Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince

Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince was a CBS television event that aired in 2020, honoring the extraordinary life and music of the iconic and innovative artist, Prince. Produced by The Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures, and CBS, this special celebration posthumously commemorated the unmatched influence of Prince in the music industry and paid tribute to his artistic genius that spanned over four decades.

The televised event was recorded on January 28, 2020, just two days after the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. The energy of the live concert-style recording juxtaposed by the sleek visuals of CBS production delivered a captivating and emotionally resonant tribute celebrating the legendary musician's contributions to pop culture.

The show propelled the audience on a musical journey, exploring the deep-rooted greatness of Prince's discography through a myriad of exhilarating performances by some of the biggest names in music. Each performance was an homage to Prince's distinct sound, style, and talent, touching on his pioneering approach to various music genres.

From the soul-touching ballads to infectious pop numbers, from jazzy tunes to electrifying rock rhythms, Prince's extensive musical canon radiated throughout the show, heavily showcasing his versatility and virtuosity. The special was a testament to the way Prince's music transcended boundaries, blending genres and generating a sound that was uniquely his own.

Superstar acts from all different music backgrounds, such as Gary Clark Jr., Earth, Wind & Fire, Beck, and John Legend, to name a few, brought their individual interpretation to Prince's iconic songs. By approaching Prince's classic hits from their unique perspectives, these artists showcased the breadth and depth of influence that Prince had on musicians across the globe.

In addition to the live performances, the audience enjoyed a series of touching testimonies by those who knew Prince and his music best. These included intimate stories shared by his friends, collaborators, and admirers, all of which added depth and perspective to the memorial, illuminating an unseen side of Prince.

One distinctive feature of the show was its attention to the sensibilities of Prince as a performer. The stage was set to reflect Prince's own meticulously designed performances, employing his signature color, purple, and incorporating symbolic elements associated with him. Everything from the set design, lighting, to fashion choices mirrored the visual aesthetics that Prince was known for, significantly enhancing the tribute.

Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince shone a spotlight not only on the artist's musical prowess but also on his tireless commitment to creative independence, his fearless expressionism, and his relentless pursuit of musical innovation. It served as a powerful reminder of his indomitable spirit, recreating the magic that Prince's music has been creating for decades.

The special was hosted by comedian Maya Rudolph, who also performed with her Prince cover band, Princess. Her infectious enthusiasm and joy for Prince's music resonated throughout the show, adding a humorous and personal touch to the proceedings.

The production was helmed by Grammy-nominated producer Ken Ehrlich and was part of his ongoing series of Grammy Salute specials which have previously presented tributes to the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin. In this practice, Ehrlich continues to highlight and celebrate legendary musicians' continuing legacies within the industry.

In a year that saw numerous music documentaries and tributes commemorating famous musicians of our time, CBS's Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince managed to stand apart. It did not merely memorialize Prince but celebrated his music, his persona, his uniqueness. It successfully brought together diverse artists from myriad musical realms under one banner, all united by their respect and admiration for Prince. Their tributary performances impressed upon viewers the significance of Prince's transcendental talent, making them fall in love with his music anew.

In essence, Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince allowed viewers to relive the purple rain legend's timeless music through a heartfelt tribute that transcended a typical concert experience. Thus, it emerged as a must-watch for Prince fans and music lovers alike.