Defending the Box

As one of the producers of “The Ultimate Grammy Box Set,” I feel compelled to respond to Robert Hilburn’s critical article (“ ‘The Ultimate Grammy Box’ Falls Short of Its Potential,” Nov. 20). Let me preface my remarks by saying that this is my personal opinion. I am not acting as a spokesperson for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

I have lived with this project for over a year, from start to finish. I’m sure that Hilburn is not fully aware of the complexity of what is involved in producing a project of this magnitude, not the least of which is licensing restrictions. Certain artists and record companies have imposed restrictions on some music for various reasons, which is beyond our control. He mentioned Frank Sinatra and the Beatles being excluded, but failed to mention that songs from Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, which have never been licensed before, are part of this package. And Domenico Modugno’s “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (Volare)” was included because it was the first Grammy ever given out. That hardly qualifies it as a “lightweight.”

Hilburn called selections from Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Toto and Gloria Estefan “undistinguished.” Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” was the 1999 record of the year and song of the year, and she won best female pop vocal performance. In 1990, Mariah Carey was voted best new artist, and her “Vision of Love” was voted best pop vocal performance. In 1982, Toto’s “Africa” was selected as album of the year. And in 1993, Gloria Estefan’s “Mi Tierra” was chosen as best tropical Latin album.

I believe this boxed set acknowledges some of the best performers, musicians, songwriters and producers in the record industry of this past half-century.

RON WEISNER

Santa Monica