The family of R&B singer Natalie Cole, who passed on January 1, was not pleased with the tribute the Grammys gave her last night (Feb 15) at the 58th annual ceremony.
After the many photos of musicians who passed away this past year during the “In Memoriam” portion of the show, the tribute concluded with Cole’s video of her performance of “Unforgettable” at the 1992 Grammys, and her blowing a kiss to the audience after the performance.
But Cole’s family don’t think that was enough. Cole’s sisters Timolin and Casey told Entertainment Tonight after the show, “Words cannot express the outrage and utter disappointment at the disrespectful tribute, or lack thereof, to a legendary artist such as our sister.”
Cole’s son, Robert Adam Yancy, added “Here is a woman who has been in the business for four decades, had 21 Grammy nominations and won nine Grammys. She deserves more than [to be a part of] a minute-and-a-half tribute. It was shameless the way they minimized her legacy. We will find solace in her legacy as well as her endless fans around the world.”
Other fans also voiced their displeasure at Cole’s minimal tribute. Actress Holly Robinson Peete tweeted, “We lost so many greats, but Natalie Cole 1st African American to win Best New Artist deserved a tribute. #Grammys #BHM.”
Some people noted how the David Bowie and Eagles member Glenn Frey received musical tributes, but Cole didn’t. CNN correspondent Chris Witherspoon tweeted, “Natalie Cole…9 Grammys and only gets a photo in a remembrance montage. David Bowie…1 Grammy and he received a 7 minute tribute #GRAMMYs.”
What do you think, Roomies? Could the Grammy’s have done more to honor and memorialize Natalie Cole?
