R Kelly's I Believe I Can Fly wins three Grammys

# Grammys

# Hip-hop

# R Kelly

# R&B

25 February 1998: Number 37 in our series of the 50 key events in the history of R&B and hip-hop music

R Kelly had already established himself as the face of lascivious R&B with 1994's Bump N' Grind, and while sexual obsession was never far from his mind, I Believe I Can Fly was an unabashed leap in the other direction. The song's sweeping strings and message of boundless hope provided an instant anthem for the American dream – as well as countless American Idol contestants – and Kelly was visibly humbled when the song won three Grammys at the 1998 ceremony (among them best R&B song and best male R&B vocal performance), no doubt aware his crossover success had been consolidated. Not bad for the theme tune to Space Jam, the movie.

Contributor

Rosie Swash

The GuardianTramp

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