Cyndi Lauper, left, presents the best children's album award to Jennifer Gasoi for Throw A Penny In The Wishing Well at the pre-telecast of the 56th annual Grammy Awards on Jan. 26, 2014.MATT SAYLES
Vancouver-born, Montreal-based songwriter Jennifer Gasoi won her first Grammy Award on Sunday, proclaiming herself the first Canadian to ever win for best children's album.
The two-time Juno Award nominee claimed the prize for Throw a Penny in the Wishing Well at a pre-telecast ceremony Sunday at which 72 trophies total were to be handed out ahead of the evening broadcast at the Staples Center.
"Oh my God. I've dreamt of this day for 20 years. It's on my vision board," said Gasoi, whose jazz-based tunes are intended to appeal to tots and adults alike. "I'm officially the fist Canadian to ever win a Grammy for best children's album. Thank you to all my supporters, my parents, my sister in the audience, all my friends, my fans, my beautiful musicians in Montreal.
"It's about living your dreams, having the courage to step out of the box and take risks and live the life that you're really meant to live. And I feel very proud to be doing that and I am grateful and honoured and blessed to be standing here before you."
Michael Bublé was also among the early Canadian winners, picking up his fourth trophy in the best traditional pop vocal album category.
The Burnaby, B.C., native won for his chart-topping To Be Loved, certified twice platinum in Canada and gold in the U.S. The 38-year-old has been nominated in this category with each of his past five albums and has won it four times, but didn't show up Sunday to claim his award.
Going into the show, Jay-Z led with nine nominations, while Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams were next with seven.