Editor’s Note: Updated Friday, May 2, 2025, and Friday, May 9, to add the full performer lineup for the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala.

The GRAMMY Museum has announced the creation of the Ray Charles "Architect of Sound" Award, an annual honor that will be presented at the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum’s GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala. The inaugural recipient, multi-GRAMMY Award-winning artist Jon Batiste, will receive the award on May 16 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, where Batiste will also perform.

Inspired by the genre-spanning genius of Ray Charles — whose legacy as a performer, pianist, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur forever transformed the musical landscape — the "Architect of Sound" Award honors an artist whose innovation, influence, and creative vision have left a lasting impact on music and culture. Batiste, known for his genre-defying work as a pianist, composer, bandleader, and singer/songwriter, exemplifies the award’s purpose of recognizing transformative artistry. A 17-time GRAMMY winner with 10 recordings inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame and a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Ray Charles was one of the most influential artists of all time.

"Ray Charles is a beacon for me, a blueprint," said Batiste. "He is a singular example of musical genius, artistic freedom and craft of the highest level that will continue to inspire humanity for generations. I am honored to receive this award."

Batiste is a seven-time GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and composer. His latest release, Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1), is the first in a solo piano series that reimagines classical works through a fresh, contemporary lens. The album follows World Music Radio (2023), which earned five GRAMMY nominations, including Album of the Year. Batiste also earned an Oscar nomination and a GRAMMY win for his song "It Never Went Away," featured in the Netflix documentary AMERICAN SYMPHONY. His innovative score was also featured in Jason Reitman’s 2024 film SATURDAY NIGHT.

Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the GRAMMY Museum, added, "Ray Charles was a trailblazing artist whose influence knows no bounds, and Jon Batiste is a true reflection of that legacy. Beyond his immense talent, Jon has been a dedicated partner in advancing the GRAMMY Museum’s mission to make music education more accessible. Honoring him with the inaugural Ray Charles ‘Architect of Sound’ Award is not just fitting—it’s a celebration of two artists who have shaped the sound of generations."

“Ray Charles was always pushing music forward — blending genres, breaking barriers, and inspiring generations,” said Valerie Ervin, President of The Ray Charles Foundation. “He would be deeply honored to have his name attached to an award that celebrates artists who share his fearless creativity and dedication to their craft. Jon Batiste embodies that spirit, and The Ray Charles Foundation is proud to join the GRAMMY Museum in recognizing his extraordinary contributions to music.”

Batiste will deliver two special performances during the Gala, which will also include musical tributes and one-of-a-kind moments from a lineup of artists to be announced. The event will also honor this year’s label honoree, Republic Records.

The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum have also announced the performer lineup for the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala, which includes:

  • Andy Vargas, longtime band member of Santana, whose 1999 GRAMMY-winning album, Supernatural, is being inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame this year

  • Cindy Blackman, a celebrated percussionist

  • Conan Gray, acclaimed rising singer/songwriter

  • Eddie Floyd, soul legend whose 1966 Stax single "Knock On Wood" is a 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inductee

  • Emmylou Harris, 13-time GRAMMY winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree whose 1995 album, Wrecking Ball, is being inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame this year; she will be joined by multi-GRAMMY-Award-winning producer Daniel Lanois and acclaimed multi-GRAMMY-Award-winning jazz drummer Brian Blade for a rare collaboration

  • Jody Stephens, iconic drummer for Big Star, whose 1972 debut album #1 Record will be inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame this year

  • John Mellencamp, legendary GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter

  • Jon Batiste, multi-GRAMMY-Award-winning composer and bandleader who was previously announced as the inaugural recipient of the newly created Ray Charles "Architect of Sound" Award, which will be awarded at the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala

  • Ledisi, GRAMMY-winning vocal powerhouse

  • Leslie Grace, Latin GRAMMY nominee, singer/songwriter and actor

  • Leslie Odom, Jr., GRAMMY-winning singer and actor

  • Orianthi, guitar virtuoso

  • Susanna Hoffs, musician, author and co-founder of the Bangles

Performances throughout the night will pay tribute to the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inducted recordings:

  • Cindy Blackman and Orianthi, joined by Andy Vargas, will perform Santana's "Smooth"

  • Conan Gray will perform as part of a tribute to Republic Records

  • Eddie Floyd and Jody Stephens will perform "Knock On Wood"

  • Emmylou Harris, Daniel Lanois and Brian Blade will present selections from Wrecking Ball

  • John Mellencamp will perform as part of a tribute to Republic Records

  • Ledisi will perform Clara Ward's "How I Got Over"

  • Leslie Grace will deliver Gloria Estefan's "Conga"

  • Leslie Odom, Jr. will interpret Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much"

  • Susanna Hoffs will take on Cat Stevens' "Wild World"

Esteemed CBS News journalist Anthony Mason will return as the Gala's host. GRAMMY- and Latin-GRAMMY-Award-winning composer, producer and conductor Cheche Alara will serve as musical director.

The 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala will celebrate this year’s inducted recordings, which include iconic albums and singles such as JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, Cat Stevens’ Tea For The Tillerman, Carlos Santana’s Supernatural, and classics by Big Star, Clara Ward, Eddie Floyd, Emmylou Harris, Fela Kuti & Afrika 70, Geeshie Wiley, Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Linda Martell, and Luther Vandross.

Established in 1973 by the Recording Academy’s National Trustees, the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame honors recordings that have qualitative or historical significance and are at least 25 years old. Inducted recordings are selected annually by a special member committee of professionals across the recording arts, with final approval by the National Board of Trustees. With the 13 new additions this year, the Hall Of Fame now includes 1,165 recordings. Eligible recipients will receive an official certificate from the Recording Academy. 

Learn more about and purchase tickets for the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala.

The 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala is produced by former GRAMMY Awards Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich, alongside Ron Basile, Lindsay Saunders Carl and Lynne Sheridan.