The 27th Grammy Awards was held on 26th February, 1985, at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. John Denver was the host for the ceremony. The Academy presented awards to the artists for their ‘far-out’ performance in the year 1984. Eldridge R. Johnson was presented with ‘The Trustees Award’, Jimmy McHugh, Arthur Malvin, Dorothy Fields, George Oppenheim, Harold Adamson, music and lyrics - Sugar Babies won ‘The Best Cast Show Album’ award. ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ was conquered by Chuck Berry. Cyndi Lauper, Chicago and Tina Turner were among mostly nominated artists. Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper and Chicago conquered the highest Grammy Awards for the year. The following goes the list of the nominees and winners for the year 1985.
Grammy Award Winners 1985
Album Of The Year
The nominees were:
- Lionel Richie - Can't Slow Down
- Bruce Springsteen - Born in the USA
- Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual Lyrics
- Prince and the Revolution - Purple Rain
- Tina Turner - Private Dancer Lyrics
Winner: Lionel Richie - Can't Slow Down
Best Album Notes
The nominees were:
- Paul Whiteman, Fletcher Henderson, Chick Webb, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, others - Big Band Jazz
- Elvis Presley - A Golden Celebration
- Neville Marriner conducting the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields - Amadeus (original soundtrack recording)
- James Sundquist - An Anthology of Sacred Carols for Classical Guitar
- various artists - Virginia Traditions Work Songs (field recordings'36-80)
Winner: Paul Whiteman, Fletcher Henderson, Chick Webb, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, others - Big Band Jazz
Best Album Of Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or Television Special
The nominees were:
- Prince & the Revolution, John L. Nelson, Lisa & Wendy - Purple Rain
- Bill Wolfer, Dean Pitchford, Kenny Loggins, Tom Snow, Sammy Hagar, Michael Gore, Eric Carmen, Jim Steinman - Footloose
- Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman - Yentl
- Phil Collins, Stevie Nicks, Peter Gabriel, Stuart Adamson, Mike Rutherford, August Darnell, Michel Colombier, Larry Carlton - Against All Odds
- Ray Parker Jr., Kevin O'Neal, Brian O'Neal, Bobby Alessi, David Immer, Tom Bailey, Graham Russell, David Foster, Jay Graydon, Diane Warren & the Doctor Mick Smiley, Elmer Bernstein – Ghostbusters
Winner: Prince & the Revolution, John L. Nelson, Lisa & Wendy - Purple Rain
Best Album Package
The nominees were:
- Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual Lyrics
- Andy Summers, Robert Fripp - Bewitched
- John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, Eddie Money, Rosanne Cash, others - Every Man Has a Woman
- John Waite - No Brakes
- Willie Nelson - Willie Nelson
Winner: Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual Lyrics
Best Arrangement On An Instrumental
The nominees were:
- Quincy Jones - Grace (Gymnastics Theme) (from The Official Music of the XXIIIrd Olympiad at Los Angeles)
- Stewart Copeland - Brothers on Wheels (track from Rumble Fish soundtrack)
- James Galway, Henry Mancini - Cameo for Flute ...for James
- Wynton Marsalis - Stardust
- Don Sebesky - Waltz for Debbie
Winner: Quincy Jones - Grace (Gymnastics Theme) (from The Official Music of the XXIIIrd Olympiad at Los Angeles)
Best Chamber Music Performance
The nominees were:
- Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven: The Late String Quartets
- The Cleveland Quartet with Emanuel Ax - Brahms: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34
- Guarneri Quartet, Pinchas Zukerman - Brahms: The String Quintets in F & G
- Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Ikwhan Bae, Carol Shive, Karen Dreyfus, Fred Sherry - Corea: Lyric Suite for Sextet
- Itzhak Perlman, Daniel Barenboim - Mozart: Violin Sonatas K. 301-4
Winner: Juilliard String Quartet - Beethoven: The Late String Quartets
Best Choral Performance
The nominees were:
- Margaret Hillis, choral conductor, Chicago Symphony Chorus; James Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony - Brahms: A German Requiem
- Simon Rattle conducting the City of Birmingham Orchestra Chorus and Boys of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford; City of Birmingham Symphony - Britten: War Requiem
- Christopher Hogwood conducting the Westminster Cathedral Boys' Choir; Chorus and Orchestra of the Academy of Ancient Music - Mozart: Requiem
- Riccardo Chailly conducting the RSO Berlin Chorus; RSO Berlin Orchestra - Orff: Carmina Burana
- Riccardo Chailly conducting the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus; Cleveland Orchestra - Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky, Op. 78
Winner: Margaret Hillis, choral conductor, Chicago Symphony Chorus; James Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony - Brahms: A German Requiem
Best Classical Album
The nominees were:
- Neville Marriner conducting the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields; Ambrosian Opera Chorus; Choristers of Westminster Abbey; soloists - Amadeus (soundtrack)
- James Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony (solo: Alfred Brendel) - Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos
- James Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (solos: Kathleen Battle, Hakan Hagegard) - Brahms: A German Requiem
- Leonard Slatkin conducting the St. Louis Symphony - Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat, Op. 100
- Raymond Leppard conducting the English Chamber Orchestra (solos: Wynton Marsalis, Edita Gruberova) - Wynton Marsalis, Edita Gruberova: Handel, Purcell, Torelli, Fasch, Molter
Winner: Neville Marriner conducting the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields; Ambrosian Opera Chorus; Choristers of Westminster Abbey; soloists - Amadeus (soundtrack)
Best Classical Orchestral Recording
The nominees were:
- Leonard Slatkin conducting the St. Louis Symphony - Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat, Op. 100
- Claudio Abbado conducting the Chicago Symphony - Berlioz: Symphony Fantastique, Op.—
- Georg Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony - Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G Major
- James Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony - Schubert: Symphony No. 9 in C Major (The Great)
- Morton Gould conducting the American Symphony - Gould: Burchfield Gallery and Apple Waltzes
- Neville Marriener conducting the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields - Amadeus (soundtrack)
Winner: Leonard Slatkin conducting the St. Louis Symphony - Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat, Op. 100
Best Classical Performance - Instrumental Soloist(S) With Orchestra
The nominees were:
- Wynton Marsalis, Edita Gruberova (Leppard conducting the English Chamber Orchestra) - Wynton Marsalis, Edita Gruberova: Handel, Purcell, Torelli, Fasch, Molter
- Alfred Brendel (Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony) - Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos
- Emanuel Ax (Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony) - Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor
- Julian Bream (Gardiner conducting the Chamber Orchestra of Europe) - Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez, Invocation and Dance; 3 Spanish Pieces (Music of Spain, Vol. 8)
- Itzhak Perlman (Barenboim conducting the Orchestre de Paris) - Wieniawski: Violin Concerto No. 2 in D Minor, Op.″; Saint-Saens: Violin Concerto No. 3 in B Minor,
Winner: Wynton Marsalis, Edita Gruberova (Leppard conducting the English Chamber Orchestra) - Wynton Marsalis, Edita Gruberova: Handel, Purcell, Torelli, Fasch, Molter
Best Classical Performance - Instrumental Soloist(S) Without Orchestra
The nominees were:
- Yo-Yo Ma - Bach: Unaccompanied Cello Suites
- Emil Gilels - Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B Flat Major, Op. 106 (Hammerklavier)
- Julian Bream - Music of Spain, Vol. 7: A Celebration of Andres Segovia
- Glenn Gould - R. Strauss: Glenn Gould Play Strauss (Sonata; 5 Pieces, Op. 3)
- Alicia de Larrocha - Schubert: Piano Sonata in B Flat Major, D. 960
Winner: Yo-Yo Ma - Bach: Unaccompanied Cello Suites
Best Classical Performance - Vocal Soloist
The nominees were:
- Jessye Norman, Jose van Dam, Heather Harper (Boulez conducting the members of the Ensemble Intercontemporain and BBC Symphony) - Ravel: Songs of Maurice Ravel
- Hakan Hagegard, Kathleen Battle (James Levine, accompanist) - Brahms: Songs of Brahms
- Dame Janet Baker (George Parsons, accompanist) - Mahler's Songs of Youth
- Jessye Norman (Maazel conducting the Wiener Philharmonic) - Mahler: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor (Resurrection)
- Kiri Te Kanawa (Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony) - Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G Major, 4th Movement
Winner: Jessye Norman, Jose van Dam, Heather Harper (Boulez conducting the members of the Ensemble Intercontemporain and BBC Symphony) - Ravel: Songs of Maurice Ravel
Best Comedy Recording
The nominees were:
- Weird Al Yankovic - Eat It Lyrics
- Fireside Theatre - The 3 Faces of Al (Nick Danger)
- Richard Pryor - Here and Now
- Rick Dees - Hurt Me Baby, Make Me Write Bad Checks!
- Rodney Dangerfield - Rappin' Rodney Lyrics
Winner: Weird Al Yankovic - Eat It Lyrics
Best Country & Western Performance - Duo Or Group With Vocal
The nominees were:
- Judds (Wynonna & Naomi) - Mama He's Crazy
- Alabama - If You're Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band) Lyrics
- Anne Murray, Dave Loggins - Nobody Loves Me Like You Do
- Barbara Mandrell, Lee Greenwood - To Me
- Willie Nelson, Julio Iglesias - As Time Goes By
Winner: Judds (Wynonna & Naomi) - Mama He's Crazy
Best Country & Western Song
The nominees were:
- Steve Goodman - City of New Orleans
- Hank Williams Jr. - All My Rowdy Friends (are Coming Over Tonight) Lyrics
- John David Souther - Faithless Love
- Kenny O'Dell - Mama He's Crazy
- Lee Greenwood - God Bless The U.S.A. Lyrics
Winner: Steve Goodman - City of New Orleans
Best Country & Western Vocal Performance - Female
The nominees were:
- Emmylou Harris - In My Dreams Lyrics
- Anne Murray - Heart Over Mind
- Dolly Parton - Tennessee Homesick Blues Lyrics
- Crystal Gayle - Sound of Goodbye Lyrics
- Janie Fricke - Your Heart's Not in It
Winner: Emmylou Harris - In My Dreams Lyrics
Best Country & Western Vocal Performance - Male
The nominees were:
- Merle Haggard - That's The Way Love Goes Lyrics
- Hank Williams Jr. - All My Rowdy Friends (are Coming Over Tonight) Lyrics
- Willie Nelson - City Of New Orleans Lyrics
- Ricky Skaggs - Country Boy Lyrics
- Lee Greenwood - God Bless The U.S.A. Lyrics
Winner: Merle Haggard - That's The Way Love Goes Lyrics
Best Country Instrumental Performance
The nominees were:
- Ricky Skaggs - Wheel Hoss
- Carlton Moody & the Moody Brothers - Cotton-Eyed Joe
- Chet Atkins - East Tennessee Christmas
- Whites - Move It on Over
- Doc & Merle Watson - Twin Sisters
Winner: Ricky Skaggs - Wheel Hoss
Best Engineered Recording
The nominees were:
- Chicago - Chicago XVII
- Michael Hedges - Aerial Boundaries
- Lionel Richie - Can't Slow Down Lyrics
- The Cars - Heartbeat City Lyrics
- Thompson Twins - Into the Gap
Winner: Chicago - Chicago XVII
Best Engineered Recording - Classical
The nominees were:
- Slatkin conducting the St. Louis Symphony - Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat, Op. 100
- Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus; solo: Battle, Hagegard - Brahms: A German Requiem
- Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony; solo: Ax - Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor
- Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony; solo: Te Kanawa - Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G Major
- Leppard conducting the English Chamber Orchestra; solo: Marsalis, Editz, Gruberova - Wynton Marsalis, Edita Gruberova: Handel, Purcell, Torelli, Fasch, Molter
Winner: Slatkin conducting the St. Louis Symphony - Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5 in B Flat, Op. 100
Best Ethnic Or Traditional Folk Recording
The nominees were:
- Elizabeth Cotten - Elizabeth Cotten Live!
- Boys of the Lough - Open Road
- Buckwheat Zydecko - 100% Fortified Zydeco
- Queen Ida - On a Saturday Night
- Rocking Dopsie - Good Rockin'
Winner: Elizabeth Cotten - Elizabeth Cotten Live!
Best Gospel Performance - Duo Or Group
The nominees were:
- Debby Boone, Phil Driscoll - Keep the Flame Burning
- Mylon LeFevre, Broken Heart - Live Forever
- Steve Camp, Michele Pillar - Love's Not a Feeling
- New Gaither Vocal Band - New Point of View
- Petra - Not Of This World Lyrics
Winner: Debby Boone, Phil Driscoll - Keep the Flame Burning
Best Gospel Performance - Female
The nominees were:
- Amy Grant - Angels Lyrics
- Kathy Troccoli - Heart and Soul
- Michele Pillar - Look Who Loves You
- Sandi Patti - Songs from the Heart
- Debby Boone – Surrender
Winner: Amy Grant - Angels Lyrics
Best Gospel Performance - Male
The nominees were:
- Michael W. Smith - Michael W. Smith 2
- Phil Driscoll - Celebrate Freedom
- Bob Bailey - I'm Walkin'
- Leon Patillo - J.E.S.U.S.
- Steve Taylor – Meltdown
Winner: Michael W. Smith - Michael W. Smith 2
Best Historical Album
The nominees were:
- Paul Whiteman, Fletcher Henderson, Chick Webb, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, others - Big Band Jazz
- various artists - World's First Entertainment Recordings'89-1896
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt, introducting by Clifton Fadiman - History Speaks: Franklin Delano Roosevelt
- Elvis Presley - A Golden Celebration
- Various artists - Cotton Club Stars
Winner: Paul Whiteman, Fletcher Henderson, Chick Webb, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, others - Big Band Jazz
Best Inspirational Performance
The nominees were:
- Donna Summer - Forgive Me Lyrics
- Lisa Whelchel - All Because of You
- Philip Bailey - The Wonders of His Love
- Pat Boone - What I Believe
- Deniece Williams - Whiter Than Snow
Winner: Donna Summer - Forgive Me Lyrics
Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(S)
The nominees were:
- Chicago - Hard Habit To Break Lyrics
- Laurie Anderson - Gravity's Angel Lyrics
- Chaka Khan - I Feel For You Lyrics
- Thomas Dolby - Mulu The Rain Forest Lyrics
- Barbra Streisand - Papa, can you hear me? Lyrics
Winner: Chicago - Hard Habit To Break Lyrics
Best Instrumental Composition
The nominees were:
- Randy Newman - The Natural
- Elmer Bernstein - Ghostbusters (main title theme)
- John Williams - Olympic Fanfare and Theme (from The Official Music of the XXIIIrd Olympiad at Los Angeles)
- Mike Post, Peter Carpenter - The A-Team
- Wynton Marsalis - Hot House Flowers
Winner: Randy Newman - The Natural
Best Jazz Fusion Performance - Vocal Or Instrumental
The nominees were:
- Pat Metheny Group - First Circle
- Spyro Gyra - Access All Areas
- David Sanborn - Backstreet
- Miles Davis - Decoy
- Earl Klugh - Wishful Thinking
Winner: Pat Metheny Group - First Circle
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance - Big Band
The nominees were:
- Count Basie & His Orchestra - 88 Basie Street
- Bob Florence Limited Edition - Magic Time
- Carla Bley Band - Misterioso
- Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra - Ten Gallon Shuffle
- Woody Herman Big Band - World Class
Winner: Count Basie & His Orchestra - 88 Basie Street
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance - Group
The nominees were:
- Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers - New York Scene
- Philly Joe Jones - Dameronia: Look Stop Listen
- Phil Woods, Chris Swansen - Piper at the Gates of Dawn
- Frank Foster, Frank Wess - Two for the Blues
- Clare Fischer - Whose Woods Are These
Winner: Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers - New York Scene
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance - Soloist
The nominees were:
- Wynton Marsalis - Hot House Flowers
- Ira Sullivan - Ira Sullivan ...Does It All
- Pepper Adams, Kenny Wheeler - Live at Fat Tuesday's
- Zoot Sims - Quietly There
- Tommy Flanagan – Thelonica
Winner: Wynton Marsalis - Hot House Flowers
Best Jazz Vocal Performance
The nominees were:
- Joe Williams - Nothin' but the Blues
- Mel Torme - An Evening at Charlie's
- Lorez Alexandria - Harlem Butterfly
- Sue Raney - Ridin' High
- Carmen McRae - You're Lookin' at Me
Winner: Joe Williams - Nothin' but the Blues
Best Latin Pop Performance
The nominees were:
- Placido Domingo - Always in My Heart (Siempre en Mi Corazon)
- Jose Feliciano - Como Tu Quieres
- Menudo - Evolucion
- Johnny - Invitame
- Maria Conchita - Maria Conchita
- Jose Jose – Secretos
Winner: Placido Domingo - Always in My Heart (Siempre en Mi Corazon)
Best Mexican-American Performance
The nominees were:
- Sheen Easton, Luis Miguel - Me Gustas Tal Como Eres
- Roberto Carlos - Concavo y Convexo
- Raphael - Eternamente Tuyo
- Juan Gabriel - Recuerdos II
- Yolanda Del Rio - Un Amor Especial
Winner: Sheen Easton, Luis Miguel - Me Gustas Tal Como Eres
Best New Classical Composition
The nominees were:
- Samuel Barber - Antony and Cleopatra
- Frank Zappa - The Perfect Stranger
- Joseph Schwantner - Magabunda (4 Poems of Agueda Pizzaro)
- Morton Gould - Apple Waltzes
- Vincent Persichetti - Winter Cantata
Winner: Samuel Barber - Antony and Cleopatra
Best Opera Recording
The nominees were:
- Loren Maazel conducting the Orchestre National de France; Choeurs et Maitrise de Radio France (solos: Julia Migenes-Johnson, Faith Esham, Placido Domingo, Ruggero Raimondi) - Bizet: Carmen (film soundtrack)
- Bernard Haitink conducting the London Philharmonic; Glyndebourne Chorus (solos: Thomas Allen, Carole Vaness, Richard Van Allan, Maria Ewing, Elizabeth Gale, Keith Lewis, John Rawnsley, Dimitri Kavrakos) - Mozart: Don Giovanni
- Charles Mackerras conducting the Vienna Philharmonic (solos: Elisabeth Soderstrom, Peter Dvorsky, Wieslav Ochman, Eva Randova) - Janacek: Jenufa
- Colin Davis conducting the members of the Royal Opera House Orchestra, Covent Garden (solos: Helen Donath, Heather Harper, Robert Tear) - Britten: The Turn of the Screw
- Riccardo Muti conducting the Coro e Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala (solos: Placido Domingo, Mirella Freni, Renato Bruson, Nicolai Ghiaurov) - Verdi: Ernani
Winner: Loren Maazel conducting the Orchestre National de France; Choeurs et Maitrise de Radio France (solos: Julia Migenes-Johnson, Faith Esham, Placido Domingo, Ruggero Raimondi) - Bizet: Carmen (film soundtrack)
Best Pop Instrumental Performance
The nominees were:
- Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters Lyrics
- Stevie Wonder - I Just Called To Say I Love You Lyrics
- Steve Mitchell, Richard Perry, Howie Rice - Jump (For My Love)
- Earl Klugh - Nightsongs
- Randy Newman - The Natural
Winner: Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters Lyrics
Best Recording For Children
The nominees were:
- Where the Sidewalk Ends - Shel Silverstein
- film soundtrack - The Muppets Take Manhattan
- Agapleland at Play with Holly Heart - Holly Heart
- Flashbeagle - Peanuts
- Singsational Servants - Kids Praise 4
Winner: Where the Sidewalk Ends - Shel Silverstein
Best Reggae Recording
The nominees were:
- Black Uhuru - Anthem
- Jimmy Cliff - Reggae Night Lyrics
- Peter Tosh - Captured Live
- Steel Pulse - Steppin' Out Lyrics
- Yellowman - King Yellowman
Winner: Black Uhuru - Anthem
Best Rhythm & Blues Song
The nominees were:
- Prince - I Feel For You Lyrics
- Bill Wolfer, Dean Pitchford - Dancing in the Streets
- James Ingram, Michael McDonald, Rod Temperton, Quincy Jones - Yah Mo B There
- Keith Diamond, Billy Ocean - Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)
- Sheila E. - Glamorous Life Lyrics
Winner: Prince - I Feel For You Lyrics
Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance - Duo Or Group
The nominees were:
- James Ingram, Michael McDonald - Yah Mo B There
- Shalamar - Dancing In The Sheets Lyrics
- Kashif, Al Jarreau - Edgartown Groove
- Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson - Tell Me I'm Not Dreamin' (Too Good to Be True)
- Joyce Kennedy, Jeffrey Osborne - The Last Time I Made Love
Winner: James Ingram, Michael McDonald - Yah Mo B There
Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance - Female
The nominees were:
- Chaka Khan - I Feel For You Lyrics
- Shannon - Let The Music Play Lyrics
- Deniece Williams - Lets Hear It For The Boy Lyrics
- Tina Turner - Let's Stay Together Lyrics
- Patti Austin - Patti Austin
Winner: Chaka Khan - I Feel For You Lyrics
Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance - Male
The nominees were:
- Billy Ocean - Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)
- Jeffrey Osborne - Don't Stop
- Jeffrey Osborne - In the Name of Love
- James Ingram - It's Your Night
- Stevie Wonder - The Woman in Red Lyrics
Winner: Billy Ocean - Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)
Best Rock Instrumental Performance
The nominees were:
- Yes - Cinema Lyrics
- Edward Van Halen - Donut City
- Genesis - Second Home By The Sea Lyrics
- Lionel Hampton - Vibramatic
- Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)
Winner: Yes - Cinema Lyrics
Best Rythm & Blues Instrumental Performance
The nominees were:
- Herbie Hancock - Sound-System
- Crusaders - Ghetto Blaster
- Grover Washington Jr. - Inside Moves
- Sheila E. - Strawberry Strawcake
- Stanley Clarke - Time Exposure
Winner: Herbie Hancock - Sound-System
Best Soul Gospel Performance - Duo Or Group
The nominees were:
- Shirley Caesar, Al Green - Sailin' on the Sea of Your Love
- Edwin Hawkins - Angels Will Be Singing
- BeBe & CeCe Winans - Lord Lift Us Up
- Richard Smallwood Singers - Psalms
- Shirley Caesar, Anne Caesar Price – Rejoice
Winner: Shirley Caesar, Al Green - Sailin' on the Sea of Your Love
Best Soul Gospel Performance - Female
The nominees were:
- Shirley Caesar - Sailin'
- Kristle Edwards - Jesus, Come Lay Your Head on Me
- Tata Vega - Oh, It Is Jesus
- Albertina Walker - The Impossible Dream
- Danniebelle Hall - Unmistakably Danniebelle
Winner: Shirley Caesar - Sailin'
Best Soul Gospel Performance - Male
The nominees were:
- Andrae Crouch - Always Remember
- Jessy Dixon - Sanctuary
- James Cleveland - The Prayer
- Al Green - Trust in God
- Mel Carter – Willing
Winner: Andrae Crouch - Always Remember
Best Spoken Word Or Nonmusical Recording
The nominees were:
- Ben Kingsley - The Words of Gandhi
- Jeremy Irons, Glenn Close - The Real Thing (Broadway Cast)
- John Lennon, Yoko Ono - Heart Play (Unfinished Dialogue)
- Rev. Jesse Jackson - Our Time Has Come
Winner: Ben Kingsley - The Words of Gandhi
Best Traditional Blues Recording
The nominees were:
- John Hammond, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Sugar Blue, Koko Taylor & the Blues Machine, Luther Guitar Junior Johnson, J.B. Hutton & the New Hawks - Blues Explosion
- Albert King - I'm in a Phone Booth, Baby
- Bobby Bland - You've Got Me Loving You
- Joe Turner - Kansas City Here I Come
- Johnny Winter - Guitar Slinger
Winner: John Hammond, Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble, Sugar Blue, Koko Taylor & the Blues Machine, Luther Guitar Junior Johnson, J.B. Hutton & the New Hawks - Blues Explosion
Best Tropical Latin Performance
The nominees were:
- Palo Pa Rumba - Eddie Palmieri
- Bien Sabroso! - Poncho Sanchez
- Breaking the Ice - El Gran Combo
- Buscando America - Ruben Blades
- Criollo - Willie Colon
- Y Ahora! - Los Socios del Ritmo
Winner: Palo Pa Rumba - Eddie Palmieri
Best Video - Short Form
The nominees were:
- David Bowie - David Bowie
- Ashford & Simpson - Ashford and Simpson
- Olivia Newton-John - Twist Of Fate Lyrics
- Phil Collins - Phil Collins
- Rubber Rodeo - Rubber Rodeo Scenic Views
- Thomas Dolby - Thomas Dolby
Winner: David Bowie - David Bowie
Best Video Album
The nominees were:
- Michael Jackson - Making Michael Jackson's Thriller
- Billy Joel - Billy Joel Live from Long Island
- The Cars - Heartbeat City Lyrics
- David Bowie - Serious Moonlight
- Devo - We're All Devo
- Eurythmics - Eurythmics Sweet Dreams
Winner: Michael Jackson - Making Michael Jackson's Thriller
Best Vocal Arrangement For Two Or More Voices
The nominees were:
- Pointer Sisters - Automatic Lyrics
- Chicago - Hard Habit To Break Lyrics
- The Bobs - Helter Skelter
- Yes - Leave It Lyrics
- Kenny Rogers, Kim Carnes, James Ingram - What About Me
Winner: Pointer Sisters - Automatic Lyrics
Classical Producer Of The Year
The nominees were:
- Steven Epstein
- Thomas Z. Shepard
- Marc Aubort, Joanna Nickrenz
- Jay David Saks
- Robert E. Woods
Winner: Steven Epstein
Hall Of Fame
The nominees were:
- Count Basie & His Orchestra - April in Paris
- Gene Autry - Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Jimmie Rodgers - Blue Yodel (T for Texas)
- Pablo Casals - Bach: Suites for Unaccompanied Cello
- Stan Kenton & His Orchestra - Artistry in Rhythm
Winner: Count Basie & His Orchestra - April in Paris
New Artist
The nominees were:
- Cyndi Lauper Lyrics
- Frankie Goes To Hollywood Lyrics
- The Judds Lyrics
- Corey Hart Lyrics
- Sheila E. Lyrics
Winner: Cyndi Lauper Lyrics
Pop Female Vocalist
The nominees were:
- Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It Lyrics
- Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want To Have Fun Lyrics
- Denise Williams - Let's Hear It For the Boy
- Sheena Easton - Strut Lyrics
- Sheila E. - Glamorous Life Lyrics
Winner: Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It Lyrics
Pop Male Vocalist
The nominees were:
- Phil Collins - Against All Odds (Take A Look at Me Now)
- Kenny Loggins - Footloose Lyrics
- Lionel Richie - Hello Lyrics
- Stevie Wonder - I Just Called To Say I Love You Lyrics
- John Waite - Missing You Lyrics
Winner: Phil Collins - Against All Odds (Take A Look at Me Now)
Pop Vocal Group
The nominees were:
- Pointer Sisters - Jump (for My Love) Lyrics
- The Cars - Drive Lyrics
- Chicago - Hard Habit To Break Lyrics
- Yes - Owner Of A Lonely Heart Lyrics
- Wham! - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go Lyrics
Winner: Pointer Sisters - Jump (for My Love) Lyrics
Producer Of The Year
The nominees were:
- Lionel Richie, James Anthony Carmichael
- David Foster Lyrics
- Prince & the Revolution
- Robert John Mutt Lange, Cars
- Michael Omartian
Winner: Lionel Richie, James Anthony Carmichael
Record Of The Year
The nominees were:
- Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It Lyrics
- Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In The Dark Lyrics
- Chicago - Hard Habit To Break Lyrics
- Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want To Have Fun Lyrics
- Huey Lewis & The News - The Heart Of Rock And Roll Lyrics
Winner: Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It Lyrics
Rock Female Vocalist
The nominees were:
- Tina Turner - Better Be Good To Me Lyrics
- Lita Ford - Dancin' on the Edge Lyrics
- Bonnie Tyler - Here She Comes Lyrics
- Pia Zadora - Rock It Out
- Wendy O. Williams – Wow
Winner: Tina Turner - Better Be Good To Me Lyrics
Rock Male Vocalist
The nominees were:
- Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In The Dark Lyrics
- David Bowie - Blue Jean Lyrics
- John Cougar Mellencamp - Pink Houses
- Billy Idol - Rebel Yell Lyrics
- Elton John - Restless Lyrics
Winner: Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In The Dark Lyrics
Rock Vocal Group
The nominees were:
- Prince and the Revolution - Purple Rain
- Yes - 90125
- Genesis - Genesis
- The Cars - Heartbreak City
- Van Halen - Jump Lyrics
Winner: Prince and the Revolution - Purple Rain
Song Of The Year
The nominees were:
- Graham Lyle, Terry Britten - What's Love Got to Do With It?
- Cyndi Lauper, Rob Hyman - Time After Time
- Lionel Richie - Hello Lyrics
- Phil Collins - Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)
- Stevie Wonder - I Just Called To Say I Love You Lyrics
Winner: Graham Lyle, Terry Britten - What's Love Got to Do With It?