Monday night’s Grammy Awards paid tribute to four recently deceased musical greats with performances of their songs by other popular artists. But one legend who some feel was wrongfully left out was Natalie Cole. Her sister is speaking out about the very short nod to the singer, which she believes was “bittersweet.”
Although Maurice White of Earth Wind and Fire, David Bowie, The Eagles’ Glenn Frey, and Motorhead’s Lemmy received musical performances to commemorate their deaths, others were featured in the “In Memoriam” portion of the show. Pictures of deceased artists flashed across a screen at the ceremony, and the final image was that of Natalie Cole — who died of congestive heart failure on Dec. 31— and her father, Nat King Cole — who died of lung cancer 51 years ago. Timolin Cole told Page Six right before the show took place that she felt her sister deserved more.
“It’s very bittersweet,” Timolin said. “We were hoping that there will be some sort of actual tribute to her fitting of her artistry and stature. She had 21 Grammy nominations and nine wins. She was such a force in the music industry, and she transcended genres … I think she should be recognized for the impact she has had.”
“Why wouldn’t you have a medley of two or three songs?” she added. “There are many hits that could be sung and great artists who could perform them.”
Several others who felt Cole’s life and musical achievements deserved a more fitting honor took to social media to express their disappointment. Even singer Eric Benet posted a Facebook video reprimanding the award show for their decision.
“… Grammys: Shame on you. Shame on you, shame on you. There would be no rock-and-roll if there was no R&B, and I feel like Black music … continues to be lessened in a number of different ways. But that’s another video,” he said.
Do you think Natalie Cole should have been honored with a musical performance?
