Visit Mississippi Celebrates 2026 Southern GRAMMY Nominees in L.A.

L to R: Carlton Portley, Bobby Rush and Jamal Roberts

Visit Mississippi joined Explore Louisiana in co‑hosting The Gold Record Road: Celebrating GRAMMY Nominees of the South, a regional music showcase and brunch honoring Southern artists nominated for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards. The event took place Saturday, January 31, at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, on the eve of the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, where artists and industry guests gathered to celebrate the enduring contributions of southern artists current and past.

Longtime Jackson resident, multi–GRAMMY Award winner, and 2026 GRAMMY nominee Bobby Rush attended the event, and 2026 GRAMMY nominee and Mississippi artist Jamal Roberts performed for guests.

“Growing up in Mississippi, music wasn’t just something I listened to — it was the language of my community, the heartbeat of every church service, family gathering and late‑night porch conversation. To be nominated for a GRAMMY is an incredible honor, but to do so while carrying the spirit of Mississippi’s music with me makes it even more meaningful,” said Jamal Roberts. “I’m grateful for the roots that shaped me and for the chance to share a piece of my home with the world.”

Jamal Roberts

Mississippi’s 2026 GRAMMY nominees include Audri Johnson, nominated for Best Gospel Album (engineering, guitar, programming); Bobby Rush, nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album; Charlie Musselwhite, nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album; Hayley Williams, nominated for Best Rock Performance (“Mirtazapine”), Best Rock Song (“Glum”), Best Alternative Music Performance (“Parachute”), and Best Alternative Music Album (Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party); Mavis Staples, nominated for Best Americana Performance; Deborah Silver, nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, in addition to Jamal Roberts, nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song.

“The Mississippi music legacy continues to inspire the world, from gospel to blues to contemporary innovation,” said Rochelle Hicks, Director of Visit Mississippi. “We were honored to partner with Explore Louisiana in celebrating these extraordinary GRAMMY nominees and the stories their music carries.”

Mississippi is proud to share a special connection with this remarkable GRAMMY institution. In 2016, the Recording Academy chose Cleveland, Mississippi, as the home for its first-ever GRAMMY Museum built outside of Los Angeles—a powerful acknowledgement of the state’s unparalleled musical heritage. The GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, located in the Mississippi Delta, underscoring the Recording Academy’s recognition of the enormous influence Mississippi artists have had on global music.

"We’re thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent of the South at this special brunch at the GRAMMY Museum," said Emily Havens, Executive Director of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. "Mississippi has a rich musical legacy, and honoring our GRAMMY nominees alongside Louisiana artists is a wonderful way to showcase the vibrant creativity and culture that continues to define the region. With performances by Jamal Roberts, Trombone Shorty, and more, this event is a true celebration of Southern music at its finest."