May 4, 1959 –
Originally called the Gramophone awards, the first Grammys were handed out on this date, to honor the musical accomplishments by performers for the year 1958. The ceremony was hosted by comedian Mort Sahl and held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. At the same time, Recording Academy members convened for a simultaneous function at the Park Sheraton Hotel in New York City.
Ella Fitzgerald along with Count Basie became the first African American singers to win Grammy Awards at the first annual ceremony. The very first Grammy Awards for Record of the Year went to Domenico Modugno’s Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu (Volare) and Henry Mancini’s The Music From Peter Gunn soundtrack winning Album of the Year. The Champs’ Tequila, for some reason, takes home Best Rhythm and Blues Performance.
The Haus of Dcaligari 