GRAMMY CUTS

The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) has simply deleted categories such as Latin Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Cajun, Zydeco, Hawaiian, Polka, Traditional World, which includes Gospel, Blues, R&B, and Mexican categories.

The cut downgraded the once 109 category award show to only 78. Leaving many musicians with a feel of betrayal.

During the first Grammy Awards Ceremony in 1959 Frank Sinatra stated, "It's about excellence, not popularity..."

In the past the minimum requirement for submissions was 10. If for three consecutive years any category received less than the minimum submissions the category would be terminated permanently.

Now the minimum is 25 submissions. Which now seems that the Grammy's is now making decisions based on popularity instead of actual talent and excellence.

Latin Jazz performers protested outside of the Beverly Hilton where the board of trustes for the the NARAS held their meeting. The protest brought a large crowd showing exactly how popular their craft actually is..

"Many races, colors and creeds embrace our music," said Latin jazz musician Peter Escovedo. "And to take that away from us is a slap in the face."

Not only is taking away categories a slap in a musicians face. It's a slap in the face of the fans who enjoy those particular musical categories.