Norah Jones is being recognized where it counts. The Grammy Museum will present Jones with the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award at the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum’s Grammy Hall of Fame Gala on May 8 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The evening will also celebrate the 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame inducted recordings and honor Warner Records as the year’s label honoree.
The Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award recognizes artists whose influence crosses generations and transcends genre. Inspired by Charles’ legacy as a performer, pianist, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, the award celebrates creative impact that reshapes the musical landscape. Jones, whose work spans jazz, pop, soul, and country, has built a body of work that is both intimate and far-reaching across more than two decades.
Jones responded to the honor directly. “Ray Charles was my musical hero, and he changed the way so many of us hear and feel music,” she said. “To be recognized in connection with his legacy, and as part of a night that also celebrates such important recorded works, is special for me.” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. called her work a reflection of “deep musicality, emotional honesty and a spirit of exploration.”
Jones will perform during the evening alongside additional artists to be announced. Esteemed journalist Anthony Mason returns as host, with the show produced by former Grammy Awards Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich and musical direction from Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning composer and conductor Cheche Alara.
The 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame class includes 14 inducted recordings, among them 2Pac’s ‘All Eyez On Me,’ Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation 1814,’ Radiohead’s ‘OK Computer,’ and works by Alice Coltrane, Funkadelic, Heart, Nick Drake, Selena, and Eric B. & Rakim, among others.