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John Wayne’s Grammy Nomination: A Legacy Beyond the Silver Screen

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Album cover of 'America, Why I Love Her' featuring a close-up portrait of a person wearing a cowboy hat and bandana against an American flag background, with red text 'JOHN WAYNE' and blue text 'AMERICA, WHY I LOVE HER' at the top
Cover of John Wayne’s 1973 album “America, Why I Love Her.”

A Grammy Nominee

In 1974, John Wayne was nominated for Best Spoken Word Album at the Grammy Awards for America, Why I Love Her. Released in 1973, this patriotic spoken word album features The Duke’s narration of poems honoring American landscapes, values, and heritage. Decades later, the album continues to inspire listeners with Wayne’s patriotic message and love for America.

Listen to America, Why I Love Her on Spotify.

John Wayne at the Grammys: A Presenter in 1971

John Wayne wasn’t just a nominee—he also took the Grammy stage in 1971 as a presenter. That year, he announced the Best Motion Picture Score, celebrating the power of music in cinema and storytelling.

For the Left Image (Front of Medal) "Bronze Grammy Awards commemorative medal featuring a detailed gramophone engraving and the text ‘National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.’" For the Right Image (Back of Medal) "Back of John Wayne’s Grammy Awards commemorative medal from 1971, engraved with ‘In Appreciation John Wayne – The Grammy Awards Show – Telecast 1971.’"

John Wayne’s 1971 Grammy Awards commemorative medal. The front showcases a gramophone engraving from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, while the back is inscribed in appreciation of his role in the telecast.

See John Wayne’s Grammy Tickets at His Museum

John Wayne’s original Grammy tickets from the 16th Annual Grammy Awards are on display at John Wayne: An American Experience in the Fort Worth Stockyards, Texas.

This immersive museum showcases Wayne’s personal artifacts, film career, and patriotic legacy. Open seven days a week from 9 AM to 6 PM, it’s a must-visit for John Wayne fans.

Explore John Wayne’s Grammy legacy in person at the John Wayne Museum in Fort Worth.

ohn Wayne’s 1974 Grammy Awards seating tickets and telecast instructions on green and gold paper, detailing arrival times, assigned seating, and backstage access for the event at the Hollywood Palladium.
John Wayne’s official 1974 Grammy Awards telecast instructions and seating tickets. The document outlines seating arrangements, arrival procedures, and backstage protocols for presenters and nominees at the Hollywood Palladium.

Inspired by America, Why I Love Her: The Little Duke Series

John Wayne’s love for storytelling and patriotism continues through the Little Duke Series, a five-book collection that teaches courage, integrity, and American values.

Discover the Little Duke Series, a collection inspired by America, Why I Love Her.

The Little Duke Series, inspired by John Wayne’s America, Why I Love Her.
The Little Duke Series, inspired by John Wayne’s America, Why I Love Her.

Own a Piece of Own a Piece of John Wayne’s History

Wayne’s Grammy-nominated album isn’t the only way to celebrate his impact. His legacy continues through collectibles and memorabilia, including the John Wayne Gold Handle Mug—a tribute to his tradition of gifting gold-handled mugs to cast and crew.

Shop the limited-edition John Wayne Gold Handle Mug today!

A John Wayne Gold Handle Mug featuring a gold handle and a cowboy design with the word 'GRIT.' Inspired by John Wayne’s tradition of gifting gold-handled mugs to cast and crew.
The John Wayne Gold Handle Mug, inspired by The Duke’s tradition of gifting gold-handled mugs to cast and crew.

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