Charlie Haden Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at Grammys

The 55th Annual Grammy Awards was a very special moment for Charlie Haden as the 75-year-old bassist was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the course of his career, Haden has worked with artists like Ornette Coleman, Pat Metheny, Keith Jarrett, Alice Coltrane, Joe Henderson, and Michael Brecker, just to name a few.

During his acceptance speech, the bassist explained he’s been suffering from post-polio syndrome and has been unable to play since 2010, though he’s been recovering after a special surgery in Germany. He ended his speech with a beautiful sentiment:

“I believe that music can lead us to think about the deeper things in life,” “to find the beauty in this magnificent universe we are fortunate to inhabit and help us through the difficult path of life. If through my music I’ve been able to bring beauty and peace to my fellow human beings, I feel truly blessed.”

The night was also a hit for other great bassists:

• Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Paul McCartney – Kisses on the Bottom (John Clayton, Christian McBride, Chuck Berghoffer, Robert Hurst)
• Best Country Album: Zac Brown Band – Uncaged (John Driskell Hopkins)
• Best Jazz Vocal Album: Esperanza Spalding – Radio Music Society
• Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists: Esperanza Spalding and Thara Memory – “City of Roses”
• Best Jazz Instrumental Album: Pat Metheny Unity Band – Unity Band (Ben Williams)
• Best Folk Album: Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, and Chris Thile – The Goat Rodeo Sessions