New museum, special projects to highlight Grammy anniversary year

As it prepares for its 50th edition, the organization behind the Grammy Awards has unveiled plans for a new museum dedicated to the prestigious U.S. musical honour.

Famed composer and producer Quincy Jones and British singer Joss Stone joined Neil Portnow, president of the U.S. National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, in Los Angeles on Tuesday to announce details about the new museum and plans for next year's 50th anniversary Grammy celebrations.

After years of planning, the new museum has entered its construction phase across from the Staples Center, where the Grammy Awards have been held for several years. The facility, which will be part of a new entertainment complex and will include a theatre and exhibition space, is scheduled to open in September 2008.

Portnow named Jones, one of the recording academy's founding members, the ambassador for the 50th anniversary festivities and mosaic artist Roy Feinson as the official artist, after he created a tribute poster that combines hundreds of related photos into a composite image of the Grammy statuette.

Other anniversary projects will include a line of clothing and accessories, a photo-heavy tribute book and several TV specials.

Nominees for the 50th annual Grammy Awards will be announced Dec. 6, with the lavish awards gala set for Feb. 10.