17 surprising non-musicians who have won Grammys, from Michelle Obama to MLK Jr.

Business Insider compiled a list of 17 people you might be surprised have won Grammys, ranging from former first ladies and presidents to comedians, actors, and activists. The roundup notes Martin Luther King Jr. was posthumously awarded a spoken-word Grammy in 1971 for his speech "Why I Oppose the War in Vietnam." Comedian Lily Tomlin won best comedy recording in 1972 for "This Is A Recording," and Steve Martin has won five Grammys across comedy and roots/bluegrass categories, including a 2014 award for "Love Has Come For You." The list also highlights soundtrack and film-related wins: Zach Braff earned a Grammy for the "Garden State" soundtrack at the 2005 awards, and Joaquin Phoenix received a Grammy for the "Walk the Line" compilation soundtrack for visual media.

Several politicians and first-family members are included: Bill Clinton won spoken-word Grammys in 2004 and 2005, Hillary Rodham Clinton won in 1997, Barack Obama has won two spoken-word Grammys, and Michelle Obama won spoken-word Grammys for "Becoming" (2020) and "The Light We Carry" (2024).

The piece also notes Jimmy Carter won three Grammys in life and one posthumously at the 2025 Grammys.

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