GRAMMY Museum Honouring Jon Bastiste with Inaugural Ray Charles “Architect Of Sound” Award

Building on its long-standing relationship with The Ray Charles Foundation, the GRAMMY Museum® announces the creation of the Ray Charles “Architect of Sound” Award, an annual honour presented at the Recording Academy® and GRAMMY Museum’s GRAMMY Hall Of Fame® Gala. The inaugural recipient, multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Jon Batiste, will receive the award at the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala on May 16th, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

Inspired by the boundless genius of Charles—whose legacy as a performer, pianist, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur forever transformed the musical landscape—the “Architect of Sound” Award recognizes an artist whose influence echoes across generations. This award celebrates those who, like Charles, transcend genre, redefine creativity, and leave an indelible mark on music and culture. Whether through innovation in sound, groundbreaking artistry, or an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, the recipient embodies the pioneering spirit of one of music’s greatest architects. A 17-time GRAMMY winner with 10 recordings inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame and a Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honouree, Ray Charles was one of the most influential artists of all time.

Batiste, a visionary artist, composer, and cultural force, will be the first recipient of this prestigious honour, which celebrates an artist whose impact on music echoes the pioneering spirit of Charles. As a genre-defying pianist, singer-songwriter, and bandleader, Batiste’s contributions to music and culture have been both innovative and timeless, making him the perfect artist to receive this inaugural award.

Jon Batiste said:

“Ray Charles is a beacon for me, a blueprint. He is a singular example of musical genius, artistic freedom and craft of the highest level that will continue to inspire humanity for generations and stand the test of time. I am honoured to receive this award. It is vitally important to me to carry on our cultural legacy of true artistic greatness and lead the way for generations to come.”

Michael Sticka, GRAMMY Museum President/CEO, said:

“Ray Charles was a trailblazing artist whose influence knows no bounds, and Jon Batiste is a true reflection of that legacy. Beyond his immense talent, Jon has been a dedicated partner in advancing the GRAMMY Museum’s mission to make music education more accessible. Honouring him with the inaugural Ray Charles ‘Architect of Sound’ Award is not just fitting—it’s a celebration of two artists who have shaped the sound of generations.”

Valerie Ervin, President of The Ray Charles Foundation, said:

“Ray Charles was always pushing music forward—blending genres, breaking barriers, and inspiring generations. He would be deeply honoured to have his name attached to an award that celebrates artists who share his fearless creativity and dedication to their craft. Jon Batiste embodies that spirit, and The Ray Charles Foundation is proud to join the GRAMMY Museum in recognizing his extraordinary contributions to music.”

Batiste will take the stage for two special performances during the evening, which will also feature one-of-a-kind musical moments from a lineup of artists to be announced soon. The event will additionally honour this year’s label honouree, Republic Records.

Returning as host is esteemed CBS News journalist Anthony Mason. The show will be produced by former GRAMMY Awards® Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich, alongside Ron Basile, Lindsay Saunders Carl, and Lynne Sheridan, with musical direction by GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning composer, producer, and conductor Cheche Alara.

The Gala will celebrate the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inducted recordings, which include iconic recordings such as JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, Cat Stevens’ Tea For The Tillerman, Santana’s Supernatural, and classics from Big Star, Clara Ward, Eddie Floyd, Emmylou Harris, Fela Kuti & Afrika 70, Geeshie Wiley, Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, J.D. Crowe & The New South, Linda Martell, and Luther Vandross.