbringing and loss of sight to become "The Genius of Soul." And while Foxx may have been forced to lip-sync (his contribution to Kanye West's "Gold Digger" proved he would have made a great mimic), his mannerisms, technique (drawn from his own classical piano background), and general charisma were almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

Fully meriting his Best Actor Oscar win, Foxx was complemented by a strong performance from Kerry Washington as long-suffering wife Della; a multi-layered screenplay that recognized Charles' flaws; and Craig Armstrong's score — which, along with the official soundtrack, added to the film's trophy cabinet by winning at the 2006 GRAMMYs.

There had been big-time music biopics before, of course. But Ray's unprecedented success, both creatively and commercially, essentially kickstarted a trend of artist-inspired films that has only continued to grow — and shows no signs of stopping.

The 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards, will air live on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, Feb. 2. Watch highlights from the 2025 GRAMMYs on live.GRAMMY.com.

The 2025 GRAMMYs telecast will be reimagined to raise funds to support wildfire relief efforts and aid music professionals impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Donate to the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals.

In light of the wildfires impacting Los Angeles, the 2025 GRAMMY Week event schedule has been repurposed to focus on raising funds to support wildfire relief efforts and aid music professionals. Donate to the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals.

Ahead of the 2025 GRAMMYs, the Recording Academy has announced the 2025 Special Merit Awards honorees.

Frankie Beverly, The Clash, Dr. Bobby Jones, Taj Mahal, Prince^, Roxanne Shante, and Frankie Valli are the 2025 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honorees. Trustees Awards will go to Erroll Garner^, Glyn Johns, and Tania León, and the Technical GRAMMY Award will honor Dr. Leo Beranek^.

An official GRAMMY Week 2025 event, the Recording Academy's Special Merit Awards Ceremony, sponsored by Budweiser, celebrating the 2025 Special Merit Award recipients will return to the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday, Feb. 1, one day ahead of the 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th GRAMMY Awards.

"It's an amazing privilege to honor this eclectic group of music icons during the year's biggest week in music," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement. "Each of this year's Special Merit Award recipients has left an indelible mark on music, from paving the way for others to innovation that forever has changed the trajectory of the musical landscape. We can't wait to celebrate this group and their achievements in February."

GRAMMY Week is the Recording Academy's weeklong celebration comprising official GRAMMY Week events celebrating the music community and current GRAMMY nominees in the lead-up to the annual GRAMMY Awards. GRAMMY Week 2025  culminates with the 2025 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, which take place live on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The 2025 GRAMMYs will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. Prior to the telecast, the 2025 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy's YouTube channel.

Learn more about the 2025 Special Merit Awards honorees below:

Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees

This Special Merit Award is presented by vote of the Recording Academy's National Trustees to performers* who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording. (*through 1972, recipients included non-performers)

Frankie Beverly^, a Philadelphia native, began his musical journey performing in church at a young age. As a teenager, he formed The Butlers, a music group that later evolved into Frankie Beverly's Raw Soul. Frankie and the band's rise to prominence began in the mid-1970s, after capturing the attention of the legendary Marvin Gaye, who invited the group to tour with him as his opening act. While on tour with Gaye, and with his encouragement, the group changed their name to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Officially arriving on the scene in 1977, Frankie led Maze to a string of indelible hits including "Before I Let Go," "Happy Feelin's," "Lady Of Magic," and "Workin' Together." With Maze, Frankie and the group continued to thrive with a series of influential albums, including Joy And Pain, Live In New Orleans, We Are One, Can't Stop The Love, and Live In Los Angeles, solidifying Frankie and the group's legacy. 

Formed in 1976 in the vanguard of British punk, The Clash — Joe Strummer^, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Nick "Topper" Headon — became one of the most iconic rock bands of the era, known for their intelligent protest and stylish rebellion in the late '70s and early '80s. Having their first U.S. hit in 1982, they were pioneers in integrating elements of militant reggae, dub, funk, jazz, and hip-hop into their music, influencing fellow bands, musicians and DJs alike, then and now. Their recorded legacy spans five albums — three single records, The Clash, Give 'Em Enough Rope, and Combat Rock, one double album London Calling and one triple album Sandinista! with their music confronting issues such as racism, violence, drugs, love, and police corruption. As detailed in NME, their manifesto stands firmly for anti-fascism, anti-violence, anti-racism, and creative expression. The Clash's legacy remains immense, marked by their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 and their ever-expanding fan base. 

Gospel vocalist, television host, and radio host Dr. Bobby Jones launched his entertainment career in 1976 on WSM-TV with the debut of "Nashville Gospel." Building on its success, he became the host and executive producer of "Bobby Jones Gospel," which premiered on Black Entertainment Television in 1980 and became the longest-running original series in cable television history. Jones graduated from Tennessee State University and received his Bachelor of Science. He received his Doctor of Education degree from Vanderbilt University. Jones was appointed Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Dominica in 2006. As a musician, he has toured with the musical group New Life, and the Nashville Super Choir, and built a discography spanning 14 releases, among other achievements. He's received over 1,500 awards, including a GRAMMY for Best Soul Gospel Performance By A Duo Or Group for "I'm So Glad I'm Standing Here Today." 

In a career spanning six decades, four-time GRAMMY winner Taj Mahal has helped popularize and reshape the scope of the blues and personify the concept of "World Music," years before the phrase existed. He has explored and incorporated countless musical styles into his astonishing body of work, and he has collaborated with a vast range of musicians, including the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Etta James, Angélique Kidjo, Ziggy Marley, and others. With his group, the Rising Sons — one of the first interracial bands —he opened for Otis Redding and The Temptations and mingled with giants like Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. He began his solo career with such pioneering projects as Taj Mahal, The Natch'l Blues and the expansive double album Giant Step/De Old Folks at Home. Taj has been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and honored with the Americana Music Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Over his 40-year career, iconic singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer Prince^ sold over 150 million records worldwide, ranking among the best-selling musicians of all time. With the release of 39 albums, and thousands of unreleased songs in his infamous Vault, spanning funk, rhythm and blues, rock, new wave, soul, blues, jazz, and hip-hop, his work received widespread critical praise. Prince was honored with seven GRAMMYs throughout his illustrious career — and three of his albums, 1999, Purple Rain, and Sign o' the Times — were inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame. He was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006, the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2016, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024. A champion for artists' rights worldwide, Prince was a mentor, a founding member of the Artist Empowerment Coalition, and a philanthropist, giving privately to countless organizations, musicians, charities, and causes. Prince is considered by many to be the greatest artist of all time. 

Roxanne Shante is a trailblazer in hip-hop and one of the first nationally-recognized female rappers. At 14 years of age, she released her debut single, "Roxanne's Revenge," which was certified Platinum in 2022. The track, a response record to UTFO's "Roxanne, Roxanne," sparked The Roxanne Wars, inspiring over 86 response songs. She became the first female rapper to achieve platinum singles and gold albums, solidifying her pioneering role in hip-hop. Shante also helped launch the careers of hip-hop icons, including Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, MC Shan, and Nas. She currently hosts the radio show "Have A Nice Day" on LL Cool J's Rock the Bells Radio on SiriusXM, which reaches seven million listeners daily. Her unique voice has also led to voice-over work in video games and animated films. In 2023, Shante was honored with the NAACP Legacy Award, celebrating her contributions to hip-hop and beyond. 

Frankie Valli's career with the Four Seasons, along with his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles and left an indelible mark on popular culture. With unforgettable tunes like "Sherry" and "Walk Like A Man," Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have sold over 175 million records worldwide. His long-lasting career inspired the overwhelming success of the Tony and GRAMMY Award-winning Broadway musical "Jersey Boys" — the 13th longest-running Broadway show in history—which chronicles his journey and features his greatest hits with the Four Seasons. In 2015, his mega-hit "Big Girls Don't Cry" was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, a testament to the enduring legacy of his music. His most recent album, A Touch of Jazz, was released in 2021 and marked his first-ever foray into jazz. Valli continues to captivate audiences worldwide as his performances resonate across generations and borders. 

Read More: GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Awards | The Complete List

Trustees Award Honorees 

This Special Merit Award is presented by vote of the Recording Academy's National Trustees to individuals who, during their careers in music, have made significant contributions, other than performance*, to the field of recording. (*through 1983, recipients included performers)

Erroll Garner^ was a globally celebrated pianist, composer, and pioneer for artists' rights. Renowned for his genre-defying artistry, Garner published over 200 compositions, including the iconic ballad "Misty," which continues to captivate listeners 70 years after its recording. His best-selling album, Concert by the Sea, was the first jazz album to achieve over $1 million in sales. Its 2015 GRAMMY and NAACP-nominated reissue debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts and won the Jazz Journalists Association's Award for Historic Recording of the Year. He has enjoyed extensive airplay, and during the release of the 12-album Octave Remastered Series in 2019 and 2020, Garner was the most-played artist on jazz radio nationwide. Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the ASCAP Pied Piper Award, Garner's vibrant legacy continues to inspire audiences worldwide. 

Glyn Johns is a pioneering producer and sound engineer who has helped shape some of the most influential recordings in modern music history. His career began in 1959 when he quickly set himself apart as a curious and experimental engineer, gaining recognition as possibly the first engineer to operate on a freelance basis. From his early days at IBC Studios in London to his enduring legacy with rock's most legendary acts, his enormous discography features legends such as the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Who, the Eagles, Eric Clapton, and The Clash amongst many others. In 2012, his immeasurable contributions were recognized when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Award for Musical Excellence. His legacy in rock music is profound, with his techniques and ethics continuing to influence modern producers and engineers. 

Cuban-born musician Tania León is an acclaimed composer, conductor, and educator. She has been commissioned by orchestras worldwide, held Carnegie Hall's Richard and Barbara Debs Composer's Chair for its 2023-2024 season, and currently serves as Composer-in-Residence with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. She studied under Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa, and has guest-conducted the New York Philharmonic, Gewandhausorchester Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica de Guanajuato, and Johannesburg Philharmonic, among others. She has lectured globally and received Honorary Doctorate Degrees from 10 institutions. In 2021, she was the first Latin American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Music. She received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2022, the Michael Ludwig Nemmers Prize from Northwestern University in 2023, and became the first woman to earn Spain's XIX Premio SGAE for Iberian American Music Tomás Luis de Victoria in 2023. In 2010, León founded Composers Now with the mission of empowering living composers, and she currently serves as the Artistic Director. 

Read More: GRAMMY Trustees Awards | The Complete List

Technical GRAMMY Award Honoree

This Special Merit Award is presented by vote of the Producers & Engineers Wing Advisory Council and Chapter Committees and ratification by the Recording Academy's National Trustees to individuals and/or companies/organizations/institutions who have made contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field.

Dr. Leo Beranek^ was a renowned American acoustician, inventor, professor, and entrepreneur whose expertise laid the foundation for modern acoustical engineering, particularly in noise control and concert hall acoustics. He authored 12 books, including the classic Acoustics, which became a cornerstone reference for both students and professional engineers. Dr. Beranek's groundbreaking work in the 1940s at Harvard University's Electro-Acoustic Laboratory led to the development of the anechoic chamber, a revolutionary space designed to absorb all reflections of sound and isolate external noise allowing the gathering of uncompromised acoustic data. Renowned for his expertise, he served as an acoustical consultant for concert halls around the world, including Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Among his many accolades, Beranek received the National Medal of Science, the nation's highest honor for achievements in science and technology, awarded by President George W. Bush. 

Read More: GRAMMY Technical Awards | The Complete List

^Denotes posthumous honoree.