The 28th Grammy Awards was held on 25th February 1986, at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The host for the show was Kenny Rogers. The Academy awarded the artists for the ‘number one’ performance for the year 1985. The artists mostly nominated for the year were Dire Straits Pic Dire Straits, Manhattan Transfer and Sting. Manhattan Transfer Lyrics, USA for Africa Lyrics and Phil Collins were the artists who conquered highest Grammys for the year. ‘The Best Music Video – Long Form’ was honored to Wham! – Wham! The Video, ‘Trustees Award’ was presented to George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin. Leonard Bernstein was honored with the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’. The following is the list of the nominees as well as winners who walked away with the prestigious Grammy Awards for the year.
Grammy Award Winners 1986
Album Of The Year
The nominees were:
- Phil Collins - No Jacket Required
- Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms Lyrics
- Sting - The Dream Of The Blue Turtles Lyrics
- USA for Africa - We Are the World
- Whitney Houston - Whitney Houston Lyrics
Winner: Phil Collins - No Jacket Required
Best Album Notes
The nominees were:
- Sam Cooke - Sam Cooke Live at the Harlem Square Club
- Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, others - American Popular Song
- Judy Collins, Tom Paxton, Phil Ochs, others - Bleecker and MacDougal: The Folk Scene of the'60's
- Koener, Ray and Glover, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Lovin' Spoonful, others - Crossroads: White Blues in the'60's
- Stan Getz - The Girl from Ipanema: The Bossa Nova Years
Winner: Sam Cooke - Sam Cooke Live at the Harlem Square Club
Best Album Of Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or Television Special
The nominees were:
- Sharon Robinson, John Gilutin, Bunny Hull, Hawk, Howard Hewett, Micki Free, Keith Forsey, Harold Faltermeyer, Allee Willis, Dan Sembello, Marc Benno, Richard Theisen - Beverly Hills Cop
- David Foster, John Parr, Billy Squire, John & Dino Elefante, Jon Anderson, Fee Waybill, Steve Lukather, Richard Marx, Jay Graydon, Stephen A. Kipner, Peter Beckett, Cynthia Weil - St. Elmo's Fire
- John Colla, Chris Hayes, Huey Lewis, Lindsey Buckingham, Alan Silvestri, Eric Clapton, Sean Hopper - Back to the Future
- Maurice Jarre - Witness
- Maurice Jarre - A Passage to India
Winner: Sharon Robinson, John Gilutin, Bunny Hull, Hawk, Howard Hewett, Micki Free, Keith Forsey, Harold Faltermeyer, Allee Willis, Dan Sembello, Marc Benno, Richard Theisen - Beverly Hills Cop
Best Album Package
The nominees were:
- Linda Ronstadt - Lush Life
- Martin Briley - Dangerous Moments
- Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson - Highwayman
- A-Ha - Hunting High and Low Lyrics
- Stevie Wonder - In Square Circle Lyrics
Winner: Linda Ronstadt - Lush Life
Best Arrangement On An Instrumental
The nominees were:
- Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour - Early A.M. Attitude
- Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band - March of the Tadpoles
- Mannheim Steamroller - Stille Nacht (Silent Night)
- Symphony Orchestra conducted by Paul Gemignani - Suite of Dances from 'Pacific Overtures'
- George Russell & the Living Time Orchestra - The African Game
Winner: Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour - Early A.M. Attitude
Best Cast Show Album
The nominees were:
- Stephen Sondheim, lyricist; Leonard Bernstein, composer and conductor - West Side Story
- Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Phil Spector, George Shadow Morton, songwriters - Greatest Hits from Leader of the Pack
Winner: Stephen Sondheim, lyricist; Leonard Bernstein, composer and conductor - West Side Story
Best Chamber Music Performance
The nominees were:
- Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma - Brahms: Cello and Piano Sonatas in E Major and F Major
- Itzhak Perlman, Jorge Bolet, Juilliard String Quartet - Chausson: Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Quartet, Op. 21
- Itzhak Perlman, Samuel Sanders - Dvorak: Sonatina in G and 4 Romantic Pieces; Smetana: From My Homeland
- Andre Previn, Vienna Wind Soloists - Mozart: Piano and Wind Quintet in E Flat; Beethoven: Piano and Wind Quintet in E Flat
- Daniel Barenboim, Pinchas Zukerman, Jacqueline Du Pre - Tchaikovsky: Piano Trio in A Minor
Winner: Emanuel Ax, Yo-Yo Ma - Brahms: Cello and Piano Sonatas in E Major and F Major
Best Choral Performance
The nominees were:
- Robert Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Orchestra (solo: John Aler) - Berlioz: Requiem
- Ton Koopman conducting the Choeur The Sixteen and Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra (solos: James Bowman, Paul Elliott, Gregory Reinhart) - Handel: Messiah
- Lorin Maazel conducting the English Chamber Orchestra and Winchester Cathedral Choir (solos: Placido Domingo, Sarah Brightman, Paul Miles-Kingston) - Lloyd Webber: Requiem
- Daniel Barenboim conducting the Choeurs et Orchestre de Paris (solos: Ann Murray, Kathleen Battle, David Rendall, Matti Salminen) - Mozart: Requiem
- Herbert von Karajan conducting the Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor, Chor der Nationaloper Sofia, Wiener Philharmonic (solos: Anna Tomowa-Sintow, Agnes Baltsa, Jose Carreras, Jose van Dam) - Verdi: Requiem
Winner: Robert Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Orchestra (solo: John Aler) - Berlioz: Requiem
Best Classical Album
The nominees were:
- Robert Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (solo: John Aler) - Berlioz: Requiem
- Itzhak Perlman, Daniel Barenboim - Mozart: Violin and Piano Sonatas K. 296, 305, 306
- Claudio Abbado conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Mahler: Symphony No. 7 in E Minor
- James Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Dvorak: Symphony No. 7 in D Minor
- Leonard Slatkin conducting the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra - Prokofiev: Cinderella (Suite)
- Louis Lane conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Respighi: Pines of Rome; The Birds; Fountains of Rome
- Michael Tilson Thomas conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue; Second Rhapsody for Orchestra with Piano; Prelude for Piano; Short Story; Violin Piece; For Lily Pons; Sleepless Night; Promenade
- Robert Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (solo: Elly Ameling) - Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Ete; Faure: Pelleas et Melisande
- Robert Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (solos: Kaaren Erickson, Sylvia McNair, Alfreda Hodgson, Jon Humphrey, Richard Stilwell) - Handel: Messiah
Winner: Robert Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (solo: John Aler) - Berlioz: Requiem
Best Classical Orchestral Recording
The nominees were:
- Robert Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Faure: Pelleas et Melisande
- James Conlon conducting the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra - Liszt: A Faust Symphony
- James Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Dvorak: Symphony No. 7 in D Minor
- Leonard Slatkin conducting the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra - Prokofiev: Cinderella (Suite)
- Louis Lane conducting the Atlanta Symphony - Respighi: Pines of Rome; The Birds; Fountains of Rome
Winner: Robert Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Faure: Pelleas et Melisande
Best Classical Performance - Instrumental Soloist(S) With Orchestra
The nominees were:
- Yo-Yo Ma (Previn conducting the London Symphony Orchestra) - Elgar: Cello Concerto, Op. 85; Walton: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra
- Andre Previn (Previn conducting the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra) - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
- Michael Tilson Thomas (Thomas conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic) - Gershwin: Second Rhapsody for Orchestra with Piano
- James Galway (Chung conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) - James Galway Plays Khachaturian (Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Spartacus, Masquerade and Gayaneh
- Itzhak Perlman (Mehta conducting the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra) - Khachaturian: Violin Concerto in D Minor
- Andras Schiff (Dorati conducting the Concertgebouw Orchestra) - Schumann: Piano Concerto in A Minor; Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor
Winner: Yo-Yo Ma (Previn conducting the London Symphony Orchestra) - Elgar: Cello Concerto, Op. 85; Walton: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra
Best Classical Performance - Instrumental Soloist(S) Without Orchestra
The nominees were:
- Vladimir Ashkenazy - Ravel: Gaspard de la Nuit, Pavane pour une Infante Defunte, Valses Nobles et Sentimentales
- Claudio Arrau - Chopin: 4 Scherzos; Polonaise; Fantaisie, Op. 61
- Francois-Rene Duchable - Chopin: Piano Sonatas No. 2 in B Flat Minor and No. 3 in B Minor
- Michael Tilson Thomas - Gershwin: Preludes for Piano: Short Story; Violin Piece; For Lily Pons; Sleepless Night; Promenade
- Julian Bream - Guitarra: The Guitar in Spain (Mudarra, Guera, Boccherini, Sor, Tarrega, Albeniz, Falla, Turina, etc
Winner: Vladimir Ashkenazy - Ravel: Gaspard de la Nuit, Pavane pour une Infante Defunte, Valses Nobles et Sentimentales
Best Classical Performance - Vocal Soloist
The nominees were:
- John Aler (Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus) - Berlioz: Requiem
- Elly Ameling (Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra) - Belioz: Les Nuits d'Ete
- Frederica von Stade (Ozawa conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra) - Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Ete; Debussy: La Damoiselle Elue
- Kiri Te Kanawa (Tate conducting the English Chamber Orchestra) - Canteloube: Chants 'Auvergne, Vol. 2; Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
- Marilyn Horne (Foster conducting the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo) - Marilyn Horne Sings (Offenbach, Cherubini, Saint-Saens, etc.)
- Placido Domingo, Pilar Lorengar (Navarro conducting the ORF Symphonie Orchestra) - Zarzuela Arias and Duets (Arias Only)
Winner: John Aler (Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus) - Berlioz: Requiem
Best Comedy Recording
The nominees were:
- Whoopi Goldberg - Whoopi Goldberg (Original Broadway Show Recording)
- Billy Crystal - You Look Marvelous
- Cheech And Chong - Born In East L.A. Lyrics
- Joe Piscopo - Honeymooners Rap
- Weird Al Yankovic - Dare To Be Stupid Lyrics
Winner: Whoopi Goldberg - Whoopi Goldberg (Original Broadway Show Recording)
Best Contemporary Composition
The nominees were:
- Andrew Lloyd Webber - Requiem
- George Perle - Serenade No. 3 for Piano and Chamber Orchestra
- John Adams - Harmonium for Large Orchestra and Chorus
- Philip Glass - Satyagrah
- Robert Starer - Violin Concerto
Winner: Andrew Lloyd Webber - Requiem
Best Country & Western Song
The nominees were:
- Jimmy L. Webb - Highwayman
- Bob McDill - Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On
- Dave Loggins, Lisa Silver, Don Schlitz - Forty Hour Week (For a Livin')
- Guy Clark - Desperados Waiting for a Train Lyrics
- Kent M. Robbins - Love Is Alive
- Mike Reid, Troy Seals, Fred Parris - Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night)
- Rosanne Cash, Rodney Crowell - I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me
Winner: Jimmy L. Webb - Highwayman
Best Country & Western Vocal Performance - Duo Or Group
The nominees were:
- The Judds - Why Not Me Lyrics
- Alabama - Can't Keep A Good Man Down Lyrics
- Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson - Highwayman
- Marie Osmond, Dan Seals - Meet Me in Montana
- Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers - Real Love
- Forester Sisters - The Forester Sisters
Winner: The Judds - Why Not Me Lyrics
Best Country & Western Vocal Performance - Female
The nominees were:
- Rosanne Cash - I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me Lyrics
- Dolly Parton - Real Love Lyrics
- Janie Fricke - She's Single Again
- Emmylou Harris - Ballad Of Sally Rose Lyrics
- Juice Newton - You Make Me Want To Make You Mine Lyrics
Winner: Rosanne Cash - I Don't Know Why You Don't Want Me Lyrics
Best Country & Western Vocal Performance - Male
The nominees were:
- Ronnie Milsap - Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night) Lyrics
- Mel McDaniel - Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On Lyrics
- Willie Nelson - Forgiving You Was Easy Lyrics
- Lee Greenwood - I Don't Mind The Thorns ( If You're The Rose ) Lyrics
- Ricky Skaggs - You Make Me Feel Like a Man Lyrics
Winner: Ronnie Milsap - Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night) Lyrics
Best Country Instrumental Performance
The nominees were:
- Cosmic Square Dance - Chet Atkins, Mark Knopfler
- Folsom Prison Blues - Earl Scruggs
- Lasso the Moon - Charlie McCoy
- Vasser Clements, John Hartford, Dave Holland - Vassar Clements, John Hartford, Dave Holland
- Windy and Warm - Doc & Merle Watson
Winner: Cosmic Square Dance - Chet Atkins, Mark Knopfler
Best Engineered Recording
The nominees were:
- Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms Lyrics
- David Lee Roth - Crazy from the Heat
- Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour - Harlequin
- Special EFX - Modern Manners
- Sting - The Dream Of The Blue Turtles Lyrics
Winner: Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms Lyrics
Best Engineered Recording - Classical
The nominees were:
- Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus; solo: John Aler - Berlioz: Requiem
- Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; solo: Elly Ameling - Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Ete; Faure: Pelleas et Melisande
- Levine conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Dvorak: Symphony No. 7 in D Minor
- Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D Major
- Slatkin conducting the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra - Prokofiev: Cinderella (Suite)
- Lane conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Respighi: Pines of Rome; The Birds; Fountains of Rome
- Slatkin conducting the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra - Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Complete)
Winner: Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus; solo: John Aler - Berlioz: Requiem
Best Ethnic Or Traditional Folk Recording
The nominees were:
- Rockin' Sidney, Maison de Soul - My Toot Toot
- BeauSoleil - Zydeco Gris Gris
- Buckwheat Zydeco - Turning Point
- Clifton Chenier - Live at the San Francisco Blues Festvial
- Dewey Balfa – Souvenirs
Winner: Rockin' Sidney, Maison de Soul - My Toot Toot
Best Gospel Performance - Duo Or Group
The nominees were:
- Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patti - I've Just Seen Jesus
- Petra - Beat The System Lyrics
- De Garmo & Key - Commander Sozo and the Charge of the Light Brigade
- Randy Stonehill, Amy Grant - I Could Never Say Goodbye
- The Imperials - Let the Wind Blow
Winner: Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patti - I've Just Seen Jesus
Best Gospel Performance - Female
The nominees were:
- Amy Grant - Unguarded
- Leslie Phillips - Black & White in a Grey World Lyrics
- Debby Boone - Choose Life
- Sheila Walsh - Don't Hide Your Heart
- Sandi Patti - Hymns Just for You
Winner: Amy Grant - Unguarded
Best Gospel Performance - Male
The nominees were:
- Larnelle Harris - How Excellent Is Thy Name
- James Blackwood - Fifty Golden Years
- Steve Green - He Holds the Keys
- Russ Taff - Medals
- Phil Driscoll - Power of Praise
Winner: Larnelle Harris - How Excellent Is Thy Name
Best Historical Album
The nominees were:
- Melba, Schumann-Heink, Caruso, Price, Verrett, Domingo, 94 others - 100 Singers, 100 Years
- Mills Brothers, Ink Spots, Four Blackbirds, Ink Spots, others - The Human Orchestra (Rhythm Quartets in the Thirties)
- Fred Astaire, Lena Horne, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, others - American Popular Song
- Bill Evans - Bill Evans: The Complete Riverside Recordings
- Billie Holiday - Billie Holiday on Verve'46-1959
Winner: Melba, Schumann-Heink, Caruso, Price, Verrett, Domingo, 94 others - 100 Singers, 100 Years
Best Inspirational Performance
The nominees were:
- Jennifer Holliday - Come Sunday
- Pat Boone - 16,000 Faces
- Barbara Mandrell - Christmas at Our House
- Glen Campbell - No More Light
- Kool & The Gang - You Are the One
Winner: Jennifer Holliday - Come Sunday
Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(S)
The nominees were:
- Linda Ronstadt - Lush Life Lyrics
- George Benson - Beyond the Sea (La Mer)
- Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour - Harlequin
- Chaka Khan - Through The Fire Lyrics
- Dennis Edwards, Thelma Houston - Why Do People Fall in Love
Winner: Linda Ronstadt - Lush Life Lyrics
Best Instrumental Composition
The nominees were:
- Jan Hammer - Miami Vice Theme
- Alan Silvestri - Back to the Future
- David Foster - Love Theme from St. Elmo's Fire
- Harold Faitermeyer - Axel F
- Thad Jones - With Bells On
Winner: Jan Hammer - Miami Vice Theme
Best Jazz Fusion Performance - Vocal Or Instrumental
The nominees were:
- David Sanborn - Straight to the Heart
- Spyro Gyra - Alternating Currents
- Wayne Shorter - Atlantis
- Stanley Jordan Group - Magic Touch
- Weather Report - Sportin' Life
- Miles Davis - You're Under Arrest
Winner: David Sanborn - Straight to the Heart
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance - Big Band
The nominees were:
- John Barry, Bob Wilber - The Cotton Club (film soundtrack)
- Lionel Hampton - Ambassador at Large
- Louie Bellson - Don't Stop Now!
- Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band - March of the Tadpoles
- George Russell & the Living Time Orchestra - The African Game
Winner: John Barry, Bob Wilber - The Cotton Club (film soundtrack)
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance - Group
The nominees were:
- Wynton Marsalis Group - Black Codes from the Underground
- various artists - One Night with Blue Note
- Keith Jarrett - Standards, Vol. 2
- Sting - The Dream Of The Blue Turtles Lyrics
- Chick Corea, Steven Kujala – Voyage
Winner: Wynton Marsalis Group - Black Codes from the Underground
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance - Soloist
The nominees were:
- Wynton Marsalis - Black Codes from the Underground
- Miles Davis - Human Nature
- Stanley Jordan - Magic Touch
- James Moody - Meet Benny Bailey track from Vocalese (Manhattan Transfer)
- Dizzy Gillespie - Sing Joy Spring track from Vocalese (Manhattan Transfer)
Winner: Wynton Marsalis - Black Codes from the Underground
Best Jazz Vocal Performance - Duo Or Group
The nominees were:
- Manhattan Transfer - Vocalese
- Rare Silk - American Eyes
- Barry Manilow, Sarah Vaughan - Blue
- University of Northern Colorado Vocal Jazz I - Hot IV
- Phil Mattson & the P.m. Singers - Night in the City
- Manhattan Transfer, Jon Hendricks - Ray's Rockhouse track from Vocalese (Manhattan Transfer)
- Manhattan Transfer, Four Freshmen - To You track from Vocalese (Manhattan Transfer)
Winner: Manhattan Transfer - Vocalese
Best Jazz Vocal Performance - Female
The nominees were:
- Cleo Laine - Cleo at Carnegie the 10th Anniversary Concert
- Flora Purim - 20 Years Blue
- Tania Maria - Made in New York
- Cheryl Bentyne - Meet Benny Bailey track from Vocalese (Manhattan Transfer)
- Janis Siegel - Sing Joy Spring track from Vocalese (Manhattan Transfer)
- Maxine Sullivan - The Great Songs from the Cotton Club
Winner: Cleo Laine - Cleo at Carnegie the 10th Anniversary Concert
Best Jazz Vocal Performance - Male
The nominees were:
- Jon Hendricks, Bobby McFerrin - Another Night in Tunisia track from Vocalese (Manhattan Transfer)
- George Benson - Beyond the Sea
- David Frishberg - Live at Vine Street
- Mark Murphy - Mark Murphy Sings Nat's Choice, The Nat King Cole Songbook, Vol. 1
- Alan Paul - Oh Yes, I Remember Clifford track from Vocalese (Manhattan Transfer)
Winner: Jon Hendricks, Bobby McFerrin - Another Night in Tunisia track from Vocalese (Manhattan Transfer)
Best Latin Pop Performance
The nominees were:
- Lani Hall - Es Facil Amar
- Jose Feliciano, Jose Jose - Por Ella
- Jose Jose - Reflexiones
- Lucia Mendez - Solo una Mujer
- Jose Feliciano - Yo Soy Tuyo
Winner: Lani Hall - Es Facil Amar
Best Mexican-American Performance
The nominees were:
- Vikki Carr - Simplemente Mujer
- Los Humildes - 13 Aniversario/13 Album/13 Exitos
- Juan Valentin - 20 Exitos Romanticos con Juan Valentin
- Rocio Durcal - Canta a Juan Gabriel
- Maria de Lourdes - Mujer Importante
- Santiago Jiminez Jr. - Santiago Strikes Again
Winner: Vikki Carr - Simplemente Mujer
Best New Classical Artist
The nominees were:
- Chicago Pro Musica
- Esa-Pekka Salonen
- Rosalind Plowright
- Sarah Brightman Lyrics
- Brian Slawson
Winner: Chicago Pro Musica
Best Opera Recording
The nominees were:
- Georg Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (solos: Franz Mazura, Philip Langridge) - Schoenberg: Moses und Aron
- Georges Pretre conducting the Coro e Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala, Milan (solos: Teresa Stratas, Placido Domingo, Juan Pons, Alberto Rinaldi, Florindo Andreolli) - Leoncavallo: Pagliacci (soundtrack)
- Giuseppe Sinopoli conducting the Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Convent Garden (solos: Mirella Freni, Placido Domingo, Renato Bruson, Kurt Rydi, Robert Gambill) - Puccini: Manon Lescaut
- Herbert von Karajan conducting the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Vienna State Opera Chorus (solos: Jose van Dam, Dunja Vejzovic, Kurt Moll, Peter Hofmann) - Wagner: Der Fliegende Hollander (The Flying Dutchman)
- Riccardo Chailly conducting the London Sinfonietta and London Sinfonietta Chorus (solos: Philip Langridge, Cathryn Pope, Samuel Ramey, Sarah Walker, John Dobson) - Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress
Winner: Georg Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (solos: Franz Mazura, Philip Langridge) - Schoenberg: Moses und Aron
Best Polka Recording
The nominees were:
- Frank Yankovic - 70 Years of Hits
- Brass Release - Brass with Class
- Eddie Blazonczyk's Versatones - Polka Fireworks
- L'il Wally & Orchestra - Polskie Czucie Polish Feelings
- Lenny Gomulka & the Chicago Push - Simply Polkamentary
Winner: Frank Yankovic - 70 Years of Hits
Best Pop Instrumental Performance
The nominees were:
- Jan Hammer - Miami Vice Theme
- Harold Faitermeyer - Axel F
- Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour - Harlequin
- David Foster - Love Theme from St. Elmo's Fire
- Spyro Gyra - Shake Down
Winner: Jan Hammer - Miami Vice Theme
Best Recording For Children
The nominees were:
- Jim Henson's Muppets and the Sesame Street cast - Follow That Bird (film soundtrack)
- Children of the World - We Are the World
- Candle and the Agapeland Singers - Bullfrogs and Butterflies, Part II
- Christopher Plummer, narrator; Michael Tilson Thomas conducting the Philharmonica Orchestra - E.T.A. Hoffman, Tchaikovsky, Nutcracker
- Dudley Moore, John Williams & the Boston Pops Orchestra - Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf
Winner: Jim Henson's Muppets and the Sesame Street cast - Follow That Bird (film soundtrack)
Best Reggae Recording
The nominees were:
- Jimmy Cliff - Cliff Hanger
- The Blue Riddim Band - Alive in Jamaica
- Melody Makers featuring Ziggy Marley - Play the Game Right
- Burning Spear - Resistance
- Judy Mowatt - Working Wonders
Winner: Jimmy Cliff - Cliff Hanger
Best Rhythm & Blues Instrumental Performance
The nominees were:
- Ernie Watts - Musican
- Sly & Robbie - Bass and Trouble
- Barney Rachabane - Caribbean Queen
- Five Star - First Avenue
- Dave Valentin - Love Light in Flight
- Jeff Lorber - Pacific Coast Highway
- Paul Hardcastle - Rain Forest
Winner: Ernie Watts - Musican
Best Rhythm & Blues Song
The nominees were:
- Narada Michael Walden, Jeffrey Cohen - Freeway of Love
- David Foster, Tom Keane, Cynthia Weil - Through the Fire
- LaLa - You Give Good Love
- Sharon Robinson, Jon Gilutin, Bunny Hull - New Attitude
- Walter Orange, Dennis Lambert, Franne Golde – Nightshift
Winner: Narada Michael Walden, Jeffrey Cohen - Freeway of Love
Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance - Duo Or Group
The nominees were:
- Commodores - Nighshift
- Pointer Sisters - Contact
- Eurythmics, Aretha Franklin - Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves
- Ashford & Simpson - Solid Lyrics
- Daryl Hall, John Oates, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendrick - The Way You Do the Things You Do/My Girl
Winner: Commodores - Nighshift
Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance - Female
The nominees were:
- Aretha Franklin - Freeway Of Love Lyrics
- Chaka Khan - I Feel For You Lyrics
- Teena Marie - Lovergirl Lyrics
- Patti LaBelle - New Attitude Lyrics
- Whitney Houston - You Give Good Love Lyrics
Winner: Aretha Franklin - Freeway Of Love Lyrics
Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance - Male
The nominees were:
- Stevie Wonder - In Square Circle
- Philip Bailey - Chinese Wall
- Al Jarreau - High Crime
- Luther Vandross - The Night I Fell In Love Lyrics
- Freddie Jackson - You Are My Lady
Winner: Stevie Wonder - In Square Circle
Best Rock Instrumental Performance
The nominees were:
- Jeff Beck - Escape
- Northern Star - Back to Earth
- Big Guitars from Texas - Guitar Army
- Yngwie Malmsteen - Rising Force Lyrics
- Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Say What!
- Jon Butcher Axis - The Ritual
Winner: Jeff Beck - Escape
Best Soul Gospel Performance - Duo Or Group
The nominees were:
- Winans - Tomorrow
- Sandra Crouch, Jean Johnson - Completely Yes
- Edwin Hawkins with Music & Arts Seminar Mass Choir - Have Mercy
- Carvin Winans, Michael Winans - Tomorrow track from Tomorrow
- Sandra Crouch & Friends - We're Waiting
Winner: Winans - Tomorrow
Best Soul Gospel Performance - Female
The nominees were:
- Shirley Caesar - Martin
- Vernessa Mitchell - Blessed Assurance
- Vanessa Bell Armstrong - Chosen
- Deleon Richards - Deleon
- Dorothy Norwood - Lift Him Up
Winner: Shirley Caesar - Martin
Best Soul Gospel Performance - Male
The nominees were:
- Marvin Winans - Bring Back the Days of Yea and Nay
- Rev. Marvin Yancy - Heavy Load
- Howard McCrary - So Good
- Philip Nicholas - Stop Your Searchin' (Try God!)
- Douglas Miller - Unspeakable Joy
Winner: Marvin Winans - Bring Back the Days of Yea and Nay
Best Spoken Word Or Nonmusical Recording
The nominees were:
- Broadway cast - Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
- Alan Arkin - Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
- Dick Cavett - The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- John Le Carre - The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John Le Carre
- Philip Roth - Zuckerman Bound by Philip Roth
Winner: Broadway cast - Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Best Traditional Blues Recording
The nominees were:
- My Guitar Sings the Blues - B.B. King
- Big Joe Turner with Knocky Parker and His Houserockers - Big Joe Turner with Knocky Parker & His Houserockers
- Members Only - Bobby Bland
- Patcha, Patcha, All Night Long - Joe Turner, Jimmy Witherspoon
- Queen of the Blues - Koko Taylor
- Serious Business - Johnny Winter
- When a Guitar Plays the Blues - Roy Buchanan
Winner: My Guitar Sings the Blues - B.B. King
Best Tropical Latin Performance
The nominees were:
- Eddie Palmieri - Solito
- Tito Puente & His Latin Ensemble - Mambo Diablo
- Bonny Cepeda y Orquesta - Noche de Discotheque
- Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco - De Nuevo
- Mongo Santamaria & His Latin Jazz Orchestra - Free Spirit, Espirito Libre
- Ruben Blades - Mucho Mejor
Winner: Eddie Palmieri - Solito
Best Vocal Arrangement For Two Or More Voices
The nominees were:
- Manhattan Transfer - Another Night In Tunisia Lyrics
- Manhattan Transfer - Blee Blop Blues Lyrics
- Phil Mattson & the P.M. Singers - I Hear Music
- Commodores - Nightshift Lyrics
- Manhattan Transfer - Ray's Rockhouse Lyrics
Winner: Manhattan Transfer - Another Night In Tunisia Lyrics
Classical Producer Of The Year
The nominees were:
- Robert E. Woods
- Jay David Saks
- Steven Epstein
- David Mottley
- James Mallinson
Winner: Robert E. Woods
Hall Of Fame
The nominees were:
- Art Tatum - Tea for Two
- Carl Perkins - Blue Suede Shoes Lyrics
- Chick Webb & His Orchestra with Ella Fitzgerald - A-Tisket, A-Tasket
- Sons Of The Pioneers - Cool Water Lyrics
- Wanda Landowska - Bach: Goldberg Variations for Harpsichord
Winner: Art Tatum - Tea for Two
New Artist
The nominees were:
- Sade Lyrics
- Katrina & The Waves Lyrics
- Freddie Jackson Lyrics
- Julian Lennon Lyrics
- A-Ha Lyrics
Winner: Sade Lyrics
Pop Female Vocalist
The nominees were:
- Whitney Houston - Saving All My Love For You Lyrics
- Madonna - Crazy For You Lyrics
- Linda Ronstadt - Lush Life Lyrics
- Pat Benatar - We Belong Lyrics
- Tina Turner - We Don't Need Another Hero Lyrics
Winner: Whitney Houston - Saving All My Love For You Lyrics
Pop Male Vocalist
The nominees were:
- Phil Collins - No Jacket Required
- Paul Young - Every Time You Go Away Lyrics
- Stevie Wonder - Part Time Lover Lyrics
- Sting - The Dream Of The Blue Turtles Lyrics
- Glenn Frey - The Heat Is On Lyrics
Winner: Phil Collins - No Jacket Required
Pop Vocal Group
The nominees were:
- Usa For Africa - We Are The World Lyrics
- Mr. Mister - Broken Wings Lyrics
- Phil Bailey, Phil Collins - Easy Lover
- Foreigner - I Want To Know What Love Is Lyrics
- Huey Lewis & The News - Power Of Love Lyrics
Winner: Usa For Africa - We Are The World Lyrics
Producer Of The Year
The nominees were:
- Phil Collins, Hugh Padgham
- David Foster Lyrics
- Narada Michael Walden
- Mark Knopfler, Neil Dorfsman
- Don Henley, Danny Kortchmar, Greg Ladanyi
Winner: Phil Collins, Hugh Padgham
Record Of The Year
The nomineeswere:
- Usa For Africa - We Are The World Lyrics
- Bruce Springsteen - Born In The U.S.A. Lyrics
- Dire Straits - Money For Nothing Lyrics
- Don Henley - Boys Of The Summer Lyrics
- Huey Lewis & The News - Power Of Love Lyrics
Winner: Usa For Africa - We Are The World Lyrics
Rock Female Artist
The nominees were:
- Tina Turner - One Of The Living Lyrics
- Pat Benatar - Invincible Lyrics
- Melba Moore - Read My Lips
- Nona Hendryx - Rock This House
- Cyndi Lauper - What a Thrill Lyrics
Winner: Tina Turner - One Of The Living Lyrics
Rock Male Vocalist
The nominees were:
- Don Henley - Boys Of The Summer Lyrics
- John Fogerty - Centerfold
- Mick Jagger - Just Another Night Lyrics
- Bryan Adams - Reckless
- John Cougar Mellencamp – Scarecrow
Winner: Don Henley - Boys Of The Summer Lyrics
Rock Vocal Group
The nominees were:
- Dire Straits - Money For Nothing Lyrics
- Heart - Heart
- Bryan Adams, Tina Turner - It's Only Love
- Starship - We Built This City Lyrics
- Eurythmics - Would I Lie To You Lyrics
Winner: Dire Straits - Money For Nothing Lyrics
Song Of The Year
The nominees were:
- Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie - We Are the World
- Daryl Hall - Everytime You Go Away
- Don Henley, Mike Campbell - The Boys of Summer
- Mark Koopfler, Sting - Money for Nothing
- Mick Jones - I Want to Know What Love Is
Winner: Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie - We Are the World