When Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell stepped forward to accept his latest Grammy Award at the 2026 Grammys, which aired Sunday, Feb. 1, it was more than a personal victory. It was another reminder that the sound born in South Memphis continues to shape music far beyond the city’s borders.
Mitchell, who operates the famed Royal Studios, earned his fourth Grammy Award for his work on “Sinners,” which won Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. The honor adds another milestone to a career that has helped define the sound of Memphis music for more than four decades.
Mitchell accepted the Grammy alongside fellow Memphian Eric Gales, who also contributed music to the film. Mitchell served as a music consultant on “Sinners” and produced several songs for the soundtrack, while Gales’ guitar work helped anchor the project’s blues-driven sound.
“Sinners” has been widely praised for its ability to weave traditional Southern blues into a modern cinematic framework — a balance that reflects Mitchell’s signature approach to production and Royal Studios’ long-standing role as a bridge between past and present.
Accepting the award, Mitchell used the moment to acknowledge the collaborators and regions that shaped the project.
“Wow, this is a huge honor,” Mitchell said. “Big shoutout to Ryan Coogler (writer/director) for making this movie, having the idea, the inspiration. Big shoutout to Ludwig Göransson (soundtrack producer) for tying the blues in with the modern music and bringing it forward to the future. Big shoutout to Memphis, Mississippi and Louisiana — all the blues artists.”
Mitchell then stepped aside to allow Gales to speak.
“I’m just a little old cat from Memphis, Tennessee, mane,” Gales said. “It was a huge honor for Ludwig to call me and say I want you to be a part of this record, and 90% of the guitar playing I did made this record, so I’m so thankful.”
For Memphis, the Grammy win affirms again the city’s lasting musical legacy — one carried forward by artists, producers, and studios that continue to keep the blues alive while pushing its sound into the future.
