51ST Annual GRAMMY Awards to Hail from Los Angeles’ Staples Center, February 8, 2009, on CBS

[image1_left]Santa Mónica (California), USA – The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards, will air live on CBS at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) from Los Angeles’ Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009. Kicking off GRAMMY season will be the announcement of nominations, which showcases who The Recording Academy®’s membership of music professionals believe are the best of the best during the eligibility period (Oct. 1, 2007 – Sept. 30, 2008). The nominations announcement will take place in Los Angeles on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008. The GRAMMY Awards was the first awards show to air in high-definition TV/5.1 surround sound, and will continue utilizing the latest technology to provide a more immersive viewing and listening experience for the show’s global audience.
 
 "The next 50 is here, and we are delighted to be in our hometown," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "We will continue to offer a weeklong series of GRAMMY events that showcase various genres of music, educational programs and charitable activities. Additionally, we look forward to working with the city of Los Angeles and our great partners at CBS and STAPLES Center on another memorable GRAMMY show.""The GRAMMY Awards are unique for their once-in-a-lifetime musical surprises," said CBS Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, Jack Sussman. "What better place to host Music’s Biggest Night than the STAPLES Center right in the heart of the great city of Los Angeles. We are looking forward to launching GRAMMY’s next 50 years right here on CBS in our own backyard."

GRAMMY Week — a weeklong series of cultural events culminating in American Music’s Biggest Night — will again feature celebrations of music, fashion, education and philanthropy, including the "Salute To…" series, GRAMMY Style Studio, GRAMMY Career DaySM, the Entertainment Law Initiative Luncheon, and the annual MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute, among others.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture.

For more information about The Academy, visit www.grammy.com.