2004
PRINCE AND Beyoncé Knowles "The fireworks between them just happened," says superproducer (and Recording Academy Chairman) Jimmy Jam of the duo's charged medley. "You couldn't have planned it like that. It was amazing."

1959
DEAN MARTIN AND SAMMY DAVIS JR. Only 28 categories were presented at the very first Grammys, a black-tie dinner at a hotel.

1984
BROOKE SHIELDS, MICHAEL JACKSON AND EMMANUEL LEWIS The gloved one brought two pals to the ceremony—and won a record eight Grammys.

2002
ALICIA KEYS "No one expected her to win five awards," says music mogul Clive Davis. "She really is a young Renaissance woman."

1997
LEANN RIMES After Rimes, 14, beat No Doubt for best new artist, she says, "Gwen Stefani walks by and says, 'That's the little girl that just kicked our ass!'"

1964
TONY BENNETT "There are always butterflies before you hit the stage," says Bennett (celebrating a Grammy win with pal Billy Joel in 2000, inset).

2005
MELISSA ETHERIDGE & JOSS STONE Belting out "Piece of My Heart" after undergoing chemotherapy, says Etheridge, "was very healing."

See more stars! Check out 50 Grammy Looks from 50 Years at people.com/2008grammys. And look for the Recording Academy's commemorative coffee table book And the Grammy Goes To, on sale at Borders.