Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album


The Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album has been awarded since 1959. The award is given only to the album producer, and to the composer and lyricist if they have written a new score which comprises 51% or more playing time of the album.

Process

Over the years, the qualifications for the individual nominees has fluctuated with principal artists, composers, and producers at one point being the sole eligible nominee, to the more recent standard which included those whose contributions accounted for the majority of the album. As of 2021, the award description is as follows: "Award goes to the Album Producer and Principal Vocalist with significant contributing performance. The Lyricist and Composer of at least 51% of a new score are eligible for an award if they have written and/or composed a new score that comprises 51% or more playing time of the album. As many as four Principal Vocalist may be awarded." If the winning recording is an "ensemble-driven" piece with no principal vocalist, the members of the ensemble may receive a Winners Certificate.
Years reflect the year in which the Grammy Awards were handed out, for music released in the previous year. As of 2008, the current eligibility year is defined by the Recording Academy as beginning October 1, and ending the following September 30. Awards are given in February following the eligibility period.

Name changes

This award has had several minor name changes:

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

Shows with multiple wins and nominations

Shows with multiple wins

2 wins:
4 nominations
3 nominations:
2 nominations:
6 wins:
5 wins:
3 wins:
2 wins: