‘Very grateful’: Two Grammy Awards go to these artists with Kansas City ties
Update: Megan Thee Stallion’s Grammy-winning single was produced by Anthony “J.White Did It” White of Leavenworth. And the Chiefs might have helped. Story here.
Two of the Grammy Award winners announced Sunday night have Kansas City connections.
Justus West, who grew up in Overland Park, shared in the award for best R&B album, for John Legend’s “Bigger Love.” West was a producer on the album and co-wrote the song “Always.”
“So … I just won my first Grammy,” he posted on social media Sunday. “I thank God everyday for the gifts he’s given me!! Very grateful.”
The Shawnee Mission West High School alum had earned his first nomination the year before for co-producing the hit “Ballin’” by Mustard (featuring Roddy Ricch).
In addition, David Frost, who has won multiple Grammys, received the classical producer of the year Grammy for several albums, including Michael Stern and the Kansas City Symphony’s recording of Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” and “The Perfect Fool.”
Several people with Kansas City ties were nominated this year:
Liz Robson, who grew up in Merriam, did engineering on DaBaby’s “Rockstar,” so she was part of the song’s record of the year nomination. “Rockstar,” featuring Roddy Ricch, was also up for best rap song and best melodic rap performance.
Guitarist Pat Metheny, who grew up in Lee’s Summit, was nominated for best arrangement for instruments and vocals for the album “From This Place.”
Joyce DiDonato, the international opera star who grew up in Prairie Village, was nominated for best opera recording for Handel: “Agrippina.”
Charles Bruffy and the Kansas City Chorale’s “Requiem for Fallen Brothers” was up for best choral performance and classical producer of the year.
And Kansas Citian Logan Richardson plays his alto saxophone on Gerald Clayton’s “Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard,” which was up for best jazz instrumental album.
This story was originally published March 15, 2021 at 2:16 PM.
