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Global icon Janet Jackson is set to make a special appearance at the 2026 Grammy Hall Of Fame® Gala on May 8th to celebrate the induction of her era-defining masterpiece, Rhythm Nation 1814. Held at The Beverly Hilton, the gala honors a diverse class of 14 recordings that have shaped the last century of music—ranging from 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me to Radiohead’s OK Computer.
The Recording Academy has revealed a heavy-hitting performance lineup tasked with reimagining these historic works. In a standout pairing, funk pioneer George Clinton will join forces with Erykah Badu and guitarist Blackbyrd McKnight for a high-stakes tribute to Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain.” Other confirmed performances include:
- Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart): Performing selections from their inducted debut, Dreamboat Annie.
- Taylor Hanson: Delivering a rare tribute to the late folk legend Nick Drake and his album Pink Moon.
- Lucinda Williams: Revisiting the grit of her inducted classic, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.
- Fyütch & Aura V: Performing Ella Jenkins’ “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song.”
Beyond individual inductions, the evening will honor Warner Records with the Visionary Of Music Award, featuring a collaborative set by Josh Groban, Teddy Swims, and Ray Charles Architect of Sound recipient Norah Jones. To support the Grammy Museum’s educational initiatives, an online auction will launch May 5th, featuring rare guitars signed by current chart-toppers Sabrina Carpenter, ROSÉ, and Charli xcx, alongside platinum tickets for the 2027 Grammy Awards.
Established in 1973, the Grammy Hall Of Fame remains the industry’s most prestigious archive for recordings of “qualitative or historical significance.” This year’s class also includes seminal works by Selena, Alice Coltrane, and Eric B. & Rakim. The gala, hosted by journalist Anthony Mason and produced by legendary executive Ken Ehrlich, serves as the definitive bridge between the architects of sound and the future of the recording arts.
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