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Janet Jackson was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for “Rhythm Nation 1814,” along with a number of other landmark albums and recordings, celebrated at a gala on Friday at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
The musician, who marked the 40th anniversary of “Control” this year, gave a moving acceptance speech after Jimmy Jam inducted her into the Hall of Fame – the same Jimmy Jam that co-produced “Rhythm Nation” with Terry Lewis.
“I am so grateful and honored that Rhythm Nation is being recognized in this wonderful, wonderful way tonight. It’s nice to relive the memories of this project that is so, so close to my heart,” Jackson said. “I don’t see Rhythm Nation as a phenomenon that lives in the past – I believe it is alive and vital in 2026. Rhythm Nation still touches us on a deep and lasting level. It is an ongoing force that combats prejudice and promotes understanding. It can’t be stopped – it’s simply too strong and too positive. “Rhythm Nation is a movement of people of all ages and backgrounds who strive to give and receive love, free from judgment.”
Jackson’s message for peace
“As we celebrate tonight, let us remember that it transcends all borders, nationalities and creeds. When you hear the music of Rhythm Nation, I hope you hear the desire of my heart that we had when we first created this cycle of songs. More than ever, it is my hope that we may live in a world without fear and despair,” Jackson continued. “The prayer that drives this ‘Rhythm Nation’ remains the same, exactly the same: that peace reign. Peace throughout the world, peace among nations, peace in our neighborhoods, peace in our homes. May the music of ‘Rhythm Nation’ continue to bring us together in peace, and may that peace allow us to celebrate this precious gift of life that God has given us. All praise to God. I thank the Grammy organization for this wonderful honor.”
The star-studded event celebrated the recording of several significant recordings. Take 6 opened the evening’s musical performances with the recorded Soul Stirrers track “Jesus Gave Me Water”. Taylor Hanson followed with a faithful acoustic cover of Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” – the title track from the late folk singer’s third and final album, which was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and made it onto ROLLING STONE’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Hanson released his cover of “Pink Moon” in 2024 on Underneath: Complete, a 20th anniversary edition of her third album.
Heart members Ann and Nancy Wilson honored their band’s debut album, “Dreamboat Annie,” with performances of the classics “Magic Man,” the title track and “Crazy on You.” Fyütch and Aura V followed with a performance of Ella Jenkins’ “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song,” the title track from the late “First Lady of Children’s Music” recorded album. Lucinda Williams then appeared and played “Can’t Let Go” and the title track of the recorded “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”. Their 1998 alt-country classic ranks at No. 98 on our Greatest Albums list. Isabel Marie followed with Selena’s “No Me Queda Mas” from the late singer’s recorded album, “Amor Prohibido.”
Norah Jones honors Ray Charles
Norah Jones, who received the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award, honored Charles by playing versions of his “Seven Spanish Angels” and “Hallelujah, I Love Him So” – her interpretation of “Hallelujah, I Love Her So”.
Funkadelic’s 1971 album “Maggot Brain,” also on ROLLING STONE’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, was honored with a rousing performance from bandleader George Clinton, Funkadelic guitarist Blackbyrd McKnight and Erykah Badu, who performed “Maggot Brain” and “Can You Get to That.”
Warner Records was named recipient of the Vision of Music Award at the end of the evening, with Teddy Swims and Josh Groban honoring the label with separate performances.
The class of 2026 at a glance
Other inductees into the Class of 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame include 2Pac’s album “All Eyez on Me,” Alice Coltrane’s “Journey in Satchidananda,” Radiohead’s “OK Computer,” the Rouse Brothers’ “Orange Blossom Special,” Eric B. & Rakim’s “Paid In Full,” Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” and Bertha “Chippie” Hill’s “Trouble in Mind.”
Friday’s gala doubled as a fundraiser for the Grammy Museum’s national education programs.
