Rebirth Brass Tops Steve Riley and C.J. Chenier at 2012 Grammy Awards

While there's no longer a Cajun/Zydeco award in the Grammy lineup (which we totally disagree with), the artform was well-represented in the new "Regional Roots" category at the 2012 Grammy Awards on Sunday. And while neither of the Cajun/Zydeco nominees took the award home, a Grammy still came back to Louisiana courtesy of the Rebirth Brass Band.

Both Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys and C.J. Chenier (son of the legendary Clifton Chenier) got Grammy nods, but in the end Rebirth's "Rebirth of New Orleans" took the award. It's been disappointing to see the Cajun/Zydeco category taken away, but with the talent coming out of Louisiana these days, we don't think we've seen the last win for our local style of music.

The nominees for Regional Roots Album of the Year were:

C.J. Chenier — Can't Sit Down
George Kahumoku Jr. — Wao Akua - The Forest of the Gods
Rebirth Brass Band — Rebirth of New Orleans
Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys — Grand Isle
Jimmy Sturr & his Orchestra — Not Just Another Polka

After the show last night, Steve posted on Facebook that while he was disappointed, he was glad to see Rebirth win.

Well, We fell short for the 4th time here at the Grammys, but we gave it our best and campaigned the hardest we ever have.
Congrats to Rebirth Brass Band! They've been at it for 28 years and all of the groups in our category have had very long, great careers as well! It was an honor to have been in the company we were in. The journey continues til the next opportunity. Thanks for everyone's continued support!
Bring on Mardi Gras! Perfect cure for the Grammy blues!
--Facebook, Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys.

It's just an honor to be nominated, right? Congrats to Steve, C.J., the Rebirth Brass Band and all the nominees!