The Grammy Museum is honoring multi-Grammy-Award-winning singer, songwriter and pianist Norah Jones with the Ray Charles Architect Of Sound Award at the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala, presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum. Taking place Friday, May 8, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, the evening will honor the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame inducted recordings, which were announced in February. Jones will take the stage for a special performance during the evening, which will also feature one-of-a-kind musical moments from a lineup of artists to be announced soon.
The 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala will also recognize Warner Records as the 2026 label honoree in celebration of its enduring contributions to recorded music and its role in championing artists across generations.
The 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame inducted recordings include 11 albums and three songs that exhibit qualitative or historical significance and are at least 25 years old. Spanning nearly a century of recorded music, the newly inducted recordings range from 2Pac's All Eyez On Me to Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 to Radiohead's OK Computer. Others include recordings by Alice Coltrane, Bertha "Chippie" Hill, Ella Jenkins, Eric B. & Rakim, Funkadelic, Heart, Lucinda Williams, Nick Drake, The Rouse Brothers, Selena, and The Soul Stirrers. Eligible recipients will receive an official certificate from the Recording Academy.
With 14 new titles added, the Grammy Hall Of Fame currently totals 1,179 inducted recordings.
See the full list of the 2026 recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame below.
See the full list of all recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame.
Tables and seats for the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala are now available for purchase.
Learn More About Norah Jones
With a career defined by timeless songwriting, unmistakable musicianship and a singular voice that has resonated across jazz, pop, soul, and country, Norah Jones has built a body of work that is both intimate and influential. Her artistry has shaped the sound of modern music for more than two decades, making her a fitting recipient of an honor that celebrates enduring creative impact.
"I'm so honored to receive the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award," Jones said. "Ray Charles was my musical hero, and he changed the way so many of us hear and feel music. To be recognized in connection with his legacy, and as part of a night that also celebrates such important recorded works, is special for me."
"Norah Jones represents the kind of artistry that leaves a lasting imprint on music and culture," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said. "Her work reflects a deep musicality, emotional honesty, and a spirit of exploration that echoes the legacy of Ray Charles himself. We are honored to celebrate Norah, this year's Grammy Hall Of Fame recordings, and Warner Records as part of an evening dedicated to the enduring impact of great music."
"Norah Jones has created a body of work defined by emotional honesty, musical depth, and a voice that is instantly recognizable," Grammy Museum President/CEO Michael Stickasaid. "Her artistry has resonated across generations and genres, which makes her a remarkable recipient of this honor. We're also proud to recognize Warner Records and to celebrate this year's Grammy Hall Of Fame inducted recordings — enduring works that continue to shape our understanding of music's history and impact."
Learn More About The Ray Charles Architect Of Sound Award
Inspired by the boundless genius of Ray Charles — whose legacy as a performer, pianist, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur forever transformed the musical landscape — the Ray Charles Architect Of Sound Award recognizes an artist whose influence echoes across generations. The award celebrates artists who transcend genre, redefine creativity, and leave an indelible mark on music and culture. Whether through innovation in sound, groundbreaking artistry, or an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, the recipient embodies the pioneering spirit of Ray Charles, one of music's greatest architects.
"Ray Charles was a singular artist whose influence continues to reach across every corner of music, and this award was created to honor that same spirit of originality, excellence and lasting impact," Ray Charles Foundation President Valerie Ervin said. "Norah Jones is an artist whose work reflects those qualities so beautifully, and we are thrilled to see her recognized with this year's Architect of Sound Award."
Multi-Grammy-Award-winning artist Jon Batiste received the inaugural Ray Charles Architect Of Sound Award in 2025.
2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Inducted Recordings
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ALL EYEZ ON ME — 2Pac (Album)
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AMOR PROHIBIDO — Selena (Album)
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CAR WHEELS ON A GRAVEL ROAD — Lucinda Williams (Album)
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DREAMBOAT ANNIE — Heart (Album)
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"JESUS GAVE ME WATER" — The Soul Stirrers (Single)
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JOURNEY IN SATCHIDANANDA — Alice Coltrane (Album)
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MAGGOT BRAIN — Funkadelic (Album)
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OK COMPUTER — Radiohead (Album)
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"ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL" — The Rouse Brothers (Single)
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PAID IN FULL — Eric B. & Rakim (Album)
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PINK MOON — Nick Drake (Album)
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RHYTHM NATION 1814 — Janet Jackson (Album)
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"TROUBLE IN MIND" — Bertha "Chippie" Hill (Single)
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YOU’LL SING A SONG AND I’LL SING A SONG — Ella Jenkins (Album)
About The Grammy Hall Of Fame
The Grammy Hall Of Fame was established by the Recording Academy's National Trustees in 1973. The inducted recordings are selected annually by a special member committee of eminent and knowledgeable professionals from all branches of the recording arts with final ratification by the Recording Academy's National Board of Trustees.
Former Grammy Awards Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich will produce the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala, alongside Ron Basile, Chantel Sausedo, Lindsay Saunders Carl, and Lynne Sheridan. Grammy- and Latin-Grammy-Award-winning composer, producer and conductor Cheche Alara will serve as musical director. Esteemed journalist Anthony Mason will return as host.
For sponsorship opportunities, reach out to halloffame@grammymuseum.org.