The “Rock” was added to the existing fields at the Grammys in the 1980’s. Previously awarded categories included Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Vocal or Instrumental, Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. The current categories that are awarded in the rock field are:
- Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo - The Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo was awarded in three different years before it was presented annually from 2005. 1988, 1992, 1994 and 2005 through 2009 saw the separate awards Best Male Rock Vocal Performance and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance being combined and awarded under the title Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo.
- Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal - The Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal was first awarded in 1980. In the year of its inception it was won by Eagles for their single “Heartache Tonight”. U2 are the most awarded artists in the category with seven wins, followed by Aerosmith with four wins.
- Best Hard Rock Performance - The Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance has been handed out since 1990. A year before the introduction of a separate award for hard rock, in 1989 it was presented as Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.
- Best Metal Performance - The Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance was first handed out in 1990. Previously the category was represented together with Best Hard Rock Performance as Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Vocal or Instrumental.
- Best Rock Instrumental Performance - The Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance has been handed out since 1980. The title of the award was changed to Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist) from 1986 to 1989.
- Best Rock Song - The Grammy Award for Best Rock Song has been handed out since 1992. The writer(s) of the song are presented with the award. Bruce Springsteen is the most honored artist in this category with four wins.
- Best Rock Album - The Grammy Award for Best Rock Album has been handed out since 1995. Foo Fighters with three wins are the most awarded in this category. Sheryl Crow was the first artist to win this award twice.