Who Was The First Black Grammy Winner?

Count Basie is the one who was first. He won in the same year as Ella Fitzgerald. Many name both when the question is asked, but the answer is Count who won the award earlier in the show.

Best Female Vocal Performance

Ella Fitzgerald “But Not For Me.”

Best Jazz Performance, Individual

Ella Fitzgerald for Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Songbook

Best Jazz Performance, Group

Count Basie for Basie

Best Performance by a Dance Band

Count Basie for Basie

Both artists later collaborated on an album “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” arranged by Quincy Jones.