Tobias Jesso Jr. has won Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical, in the category’s inaugural year at the 2023 Grammy Awards. He was up against The-Dream, Amy Allen, Laura Veltz, and Nija Charles. Jesso’s songwriting credits within the eligibility period include Adele’s “To Be Loved” and “Can I Get It,” FKA Twigs’ “Careless” and “Thank You Song,” Harry Styles’ “Boyfriend,” Omar Apollo’s “No Good Reason,” King Princess’ “Dotted Lines,” and Orville Peck’s “C’mon Baby Cry.”
This is Jesso’s first-ever Grammy. Since releasing his 2015 album, Goon, he has focused mostly on writing songs for others. In a recent interview with GQ, Jesso discussed his transition to songwriting, as well as the new Grammy category. “I really feel like [songwriting is] where everything begins,” he said. “When you're producing, it’s a bit of a different thing—the song’s already been found. You’re more the chef. [This new Grammy category] is giving the farmer credit for the meal on the table. And I think that that’s long overdue.”
Speaking with press after his victory, Jesso said, “This is more for all the other songwriters out there and all the other years that this category could have been a thing…. I’m more grateful for the win for all of us.”
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