Key Highlights
- Louisiana musicians dominated one entire category of the 2026 Grammy Awards.
- New Orleans-based artists including Jon Batiste and Kyle Roussel were among the nominees.
- The Best Regional Roots Album category was swept by Louisiana albums.
- Grammy winners from previous years such as PJ Morton, Branford Marsalis, and Ledisi were also nominated.
New Orleans and Louisiana Musicians Shine at 2026 Grammy Nominations
The music scene in New Orleans and the broader state of Louisiana has been celebrated with a strong showing in this year’s Grammy Awards nominations. This marks a significant moment for local artists, who have seen their work recognized on one of the most prestigious stages in the music industry.
Louisiana Albums Sweep Best Regional Roots Album Category
The 2026 Grammy Awards nominees announced last Friday included several notable New Orleans and Louisiana musicians. Perhaps the most striking achievement was the dominance of the Best Regional Roots Album category, which saw all five nominations go to albums from the state.
Kyle Roussel’s ambitious “Church of New Orleans” secured a nomination in this category. Other nominees include trombonist Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet for “Live At Vaughan’s,” Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band for “For Fat Man,” Trombone Shorty & the New Breed Brass Band for “Second Line Sunday,” and an all-star salute to zydeco legend Clifton Chenier, titled “A Tribute to the King of Zydeco.”
Established Artists and First-Timers Among Nominees
The list of nominees also featured a mix of established artists who have been nominated in previous years. Jon Batiste, known for his collaboration with Maroon 5 and his own solo work, is up for Best American Roots Performance for “Lonely Avenue,” which features Randy Newman. His album “Big Money” is also nominated for Best Americana Album.
Other established artists who are back on the nominees list include PJ Morton, who received multiple nominations for his collaboration with Darrel Walls.
Their “Amazing” is up for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance / Song, and their “Heart of Mine” album is nominated for Best Gospel Album. Ledisi, a former resident of New Orleans before moving to California as a child, is nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Up-and-Coming Talent in the Spotlight
In addition to seasoned performers, this year’s nominations also highlight up-and-coming talent from Louisiana. Kyle Roussel, who has been part of both the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the modern jazz ensemble the Headhunters, is making his first-time nomination for “Church of New Orleans.”
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be broadcast from Los Angeles on CBS on February 1, marking a significant event in the music industry calendar. The nominations reflect the rich musical heritage and diverse talent that New Orleans and Louisiana continue to contribute to the broader world of music.
