The Grammy Hall Of Fame welcomed ten esteemed recordings into its ranks on Wednesday (March 20), including GUNS N’ ROSES’ iconic debut album, “Appetite For Destruction”
This year’s selections encompass four albums and six singles, each boasting significant historical or qualitative importance and having reached the quarter-century mark. The newly inducted recordings will be celebrated at the inaugural Grammy Hall Of Fame gala and concert, presented by City National Bank, scheduled for May 21, 2024, at the NOVO Theater in Los Angeles.
Among the 2024 honorees are a diverse array of musical milestones, spanning from the groundbreaking “Appetite For Destruction” by GUNS N’ ROSES to Lauryn Hill‘s seminal work, “Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill“. The roster also includes contributions from DE LA SOUL, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, Donna Summer, Charley Pride, Wanda Jackson, KID ORY’S CREOLE ORCHESTRA, DOOBIE BROTHERS, and William Bell.
Recipients deemed eligible will receive an official certificate from the Recording Academy.
Established by the Recording Academy’s National Trustees in 1973, the Grammy Hall Of Fame selections are made annually by a distinguished committee comprised of industry professionals representing various facets of the recording arts. Final approval rests with the Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees. With the addition of ten new titles, the Hall, now in its 50th year, boasts a total of 1,152 inducted recordings.
“We’re proud to unveil the diverse mix of recordings entering the Grammy Hall Of Fame in its 50th year,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “The music showcased here has played a pivotal role in shaping our cultural landscape, and it’s a true honor to recognize these albums and recordings, along with the profound influence each has had on music and beyond.”
“The artists, songwriters, producers, and engineers who composed this year’s inducted recordings are a reflection of the sheer talent and hard work that goes into creating such seminal music,” says Michael Sticka, president/CEO of the Grammy Museum. “It’s a privilege to be able to welcome these new additions into our distinguished catalog and celebrate the recordings at our inaugural gala on May 21.”
This year, the Grammy Hall Of Fame gala marks the inaugural installment of what promises to be an annual tradition, featuring a red carpet and VIP reception on the Ray Charles Terrace at the Grammy Museum, followed by a unique concert at the NOVO Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
The event is helmed by veteran executive producer of the Grammy Awards, Ken Ehrlich, in collaboration with Chantel Sausedo and Ron Basile, and under the musical direction of acclaimed producer and keyboardist Greg Phillinganes. Further details regarding ticketing and performers will be announced in due course.
GUNS N’ ROSES recently joined Spotify’s prestigious “Billions Club” with their timeless “Appetite For Destruction” track “Paradise City”.
The Billions Club playlist, initiated in 2020, showcases songs on Spotify that have exceeded one billion streams, and artists achieving this milestone are presented with the Billions Club plaque.
“Paradise City” now shares this honor with other iconic tracks like METALLICA‘s “Nothing Else Matters,” AEROSMITH‘s “Dream On,” SURVIVOR‘s “Eye Of The Tiger,” ABBA‘s “Dancing Queen,” PAPA ROACH‘s “Last Resort,” and Whitney Houston‘s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” This achievement has reportedly been reached by nearly 500 songs to date.
Notably, “Paradise City” becomes the third GUNS N’ ROSES song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, following the success of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Welcome To The Jungle.” All three tracks are featured on the band’s debut album, “Appetite For Destruction,” certified by the RIAA in September 2008 for U.S. sales exceeding 18 million copies. Since its 1987 release, the album has reportedly accumulated over 28 million in worldwide sales.
Originally, the album’s cover, inspired by the Robert Williams painting “Appetite for Destruction,” depicted a controversial scene involving a robot. Facing resistance from retailers, the band compromised by placing the contentious cover art inside and adopting a new cover featuring a cross and skulls representing each band member.
“Paradise City” stands as one of GUNS N’ ROSES most iconic and enduring tracks, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of rock music. The track’s lyrics, penned by Axl Rose, depict a longing for a utopian haven or “paradise city,” juxtaposing the gritty realities of life on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. The song’s anthemic chorus, coupled with Slash‘s distinctive guitar riffs, contributed to its widespread appeal.
What sets “Paradise City” apart is its dynamic structure, seamlessly transitioning from mellow verses to explosive, stadium-filling choruses. The iconic opening riff is instantly recognizable, and Axl Rose‘s versatile vocal delivery adds depth to the song’s emotional range.
GUNS N’ ROSES emerged from the vibrant music scene on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s. The band’s formation can be traced back to 1985 when vocalist Axl Rose and guitarist Izzy Stradlin, both originally from Indiana, joined forces with guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler. This quintet, known for their diverse musical influences ranging from punk to blues, quickly became a prominent force in the hard rock and heavy metal genres.
In 1987, GUNS N’ ROSES released “Appetite for Destruction,” which showcased their raw energy and rebellious spirit. The record would go on to become one of the best-selling debut albums in history, achieving worldwide success.
The band’s hedonistic lifestyle, powerful performances, and the distinctive vocal style of Axl Rose contributed to their rapid rise to fame. However, internal conflicts and lineup changes ensued, with the departure of Steven Adler and Izzy Stradlin over the years.
