When Marcus Miller shared a photo of fellow bassist Pino Palladino at the 2026 Grammy Awards, it wasn’t just a backstage moment – it was a quiet summit of bass guitar history.
In fact, the term “bass guitar” next to either of their names somehow falls short of describing their enormous contributions, both on recordings and onstage.
“I’m performing with Ms. Lauryn Hill tonight in a tribute to Roberta Flack,” wrote Miller on social media. “She’s also doing an iconic tribute to D’Angelo. So of course the great bassist Pino Palladino is here too.”
Having put fretless bass on the pop music map in the 1980s, Pino Palladino continued to bolster his resume with stints in the Who – replacing the late John Entwistle – and D’Angelo’s heralded 2000 album, Voodoo.
“I met D’Angelo while doing a track for B.B. King’s Deuces Wild, and we hit it off right away,” Palladino told Bass Player. “Whenever he sang, I played better!
“He saw me playing my ’63 P-Bass and said, ‘That’s a Bootsy bass, right?’ I mentioned that James Jamerson also played one, and he went crazy over that.
“It turned out the approach I’d been focusing on was the concept he wanted. He just said, ‘You’ve got the sound I’m looking for – come and play bass on Voodoo.’”
FULL Grammy tribute to D’Angelo & Roberta Flack | led by Ms. Lauryn Hill (no added commentary/etc) – YouTube
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Following a medley of hit songs from D’Angelo’s back catalogue, Hill shifted into a homage to Roberta Flack, who Miller worked with in the early ‘80s.
Talking to Red Bull Music Academy back in November 2015 he said: “I was in Roberta Flack’s band for a couple of years. I met Luther Vandross in that band. It was amazing to play in her band and learn how to really play a ballad, how to use space, how not to play all the notes, just play the right notes. I think I was 19, 20, maybe just turning 21, right before I started with Miles Davis.
“A few years later in the mid-’80s I came back to Roberta Flack, but this time as a writer and a producer. I produced an album for her called Oasis, and I was very proud to return to somebody in whose band I had worked. It was fantastic to give back to Roberta Flack after I had received so much from her.”
With Lalah Hathaway, Miller later covered Flack’s hit Killing Me Softly on his 2002 live album Marcus Miller: Master of All Trades.
Other notable bass-driven acts to win at this year’s Grammys included Christian McBride, whose big band album Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 scooped Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.
Meanwhile, Guns n’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan was on hand to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and his GnR bandmate Slash.
To cap it off, That Wasn’t A Dream by Pino Palladino and guitarist Blake Mills won Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
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“Pino Palladino and Yours Truly Here at the Grammys”: Marcus Miller and Pino Palladino Share the Stage Alongside Lauryn Hill at the 2026 Grammy Awards
A Historic Collaboration of Bass Legends with a Legendary Artist
the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony was the stage for a remarkable musical moment; two iconic bassists, Pino Palladino and Marcus Miller, joined forces alongside the incomparable Lauryn Hill.This collaboration was not only a testament to their stellar musicianship but also a celebration of bass’s central role in shaping modern music. Fans and critics alike witnessed a performance that fused deep grooves,soulful rhythms,and classic hip-hop soul.
Meet the Bass Virtuosos: pino Palladino and Marcus Miller
Both pino palladino and marcus Miller are bass virtuosos whose work spans a variety of genres including rock, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Here’s a quick overview of their career highlights and impact:
| Bassist | Genre Highlights | notable Collaborations | Signature Elements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pino Palladino | Rock, R&B, Jazz Fusion | Eric Clapton, The Who, John Mayer | Melodic fretless bass lines, smooth tone |
| marcus Miller | Jazz, Funk, R&B | Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, miles davis | Funky slap bass, sophisticated groove |
The 2026 Grammy Performance: A Closer Look
The intriguing synergy between Pino Palladino and Marcus Miller during the Grammy performance-especially alongside Lauryn Hill who effortlessly blends hip-hop and soul-was praised as one of the night’s highlights. Their bass interplay formed both a solid backbone and an expressive melodic layer underpinning Lauryn’s powerful vocals.
Standout Features of the performance
- Double Bass Magic: The contrast between palladino’s smooth fretless bass textures and Miller’s funky slap technique created a unique sonic tapestry rarely witnessed live.
- Seamless Musical Dialog: Both bassists demonstrated top-tier musicianship, complementing rather than competing, showing their respect for one another’s style.
- Lauryn Hill’s impact: Hill’s soulful voice and poignant lyrics added emotional depth that elevated the entire collaboration to unforgettable heights.
benefits of This Musical Union for Fans and Musicians Alike
This confluence of talents brought several notable benefits:
- Reviving Bass Appreciation: Highlighting bass as an instrument of melodic and rhythmic importance, inspiring new generations to explore its possibilities.
- Bridging Generations: Bringing together artists from different musical eras, which fused classic musicianship with contemporary relevance.
- Elevating Live Performances: Setting a new standard for live grammy showmanship emphasizing real instruments over lip-sync or playback.
First-Hand Reactions and Industry Buzz
Immediatly following the performance, social media exploded with praise:
- “Pino Palladino & Marcus Miller were bass gods last night. Pure magic!”
- “Lauryn’s vocals with that bass groove combo was everything we needed at the 2026 Grammys.”
- “Bass players everywhere inspired to pick up their instruments now.”
Music critics highlighted the show’s timeless feel, complimenting how the duo revitalized the Grammy Awards with authentic musicianship. Industry insiders predict this collaboration might spur future projects involving these artists.
Lessons and practical tips for Aspiring Bassists from This Event
If you’re an aspiring bassist or musician, here are some takeaways inspired by Palladino and Miller’s Grammy showstopper:
- Master Your Own Voice: Both players have distinct styles but blend beautifully-develop a unique sound while being adaptable.
- Listen Actively: Music is a conversation. great collaboration requires attentive listening and responding musically to others on stage.
- Embrace Versatility: From fretless grace to slap funk, versatility broadens opportunities and deepens creative expression.
- Respect Tradition While Innovating: Know the roots, but don’t be afraid to add your modern twist to keep the music fresh.
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| Lauryn Hill Grammys 2026 | bass guitar legends live performance | Marcus Miller and Lauryn Hill collaboration grammys |
| Grammy Awards 2026 highlights | iconic Grammy performances bass | best Grammy live bass performances 2026 |
Extended Case Study: Impact of the Performance on Modern Bass Culture
In the months following the 2026 Grammy Awards, music schools and bass workshops reported increased interest in studying the techniques showcased by Palladino and Miller.This Grammy moment reignited conversations about bass’s evolving role from background rhythm section to a front-and-center, expressive lead instrument.
- Academic Influence: Bass instructors now emphasize the importance of dynamic interaction and versatility, using this performance as a prime exmaple.
- Gear Popularity: There was a noticeable spike in sales of fretless bass guitars and slap-effect bass gear, highlighting how the artists’ setups inspire enthusiasts.
- Collaborative Spirit: Professional musicians cite this Grammy set as a turning point toward more cooperative and genre-blurring artistry.
Behind the Scenes: Anecdotes from the Grammy Night
Insiders shared that the camaraderie between Marcus Miller and Pino Palladino was electric backstage. Far from a competition, the two bassists treated the collaboration as a joyful jam session reheated with Lauryn Hill’s guidance. Personal stories reveal:
- Marcus Miller referred to the experience as “being in bass heaven, sharing the same stage with my musical brother.”
- Pino dubbed their teamwork “a meeting of minds and fingers-a treasure trove of shared musical wisdom.”
- Lauryn Hill praised both for “bringing layers of soul and groove that transformed my songs live.”
Grammys 2026 Performance Setlist Overview
| Song Title | Original Album | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| “Doo Wop (That Thing)” | The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill | Iconic groove enhanced by dual bass lines, crowd favorite |
| “Smooth Operator” | – (Marcus Miller solo track) | Marcus Miller’s slap technique shone, with Pino’s lyrical support |
| “Waiting on a Friend” | The Who (Pino Palladino version) | Pino’s fretless bass created an intimate atmosphere, lauryn emotive vocals |
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