Ridgway, CO Gateway to the San Juan Mountains and the Grammy Awards
Most people probably never thought about where the Grammy Awards are made, or they just assume there's a large factory that manufactures the trophies.
In actuality the awards are handmade in a small mountain town in Southwest Colorado called Ridgway. John Billings is known around these parts as "The Grammy Man". He is the owner of Billings Artworks.
Billings was once the apprentice for the original Grammy trophy maker, Bob Graves. He began making the original award in 1958. The relationship between Billings and Graves started in 1976 while both men lived in California. Realizing Billings artistic talent and attention to detail, Graves decided to teach him what he knew. Around 1983 Graves died, and Billings bought the business. He has been making the trophies ever since.
Although a redesign in the award could have lost Billings this distinction. In 1991 the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) decided to redesign the trophy so it wasn't so fragile. At this time NARAS shopped around for a new artist and manufacturer. Billings' skill prevailed and he is still only the second person in the world to ever make a Grammy award.
Each trophy takes 15 hours to make. Billings spends a year making the awards. Grammium is the special metal used. The ingredients of this metal are a secret. Since each award is engraved with the recipients name, "stunt" trophies are used during the ceremony.
Ridgway is a small mountain community with less than 1000 people. The town is more famously known as the setting for the John Wayne movie, "True Grit", and it's narrow gauge railroad history. Ridgway is tucked away at the base of the San Juan Mountains. The setting is absolutely beautiful.
If you are traveling through these parts, Ridgway should be on your list of places to visit. From here the mountain scenery goes on for miles. The rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains draw people from all over the world. Ridgway is a wonderful little town with quaint shops and original restaurants to suit all tastes. It's a great stopover before or after your mountain journey.
I've lived on Colorado's Western Slope for over 26 years. I love this area and all it has to offer, and I enjoy sharing what I know about my home. As a REALTOR®, I also love to share my expertise in this area as well. If you need any real estate information for Montrose County, or Delta County, Colorado...please give me a call.
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