Rockford's list of Grammy award-winning, nominated stars grows and grows

ROCKFORD — In a little over a month, the 64th Annual Grammys will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Unlike big cities like Los Angeles, Rockford isn't exactly known for critically acclaimed musicians, but the Screw City has a growing list of artists who have either won or been in the running in recent years.

This year alone saw nominations for Rockford natives Emily Bear — for Best Musical Theater Album — and Robert Istad — for Best Choral Performance and Best Engineered Album.

The Screw City can claim even more Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning artists going back several years.

More: These 2 Rockford area natives were named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list of innovators

Here are some others:

Kurt Elling

Kurt Elling was born in Chicago but was raised in Rockford, Illinois. The jazz singer and songwriter has been nominated for 14 Grammys over his career and has managed to bring home the award twice.

From receiving his first nomination in 1995 to winning his first Grammy in 2009 for Best Jazz Vocal Album for his performance on "Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings The Music Of Coltrane And Hartman," and in 2020 for the same award for the work "Secrets Are The Best Stories."

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is most notably known for her work as a singer in the Grammy award-winning group Destiny's Child. The Rockford native was joined by Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, and the three went on to be nominated nine times between 1999 and 2005.

In 2000, the group won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for their song "Say my name," and won the same award again in 2001 for the song "Survivor."

James "Big Jim" Wright

James "Big Jim" Wright was a performer, producer, and songwriter who worked with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, and Michael Jackson. Wright was nominated three times, and in 2005 he won a Grammy for Album of the year for "The Emancipation Of Mimi," and in 2007 won a Grammy for R&B Album of the year for "Funk This."

The Rockford native who first harnessed his craft at Allen Chapel AME Church died at the age of 52 in 2018. A service was held in his honor at Coronado Performing Arts Center.

Jake Runestad

Jake Runestad is a composer whose work on the album "The Hope Of Loving," which was performed by the choir Conspirare, was nominated for best choral performance in the 62nd annual Grammy Awards.

Runestad found his passion for composing as a saxophonist in the Guilford High School Viking's band.

Emily Bear

Emily Bear is a pianist, singer, songwriter, and composer, and one of Rockford's most recent Grammy-nominated artists.

Her album with Abigail Barlow "The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical," has been nominated for Best Musical Theater Album in the upcoming 64th Annual Grammys. The album shot to No. 1 on the iTunes pop album chart when it was released on Sept. 10.

Robert Istad

Robert Istad is a conductor and his work on the classical piece Mahler: Symphony No. 8, "Symphony Of A Thousand" has earned him two Grammy nominations this year.

Istad will be up for a Grammy in the classical categories Best Choral Performance and Best Engineered Album.

Shaquil Manigault: smanigault@gannett.com; @RRstarShaquil

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford's list of Grammy-nominated stars is longer than you think