Why Is It Called The Grammys? How The Award Got Its Name - Metro

The 64th annual Grammy Awards took place in Los Angeles last night and music stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Foo Fighters, and Silk Sonic won big.

The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, commonly known as the Recording Academy, has been presenting the Grammy Awards since 1959. 

At that first ceremony, legendary musicians like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald were present – and they took home Grammy awards just like the stars of today will receive.

But where did the name Grammy come from?

Here is everything you need to know.

Why is it called the Grammys?

It’s simple: ‘Grammy’ is short for gramophone – as the winners receive their award in the shape of a golden statuette of a gramophone.

The gramophone is a music device also known as a phonograph or a record player, best recognised by its distinctive horn.

According to the official Grammy website, the award was originally known as the ‘Gramophone Awards’, but soon after the first ceremony, the Recording Academy launched a campaign asking Americans to come up with a better name.

Rosejay Elizabeth Danna, a secretary from New Orleans, was one of many people who submitted entries suggesting the name ‘GRAMMY’, but hers was the first one received in the mail, making her the contest winner.

Danna received 25 LPs as a thank-you gift from The Recording Academy.

Sorry, this video isn't available any more.

The Grammys are not the only award ceremony named after the statuettes. 

More Trending

1. 

   Justin Bieber calls for safer music industry: 'What happened to me was real'

   Channel: Music Music 6 days ago By Rebecca Sayce
2. Westlife's Mark Feehily says his 'body and mind need time' after life-threatening condion
3. John Lydon: 'I'm half the person I was when my wife was alive'
4. Last chance to make the most of Amazon Music Unlimited’s 4-month free deal

The Oscars are formally known as the Academy Awards, but have been dubbed the Oscars after a nickname emerged for the statuette of a man that is given to the winners.

Although the origins of the nickname are unclear, it is thought that when Margaret Herrick, an Academy librarian who eventually became an executive director, saw the trophy for the first time, she said it looked like her Uncle Oscar, according to the Oscars website.

In 1934, Hollywood columnist Sidney Skolsky used the term Oscar when referring to Katharine Hepburn’s first Best Actress win, and then in 1939, the Academy Awards adopted the nickname.

Arrow MORE: Billie Eilish honours late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins during powerful rain-soaked Grammys performance

Arrow MORE: Emotional Lady Gaga pays tribute to Tony Bennett in rousing Grammys performance as music icon unable to attend due to ill health

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source