FIRST TAKE PR RECOGNIZES LARRY DUNN AND JOHN MICHAEL FERRARI IN THE 2027 GRAMMY AWARDS FIRST-ROUND BALLOT

Larry Dunn Grammy Consideration

LOS ANGELES, CA — First Take PR proudly recognizes two of its distinguished music clients, seven-time Grammy Award winner Larry Dunn and singer-songwriter John Michael Ferrari, whose recordings appeared on the first-round ballot for the 69th Annual Grammy Awards.

Larry Dunn — “Ribbon in the Sky”

Legendary keyboardist, composer, producer, and founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire, Larry Dunn is featured on “Ribbon in the Sky,” performed by renowned saxophonist Ronnie Laws, featuring Dunn, Howard Hewett, and Debra Laws, with a special harmonica appearance by Stevie Wonder. Final mixing and mastering were completed by David Chatfield.

The recording appeared on the first-round ballot in the Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance category, newly introduced for the 2027 Grammy Awards.

A seven-time Grammy Award winner whose contributions helped establish Earth, Wind & Fire as one of contemporary music’s most influential groups, Dunn continues to collaborate with accomplished musicians across R&B, soul, jazz, and popular music. “Ribbon in the Sky” brings together an exceptional group of artists whose individual contributions have played significant roles in American music.

John Michael Ferrari — Love Is…

Singer-songwriter John Michael Ferrari also appeared on the first-round Grammy ballot with Love Is…, a recording that reflects his personal approach to songwriting and musical storytelling. Through heartfelt lyrics and expressive performances, Ferrari has developed a recognizable artistic identity rooted in personal experience and emotional connection.

His inclusion on the first-round ballot marks another milestone in his recording career.

The Road to the 2027 Grammy Awards

First-round voting for the 69th Annual Grammy Awards concluded October 22, 2026. The Recording Academy will announce the official nominees November 16, 2026, followed by final-round voting from December 10, 2026, through January 7, 2027. The Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 7, 2027.

Both recordings received first-round ballot consideration; official nomination results remain pending.

First Take PR congratulates Larry Dunn and John Michael Ferrari on their musical accomplishments and is pleased to recognize their participation in this year’s Grammy Awards consideration process.

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Larry Dunn to Present Black Hall of Fame Award 2018 to Ronnie Laws

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From one Hall of Fame inductee to another, keyboardist/composer Larry Dunn (formerly Earth Wind & Fire), a multi-award-winning  artist and Hall of Famer, will be presenting the Hall of Fame Award to famed Sax player Ronnie Laws at the Los Angeles Black Music Awards & Hall of Fame Inductions.  What better representative than Dunn . . . for he is a 6-time Grammy-winner and 13 GRAMMY nominations, four American Music Awards, 32 Gold and Platinum/Multi-Platinum records and albums, a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2000) and Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), and the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), as well as other industry awards that Larry shares with the group.

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Ronnie Laws has performed and recorded with countless iconic, chart-topping musicians, but may best be known for  combining the exploratory heart of Jazz with the broader reaching strains of Soul and Pop music. His first hit, “Always There” (credited as Ronnie Laws and Pressure on the original 45), was one of the most popular, sax-driven, cross-over hits of the 70s Jazz-Funk Fusion era. He ushered in the sensualization of the soprano sax with Quiet Storm gems such as “Grace,” “Karmen,” and “Just Love.” “Pressure Sensitive,” “Fever,” and “Friends and Strangers” (Blue 70’s: Blue Note Got Soul), the title track of his third album, all propelled to gold status.

Los Angeles Black Music Awards & Hall of Fame Inductions will be held Sunday, September 9, 2018, at the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro, CA, at 5pm.  Call the BMA National Office 916-477-0157 for info.

“It is truly an honor for my lifetime friend Larry Dunn to be the presenter of my Hall of Fame Award.  My career success could not have existed without his musical genius and contribution to my journey as an artist.” – Ronnie Laws