John Mellencamp is set to perform live at Primary Wave Music’s annual pre-Grammy party at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Saturday, Jan. 31, the night before the 68th annual Grammy Awards. There will also be a performance by Trombone Shorty, DJ sets from CeeLo Green and Grandmaster Flash and additional surprises to be announced.
“Having grown up listening to his amazing music, we are thrilled and grateful to have John Mellencamp join this year’s 20th anniversary pre-Grammy party,” Larry Mestel, CEO and founder of Primary Wave Music, said in a statement. “This milestone year is all about recognizing our family of legendary artists who define our company with unforgettable performances and a few surprises along the way. John’s performance will make this evening one of our most memorable yet.”
Mellencamp’s appearance comes on the heels of his recent announcement of his summer tour, Dancing Words Tour – The Greatest Hits, taking place in 19 U.S. cities. The tour, produced by Live Nation, marks the first time Mellencamp will perform all his most beloved songs in a single night.
Mellencamp’s American Fool topped the Billboard 200 for nine weeks in 1982, which led the magazine to retroactively crown him the Greatest Pop Star of that year. Mellencamp won a Grammy in 1983, best rock vocal performance, male for “Hurts So Good.” He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018. His many other awards include the Billboard Century Award (2001), the ASCAP Founders Award (2016), the Americana Lifetime Achievement Award (2010), the John Steinbeck Award (2012) and the Woody Guthrie Prize (2018).
Trombone Shorty won a Grammy four years ago, album of the year as a featured artist on Jon Batiste’s We Are. Green has won five Grammys. Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2021.
The Primary Wave Pre-Grammy party will celebrate 20 years of Primary Wave’s legendary roster and vast catalog. The event is presented by VENU, an owner, operator, and developer of luxury, experience-driven entertainment destinations.
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