Natalie Cole’s family is upset that the Grammys didn’t honor her with a live-performance tribute segment.
While David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Lemmy from Motörhead and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White were honored with performances by artists, Cole, who died Dec. 31, was banished to the packaged “In Memoriam” section with others.
Cole’s sister Timolin Cole told us ahead of Monday’s ceremony, “Where is the tribute to our sister?”
She said she was informed the “In Memoriam” segment would end with a clip of Natalie and her father Nat King Cole, who died 51 years ago on Monday, singing “Unforgettable,” but added it wasn’t enough.
“It’s very bittersweet,” Timolin said. “We were hoping that there will be some sort of actual tribute to her fitting of her artistry and stature. She had 21 Grammy nominations and nine wins. She was such a force in the music industry and she transcended genres . . . I think she should be recognized for the impact she has had.”
Timolin added, “Why wouldn’t you have a medley of two or three songs? There are many hits that could be sung and great artists who could perform them.”
There had been rumors that Beyoncé had been approached to honor Cole, which were denied by the superstar’s rep Monday night.