I Didn’t Know He Died

I had three surprises waiting for me during the Annual Grammy Awards ceremony last night. There were some pleasures like Brandi Carlile winning major awards and being introduced by her wife and kids. And seeing Stevie Wonder play “Higher Ground” with Chris Stapleton and that full band. Man. But the surprises I mentioned also remind me of the fickle nature of POP music — and by POP, I include all genres known to humankind. So, in order Like many viewers/attendees, I am surprised that Beyonce’s Renaissance did not win Album of the Year. I make no judgments, just register surprise. Also, I was surprised at my lack of knowledge about the Best Pop Duo/Group: Sam Smith and Kim Petras. Alright, I knew them but didn’t know them, if you understand me here. So listening to Smith graciously give the award to Petras and then watching Petras get so emotional about being Smith’s friend and being the first Transgender person to win a Grammy…well, let me say that I am so very thankful to be alive and to have been watching in this time, this winter of 2023. The third surprise came during the In Memoriam sequence, which started with Kacey Musgraves singing/playing Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Hard to think of anything more fitting in this world. During the photo montage of all the artists, writers, and technicians we’ve lost since last February, one that had previously eluded me came. Of course, we can’t be expected to know or keep up with most things, but I swear, I had no idea that Peter Cooper died.

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