5 Things to Know About Rickie Lee Jones’s 1980 Best New Artist Win

She beat the Cars for Best New Artist in 1980 Rickie Lee Jones won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1980, defeating the Cars and other nominees. It was a surprising upset for a debut artist.

Her debut album was critically acclaimed Jones’s self-titled 1979 album featured the hit “Chuck E.’s in Love” and earned strong reviews. The win reflected her unique jazz-influenced style.

The Cars were the commercial favorite The Cars had a massive debut album in 1978 with hits like “Just What I Needed.” Their loss to Jones remains one of the Grammy’s more debated results.

Jones’s win was a rare upset Best New Artist often goes to pop or rock acts. Jones’s victory showed the Grammys occasionally rewarded more eclectic, singer-songwriter talent.

She remains a cult figure Jones never replicated that early commercial peak, but her influence endures. The win remains a highlight of her career.