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10 couples you could only see at the Grammys in the '70s and '80s
Where else can you see George Burns chilling with Blondie?
Ever since the Grammy Awards started in 1959, it has constantly brought together music's best and brightest to recognize their achievements. But sometimes, it has brought together some odd pairings as well. Musicians who would never in a million years work together are suddenly put in a room together, having to make small talk and present awards to each other. Sometimes these encounters are exciting, and sometimes they're awkward. Here are 10 of the most unusual pairings from the first 25 years of the Grammy Awards.
Stevie Wonder and Alice Cooper
AP Photo/HFFrank Sinatra and Tony Bennett hosted the Grammy Awards in 1974, and Stevie Wonder cleaned up big. That year, Alice Cooper and Helen Reddy presented Wonder with the award for Best Pop Vocal Performance - Male for "You Are the Sunshine of My Life." After winning, the moment was captured backstage.
Sylvester Levay and Aretha Franklin
Associated PressA lot of people don't even know who Sylvester Levay is, so how did he get a photo with the Queen of Soul? In 1976, Levay won an award for writing the German disco jam "Fly, Robin, Fly." Franklin is looking fly, as well.
Ringo Starr, Linda Ronstadt and Paul Williams
Associated PressLinda Ronstadt won for Best Pop Vocal Performance - Female in 1997. Even better, she met Ringo Starr and Paul Williams backstage.
Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton, Freddie Fender and Les Paul
AP Photo/George BrichBy 1977, Dolly Parton was already a huge country star. But that didn't stop her from becoming star struck by blues legend Les Paul, who she presented the award to for Best Country Instrumental Performance.
George Burns and Debbie Harry
Associated Press
The Blondie rocker and screen legend met up at the ceremony in 1980, which took place right after Burns' 84th birthday.
Diana Ross and Kris Kristofferson
AP Photo/G Paul BurnettNeither Ross nor Kristofferson won any awards that night (she was nominated for "Upside Down"), but that didn't stop them from having a laugh backstage at the ceremony in 1981.
Adam Ant and Teg Nugent
AP Photo/Doug PizacThe "Stand and Deliver" singer wasn't delivered the Best New Artist award in 1982. But the night wasn't a total waste because he got to hang out with Ted Nugent.
Michael Jackson and Menudo
Associated PressIn 1984, Michael Jackson broke a record for winning the most Grammy awards in one night. He won two of the biggest awards, Record of the Year and Album of the Year. But surely, the highlight of his night had to be meeting Menudo backstage. We don't know who looks more uncomfortable: Jackson or the members of the Latino pop group.
Micheal Jackson and Brooke Shields
AP Photo/Nick UtMichael Jackson had everyone talking in 1984, and it wasn't just for his record-breaking night. He showed up to the awards ceremony with actress Brooke Shields, who unfortunately was not wearing her Calvins to the ceremony.
Cyndi Lauper and Rodney Dangerfield
AP Photo/Douglas C. PizacRiding high off the success of "She's So Unusual," Cyndi Lauper was able to present at the Grammys in 1984 with none other than comedy legend Rodney Dangerfield. The two made and "unusual" couple, indeed.
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