Louisiana musicians have made a significant impact on the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards nominations. Artists with ties to the state, including both established names and first-time nominees, received recognition across various categories. Notably, Louisiana-based albums secured all five nominations in the Best Regional Roots Album category, marking a complete sweep.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana artists swept the Best Regional Roots Album category.
- Jon Batiste, Branford Marsalis, and PJ Morton are among the repeat nominees.
- First-time nominees include Kyle Roussel and Samantha Fish for solo albums.
- Blues legends Bobby Rush and Buddy Guy received nominations.
- The 2026 Grammy Awards will air on February 1 from Los Angeles.
Regional Roots Category Sees Louisiana Sweep
The Best Regional Roots Album category is entirely comprised of albums from Louisiana artists. This remarkable achievement highlights the rich musical heritage and ongoing creativity within the state. The nominated works represent diverse sounds, from jazz and brass band music to zydeco.
Kyle Roussel, a New Orleans keyboardist known for his work with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and The Headhunters, earned his first Grammy nomination for his album "Church of New Orleans." This ambitious project showcases Roussel's unique blend of jazz and gospel influences, reflecting the city's vibrant musical landscape.
Category Dominance
All five nominations for Best Regional Roots Album belong to Louisiana artists, a rare occurrence in Grammy history.
Other nominees in this category include trombonist Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet for "Live At Vaughan’s," and Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band for "For Fat Man." Trombone Shorty & the New Breed Brass Band also received a nod for their album "Second Line Sunday."
Completing the sweep is "A Tribute to the King of Zydeco," an all-star album honoring southwest Louisiana legend Clifton Chenier. This tribute features contributions from a wide array of zydeco artists, alongside the iconic Rolling Stones, underscoring Chenier's lasting global influence.
Blues and R&B Artists Recognized
The blues categories also feature strong Louisiana representation. Veteran bluesman Bobby Rush, at 91 years old, received a nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album for "Young Fashioned Ways." This album is a collaboration with fellow Louisiana artist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, bridging generations of blues talent.
"It's an honor to be recognized for music that comes from the heart and soul of Louisiana," said a representative for one of the nominated blues artists, emphasizing the deep roots of the genre in the state.
Another Louisiana native, Buddy Guy, also secured a nomination in the Best Traditional Blues Album category for his work "Ain’t Done With the Blues." Samantha Fish, a New Orleans-based guitarist and singer-songwriter, received her first solo album nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album with "Paper Doll." She had previously been nominated for a collaborative effort.
Familiar Faces Return to Grammy Spotlight
Several acclaimed New Orleans-born artists, who are no strangers to Grammy recognition, have once again found their names on the nomination list. Jon Batiste, a St. Augustine High School graduate and New Orleans Center for Creative Arts alumnus, received multiple nominations. Batiste, who famously won five Grammys in 2022 including Album of the Year for "We Are," is nominated for Best American Roots Performance with "Lonely Avenue," featuring Randy Newman. His track "Big Money" is up for Best American Roots Song, and his album of the same title is nominated for Best Americana Album.
A History of Success
Jon Batiste's past Grammy wins include Album of the Year in 2022, showcasing his consistent impact on the music industry.
Saxophonist Branford Marsalis, who returned to New Orleans in 2024, earned a Best Jazz Instrumental Album nomination for his quartet's album "Belonging." This work is a reinterpretation of Keith Jarrett's 1974 album of the same name, demonstrating Marsalis's enduring artistic vision.
PJ Morton, a St. Augustine High School graduate and a member of Maroon 5, received multiple nominations for his collaborations. His work with Darrel Walls, "Amazing," is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. Their album "Heart of Mine" is also up for Best Gospel Album.
R&B and Hip-Hop Contributions
Ledisi, who spent her formative years in New Orleans, is nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Love You Too." Her album "The Crown" also received a nomination for Best R&B Album. These nominations underscore her continued presence as a prominent voice in contemporary R&B.
Hip-hop icon Lil Wayne, despite a relatively quiet 2025 for his album "Tha Carter VI," secured a nomination for his contributions to Tyler, the Creator's song "Sticky." This highlights the collaborative nature of modern music and the impact artists can have beyond their solo releases.
Award Ceremony Details
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from Los Angeles on CBS on February 1, promising an evening celebrating musical excellence.
The broad array of nominations for Louisiana artists across diverse genres reflects the state's profound influence on American music. From the traditional sounds of blues and regional roots music to contemporary R&B and hip-hop, Louisiana continues to be a fertile ground for musical talent. The upcoming Grammy Awards will once again shine a national spotlight on these artists and their contributions.