Janet Jackson shared a message of peace and unity as her fourth album “Rhythm Nation 1814” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame during the organization’s gala last night at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
The iconic singer took to the podium during the event to reflect on the impact of the project, which was released in 1989. Following an introduction by longtime collaborator Jimmy Jam, Jackson addressed the ballroom by expressing gratitude for the honor and highlighting how the message of “Rhythm Nation 1814” still resonates today.
“Though I don’t see ‘Rhythm Nation’ as a phenomenon that lives in the past, I believe it’s alive and well in 2026,” she said. “‘Rhythm Nation’ still resonates on a deep and profound level. It’s an ongoing force that fights bigotry and promotes understanding. It cannot be stopped. It’s simply too strong and too positive. ‘Rhythm Nation’ is a movement of people of all ages and backgrounds seeking to give and receive love, free of judgment.”
Jackson explained that the album “transcends all borders, nationalities and faiths,” and that “more than ever, my hope is that we might live in a world free of fear and despair.” “The prayer driving this ‘Rhythm Nation’ remains the same, exactly the same, that peace prevails,” she continued. “Peace the world over, peace among nations, peace in our neighborhoods, peace in our homes. May the music of ‘Rhythm Nation continue to bring us together in peace and may that peace allow us to celebrate this precious gift of life that God has given us.”
“Rhythm Nation 1814” was one of 14 albums and songs celebrated during the Grammy Hall of Fame Gala, a two-and-a-half-hour event that featured performances from Heart and Norah Jones and acceptance speeches from artists and their families. The robust evening began with a performance from Take 6 in a tribute to the Soul Stirrers’ “Jesus Gave Me Water,” followed by Taylor Hanson covering Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” and an acceptance speech from Cally Callamon, who manages the late singer’s estate.
Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson gave an impassioned performance of “Magic Man,” “Dreamboat Annie” and “Crazy on You” as their album “Dreamboat Annie” was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Eric B. and Rakim gave a short speech to honor “Paid in Full,” while Lucinda Williams performed “Can’t Let Go” and “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.”
“I want to thank the Grammy Hall of Fame organization and the people who supported me all those years when they said my music fell in the cracks between country and rock, which later became known as Americana,” said Williams, whose album “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” was inducted. “It feels really good to be recognized for what you do and not how many records you sell.”
Norah Jones was on hand to perform “Seven Spanish Angels” and “Hallelujah. I Love Him So” in tribute to Ray Charles. One of the standout performances from the evening came from George Clinton, whose 1971 album “Maggot Brain” was among the inductees. Clinton performed “Maggot Brain” and subsequently enlisted Erykah Badu and Blackbyrd McKnight for “Can You Get to That.”
The night came to an end in tribute to Warner Records, with Teddy Swims performing “Mister Know It All” and “Lose Control” along with Josh Groban singing “Bruscia La Terra” and “Stand By Me.” Additional recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame included 2Pac’s “All Eyez on Me,” Selena’s “Amor Prohibido,” Alice Coltrane’s “Journey in Satchidananda,” Radiohead’s “OK Computer,” the Rouse Brothers’ “Orange Blossom Special,” Bertha “Chippie” Hill’s “Trouble in Mind” and Ella Jenkins’ “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song.”
