At this year’s 54th Grammy awards, there were a slew of Louisiana musicians nominated in several different categories, but one band took home the win: the Rebirth Brass Band. We wish all the nominees a congrats on their nominations and you can join us in congratulating all the nominees here!

Rebirth Brass Band
In the new “Best Regional Roots Album" category, Maple Leaf staples, the Rebirth Brass Band, won for their album, Rebirth of New Orleans after performing at the Pre-Grammy telecast which was broadcast online on the Grammy's website. Formed in the early 1980s, Rebirth is one of the veteran brass bands in the city that now shares its music worldwide. 

Listen to Action Jackson and guest Yancy from the Yellow Pochahontas talk about Mardi Gras Indian practice and guest Phil Frazier from Rebirth Brass Band talk about the band's Grammy nomination.

Steve Riley and the Mamou Boys
Also nominated in the regional roots category was Steve Riley and the Mamou Boys for their album Grand Isle. No strangers to Grammy nods, (this marks the group’s fourth total) the Boys from Southwest Louisiana continue to make Cajun/Zydeco music, with Grand Isle marking their eleventh album release.

The Banana Plant
Gwynn Torres and Sid Berger comprise the children’s entertainment duo, The Banana Plant, who were nominated for “best children’s album” for Gulf Alive, a CD that, as they put it, “celebrate the creatures and features of the Louisiana Gulf Coast while helping to restore it.” Born and bred in New Orleans, The Banana Plant donates a portion of their proceeds to the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.

Trin-i-tee 5:7, Harry Connick, Jr., Lil Wayne
Also hailing from New Orleans is the urban gospel duo, Trin-i-tee 5:7, were nominated for their album, Angel & Chanelle, the musician-turned- actor, Harry Connick, Jr., nominated for his album, In Concert on Broadway, for “best traditional pop vocal album,” and Lil Wayne, who earned five nods, including one for “best rap album” for Tha Carter IV.

Honorary Musicians

Though the next group of musicians weren’t necessarily born and/or raised in Louisiana, they still deserve recognition as honorary musicians tied to the roots and traditions of this southern state.

CJ Chenier
While CJ Chenier hailed from Port Arthur, Texas, he was influenced by his father Clifton and his band, The Red Hot Louisiana Band. The leader of the band after his father passed away, CJ took their zydeco music and brought a fresh energy to it which he performs across the country. Chenier was also nominated in the regional roots music category for his album, Can’t Sit Down, which he recorded in Maurice, Louisiana.

Marcia Ball
A blues singer and pianist that is a regular at WWOZ's Piano Night, Marcia Ball grabbed a nod for her fifteenth solo recording, Roadside Attractions, in the category of “best blues album.” Born in Texas but raised in Louisiana, Ball cites many New Orleans musicians as her influence, including Irma Thomas.

Lucinda Williams
Originally born in Lake Charles, Lucinda Williams spent most her adolescence traveling across the southern states. No stranger to winning a Grammy (she won in in 1994 for “Best Country Song”) Williams was nominated for “Best Americana Album” for Blessed.

Ledisi
Hailing from New Orleans, Ledisi started her career in music performing with the New Orleans symphony orchestra. Although she later moved to California, her jazz and soul roots remained and are present in her Pieces of Me album, which earned her three Grammy nominations for “best R&B album, song and performance.”

If you’re as excited as we are, share your congratulatory messages in the comments section below!