2000+

Award Winning Recordings and the Hip Hop Era

In the first two decades of the 21st century Pittsburgh musicians continue to earn national and international attention and awards.  Singer Christine Aguilera, from the North Hills, wins several Grammy awards for her multi-platinum selling CDs.  George Benson wins two Grammy awards for his 2006 album giving him a total of 10 Grammy awards. Sharon, Pa native Trent Reznor wins an Oscar for his score of the Social Network movie.  "The Code of Silence" song co-written by Joe Grushecky and Bruce Springsteen wins a Grammy. Organist Paul Jacob wins a Grammy for classical music.  Slide Hampton is named an NEA Jazz Master. Dayne Dolphin appears on Nancy Wilson's Grammy winning CD.  Clarion's Chris Kirkpatrick as the founder of the boy band 'NSYNCH  finds success with a 10 million selling CD.    

Rusted Root and the Clarks hit the Billboard Top 200 and draw thousands to their concerts. Classical cover singer Jackie Evancho becomes an international sensation on a television talent show and hits the top of the classical music charts with 3 best selling CDs.

Pittsburgh emerges as hip hop center when Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller score number 1 hit songs on Pittsburgh's Rostrum Records label.  Electronic mixologist Girl Talk becomes a live performance sensation.