The late RAY CHARLES has ignited a row among music industry professionals over whether his latest release qualifies for a Grammy Award nomination.
Questions have arisen over whether the new RAY SINGS, BASIE SWINGS album is eligible for a commendation for the 2007 awards ceremony as the project combines recently discovered vocals by the soul legend with newly recorded backing tracks by the COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA.
Under Recording Academy legislation, Charles' vocals are ruled out from being nominated in the new vocal categories as his recording dates back to the 1970s.
DIANE THERIOT, senior vice president of awards for the Academy explains, "If you have a recording that's basically an old recording but with lots of new production, then suddenly you have a recording that falls into limbo because it's not eligible for historical consideration and it's not eligible for newer performance categories." The vocals are considered by many to be Charles' best, and stand a strong chance if nominated for a Grammy.
The album's producer, GREGG FIELD, says, "I think it's an important record in Ray's career and I'm disappointed that this time around, the vocals can't be considered for a Grammy."