Original pop diva Diana Ross has never earned a Grammy award—neither with The Supremes or solo. After beginning her career in the early ’60s, The Boss was given a lifetime achievement award by the academy in 2012. She’s earned a whopping 12 nominations in her career.
Pendergrass humbly got his start in the business as the lead singer of Harold and the Blue Notes in the ’70s. With so many hits like “Love TKO” and “Turn Off the Lights,” there’s no denying Pendergrass’ talent and influence on music for a generation of soul-music lovers. To date, he’s earned five Grammy nominations.
Perhaps there is no singer who defined the late ’90s and early 2000s more than Tamia. With a bevy of hits and a powerful vocal range, Tamia has managed to create an impressive music catalog and cultivate a legion of fans. With five albums under her belt, she’s picked up six Grammy nominations.
Touted as one of the most distinguished and beloved rappers of our time, Snoop Dogg has yet to earn a Grammy. His losing track record could change come Sunday’s ceremony. He’s nominated for best reggae album for Reincarinated.
Sure SWV had five albums and several hits rising to the top 10 on the Hot 100 list, but these ladies got little love during their careers. Their sole nomination was for best new artist in 1994.
Pioneering rap group RUN DMC may have paved the way for rap acts to follow, but they never earned a Grammy. In light of their mega influence on music, RUN DMC was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. Still no lifetime achievement award from the Grammys.
With so much talent and back-to-back hits in the ’80s, it’s hard to imagine this group without a Grammy. Twenty years after their grand debut, they’re still going strong proving Grammys don’t make or break a group.
Rap genius Nas has sold millions of albums, but has yet to earn a Grammy despite 13 nominations. His last four Grammy nods came in 2013 for his album, Life is Good, and collaboration with the late Amy Winehouse.
Probably one of the most important people in the history of music, Jimi Hendrix has never received a Grammy. He posthumously received a lifetime achievement award from the academy in 1993. His sole nomination was for Best Contemporary Instrumental Performance for “Star Spangled Banner.”
Yes the Jackson 5 were mega popular on the Billboard chart. With numerous hits like “The Love You Save,” “I’ll Be There” and “Never Can Say Goodbye” it’s disappointing to know they never received more than one nomination. Their sole Grammy nomination was in 1974 for “ABC.”
There were few female groups in the ’90s that could do it like En Vogue. If they weren’t giving us something we could they, were freeing our minds. They’ve received seven Grammy nods thus far.
The Brooklyn-born rapper is often referenced and imitated, but never duplicated. In his short career, Biggie didn’t receive many Grammy nominations, but because of his influence, many artists probably owe their Grammys to him.
The godfather of reggae was posthumously given a Grammy lifetime achievement award in 2001 for his influential career.
The singer’s catalog includes “Are You That Somebody,” “Rock the Boat” and “More than a Woman.” She’s posthumously received at least a dozen awards but never a Grammy.
Tupac was no stranger to Grammy nominations. He’s received seven total in his career, in addition to an American Music Award and two Soul Train Awards.
