University of North Texas 
Continuing the legacy of creative excellence, more than a dozen UNT alumni and faculty have earned nominations or collaborated on projects nominated in the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
From Best Country Song to Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, UNT faculty and alumni were recognized across 15 categories in the nominations announced Nov. 24.
Winners at the March 14 ceremony include Bobby Sessions, co-writer of the Best Rap Song; Snarky Puppy, Best Contemporary Instrumental Album; and Latonia Moore, Best Opera Recording.
College of Music faculty member Scott Tixier performed violin on John Legend’s “Bigger Love,” winner of Best R&B Album. Saxophonist Dave Pietro (’87) played with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, which won for Best Instrumental Composition and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.
Over the years, alumni, faculty and staff from the globally respected College of Music have worked on numerous Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning projects. Seven nominations alone have gone to students, composers and arrangers in UNT's premier jazz ensemble, the One O'Clock Lab Band, in previous years.
"We're proud to see that many of our College of Music alumni and faculty members have been nominated for or contributed to Grammy-nominated projects for 2021. Although not the only measurement of success, being nominated for a Grammy is an extraordinary accomplishment and we send a heartfelt congratulations to all who were recognized," College of Music Dean John W. Richmond says.
Alumni and faculty from across UNT colleges and schools were nominated or part of projects nominated in the 2021 awards (people with UNT ties in bold):
