Spellemannprisen, often referred to as the Norwegian Grammy Awards in English, is a Norwegian music award presented to Norwegian musicians. The award was established by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), an organization that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. First awarded in 1973, the prize honours musicians from the previous year; it is still awarded annually, usually in January or February. The Spellemann committee, composed of members of IFPI Norway and FONO, manages the award and acts as the judge. 21 categories are currently awarded, in addition to other honorary and industry awards the committee may give. In 2020 and 2021, the award show was held digitally due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Erik Bye was awarded the first Spellemannprisen for best male artist in 1972.
Ketil Bjørnstad was awarded Spellemannprisen 1974 in the class instrumental album.
Jan Garbarek was awarded the special Spellemannpris 1978.
Dirigent Mariss Jansons was awarded in the classical musikk/contemporary music, as a conductor for Oslo Philharmonic in 1981.
Jens Peter Book-Jenssen was a Norwegian singer of popular music, songwriter, revue artist and theatre director. From his stage debut in the early 1930s, his career included radio and television work, recordings, and extensive touring. His career spanned more than sixty years, and he was the top selling record artist in Norway in the 20th century.
Jens Book-Jenssen in 1939
