The Los Angeles wildfires had a profound impact on the lives of many, including musician Taylor Goldsmith of the band Dawes. As the fires encroached on Altadena, where Goldsmith and his family lived, they were forced to evacuate, leaving behind their home and belongings. The devastation was palpable, with Goldsmith eventually sharing the heartbreaking news with his friend Brad Paisley that “Everything’s gone.” Despite the challenges they faced, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of a unique opportunity to perform at the Grammy Awards. This unexpected turn of events would bring together a diverse group of musicians to pay tribute to the city they love through a special performance of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.”
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The idea to perform “I Love L.A.” at the Grammys stemmed from Dawes’ earlier performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where they helped raise funds for musicians affected by the fires. The connection to the song resonated deeply with Grammy executive producer Ben Winston, who found solace in the lyrics as he navigated the aftermath of the wildfires. The decision to include Dawes in the Grammy performance was influenced by a conversation with Brandi Carlile, highlighting the band’s unique appeal and musical talent.
For Taylor Goldsmith and Dawes, the opportunity to perform at the Grammys was a surreal experience, given their under-the-radar status in the music industry. The collaboration with other prominent musicians like John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent added a new dynamic to the performance, showcasing a blend of genres and styles that captivated the audience. The process of rehearsing and refining their rendition of “I Love L.A.” was challenging but ultimately rewarding, with each member bringing their unique talents to the table.
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As the performance date approached, the band members faced a mix of nerves and excitement, eager to showcase their hard work on stage. The final moments before going live were filled with anticipation and a sense of accomplishment, knowing that they had overcome obstacles to bring their vision to life. The energy and passion displayed during the performance resonated with the audience, creating a memorable moment for all involved.
After the show, Randy Newman expressed his gratitude for the tribute to his iconic song and its significance to the city of Los Angeles. The collaboration between Dawes and the other musicians was a testament to the power of music to unite people and uplift spirits in challenging times. Despite the hardships faced by Goldsmith and his bandmates, the experience of performing at the Grammys was a highlight in their careers, showcasing their talent and resilience.
The journey from the devastation of the wildfires to the stage of the Grammys was a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. It was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, music has the power to heal, inspire, and bring people together. The performance of “I Love L.A.” was not just a tribute to a city, but a celebration of hope, unity, and the enduring power of music.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Dawes to perform “I Love L.A.” at the Grammys?
A: The idea originated from their performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a conversation with Grammy executive producer Ben Winston.
Q: How did the collaboration with other musicians come about?
A: Brandi Carlile suggested Dawes for the performance, leading to the inclusion of John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent in the lineup.
Q: What was the significance of the performance of “I Love L.A.” at the Grammys?
A: It was a tribute to the city of Los Angeles and a celebration of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Credit: www.rollingstone.com
