2008 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame(R) Inductees Announced.

The Recording Academy([R]) Honors Timeless Recordings, from "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" to "Roxanne"

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- The Recording Academy([R]) announced the newest additions to its GRAMMY Hall Of Fame([R]), adding 70 recordings to a timeless list that now includes 798 titles. The Hall Of Fame serves as a celebration and reminder of the triumphs and achievements of the recording arts. Selections are drawn from all categories of music, acknowledging the diversity of musical expression for which The Recording Academy has become renowned.

"The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame is one of The Academy's most prized endeavors, spotlighting recorded musical masterpieces that have significantly impacted our musical history," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "This year's inductees span nine decades and represent a diverse array of genres from classical and show tunes to blues, jazz and rock and roll. They exemplify the best qualities that make the recording arts such a vital part of our culture -- and each not only uniquely reflects the zeitgeist of its time, but also possesses the enduring power of transcending time."

The selections range from 1905's "Give My Regards To Broadway" by Billy Murray to Michael Jackson's 1982 album Thriller. Sixteen of the new entries came from the classical field including such recordings as Arturo Toscanini's 1953 Verdi: Otello, Otto Klemperer's 1963 Mahler: Symphony No. 2, Arthur Fiedler's 1935 Gade: "Jalousie," Vladimir Horowitz's 1932 Liszt: Sonata In B Minor and Arthur Nikisch's 1914 Beethoven: Symphony No. 5. Other recordings also chosen this year include the Mamas & The Papas' "Monday Monday," the Beatles' "Help!," Marian Anderson's "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," Cabaret -- Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, Dionne Warwick's "Alfie," Jackie DeShannon's "What The World Needs Now Is Love," Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird," and Louis Armstrong's "St. Louis Blues." Other artists with selections include Fred Astaire, Pink Floyd, Etta James, Billy Joel, the Police, Frank Sinatra, Sister Sledge, Barbra Streisand and Willie Nelson.

The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame was created in 1973 to honor recordings of lasting significance that were issued prior to the 1958 inception of the GRAMMY Awards. The Hall is now open to any recording that has been in release for at least 25 years. New submissions are chosen annually by a special member committee of experts and historians drawn from all branches of the recording arts. Their recommendations are approved by the Board of Trustees of The Recording Academy. The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame is unique in that it is open to all genres of music -- popular as well as specialized forms.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards -- the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music -- The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.

For a complete list of GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inductees or 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards (broadcast live on Feb. 10, 2008 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network), please go to http://www.grammy.com/Press/.