Redemption Song

I missed my beloved Foo Fighters' performance at the Grammys last night. Instead I was watching the third in the Lord of the Rings saga, "Return of the King." We had a night without the ball of fire so of course we had to watch something long and violent that we could never watch when he's around. Our other choice was "The Departed" -- Lord knows I love a good Mob drama with a little Marky Mark on the side -- but I just couldn't stay up that late!

I'm not a big fan of the Grammys in general. I think they are more of a popularity contest than a true measure of worth. I've thought that since Vanilla Ice was up for a Grammy but I digress.

I checked out the list of winners this morning, not expecting great results but I was thrilled to see Dave Grohl and the boys picked up a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance for "Pretender" and Best Rock Album for "Echos, Silence, Patience & Grace."

Hello! What have I been saying all along?

I scanned the list and saw a The White Stripes' "Icky Thump" won best Alternative Album of the Year and Slayer (no shit, Slayer!) won best Heavy Metal Performance.

And then I saw an old familiar name that made me smile, Bruce Springsteen. "Radio Nowhere" won Best Rock Song. His album, "Magic" was nominated for Best Album as well. Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, Joe Satriania, Rush, Metallica, Jill Scott. I was tickled pink to see so many talented artists on this year's list. Even Aretha Franklin, whom the ball of fire calls Miss 'Retha, won a Grammy for a gospel duo with Mary J. Blige.

Truly talented musicians are such a great gift in this world. I cannot imagine a day in my life when I didn't listen to, sing or play some music. I've always felt that finding the perfect song, the one that gives you goosbumps every time you hear it, was the closest on Earth you can get to hearing the angels sing.

I just consider myself lucky to know exactly which artists make me feel that way!