Norah Jones is set to receive the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award at the Grammy Hall of Fame Gala on May 8 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
Jones and Charles recorded a duet version of his 1967 hit “Here We Go Again” for his final studio album, Genius Loves Company. The track won two Grammys – record of the year and best pop collaboration with vocals – in February 2005, eight months after Charles’ death.
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Jon Batiste was the inaugural recipient of the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award at last year’s Grammy Hall of Fame gala.
Warner Records will be recognized as the 2026 label honoree at the event, which is presented jointly by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum. Atlantic Records and Republic Records were the label honorees in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
“I’m so honored to receive the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award,” Jones said in a statement. “Ray Charles was my musical hero, and he changed the way so many of us hear and feel music. 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.”
“Norah Jones represents the kind of artistry that leaves a lasting imprint on music and culture,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Her work reflects a deep musicality, emotional honesty and a spirit of exploration that echoes the legacy of Ray Charles himself.”
“Norah Jones has created a body of work defined by emotional honesty, musical depth and a voice that is instantly recognizable,” said Michael Sticka, president/CEO of the Grammy Museum. “Her artistry has resonated across generations and genres, which makes her a remarkable recipient of this honor.”
“Ray Charles was a singular artist whose influence continues to reach across every corner of music, and this award was created to honor that same spirit of originality, excellence and lasting impact,” said Valerie Ervin, president of The Ray Charles Foundation. “Norah Jones is an artist whose work reflects those qualities so beautifully, and we are thrilled to see her recognized with this year’s Architect of Sound Award.”
Jones will perform during the evening, which will also feature performances from a lineup of artists to be announced soon. Jones is a 10-time Grammy winner. In 2003, she became just the third female artist (following Lauryn Hill in 1999 and Alicia Keys in 2002) to win five Grammys in one night. She won her most recent Grammy in 2025: best traditional pop vocal album for Visions.
The event will also honor the 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame-inducted recordings, which were announced in February. The 14 titles being honored – 11 albums and three singles – span nearly a century of recorded music.
TV journalist Anthony Mason will again host the Grammy Hall of Fame Gala. The show will be produced by Ken Ehrlich, who produced or executive produced the Grammy Awards for 40 years, alongside Ron Basile, Chantel Sausedo, Lindsay Saunders Carl and Lynne Sheridan. Cheche Alara, Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning composer, producer and conductor, will serve as music director.