Nate Smith is a veteran jazz musician. However, yesterday (February 1), the drummer, composer, producer, and educator was introduced to millions of music lover for the first time.
But the 2026 Grammy Awards marked a first for Smith as well. After earning multiple nominations, Smith took home not one but two trophies. Smith’s first win came for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals.
Smith’s song “Big Fish,” which features säje, won out over Seth MacFarlane’s “How Did She Look?,” Jacob Collier’s “Keep An Eye On Summer,” Lawrence’s “Something In The Water (Acoustic-Ish)” and Cody Fry’s “What A Wonderful World.”
His second win came in the Best Alternative Jazz Album category. Smith’s studio album LIVE-ACTION snatched the trophy from Ambrose Akinmusire’s honey from a winter stone, Robert Glasper’s Keys To The City Volume One, Brad Mehldau’s Ride into the Sun, and Immanuel Wilkins’ Blues Blood.
During his appearance on the official Grammys red carpet, Smith stopped to talk with the official host about his first two career wins.
“Two. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe,” exclaimed Smith. “It’s been great, man. You know, I feel like I’ve my legs have been made of jelly since the announcement, but I’m hanging in, man. It’s starting to slowly sink in that it actually happened. It’s a real thing.”
Watch Nate Smith’s full interview with the 2026 Grammy Awards red carpet host below.
Nate Smith’s prior Grammy nomination came in 2018 for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella and Best Instrumental Composition. Both nominations were for Smith’s Home Free (For Peter Joe) album. In 2011, Smith also secured a nomination for Large Jazz Ensemble Album (Pathways).
View the full list of winners for the 2026 Grammy Awards here.
Nate Smith’s latest album LIVE-ACTION is out now via Waterbaby Music Inc. Click here to stream or order.