Inside Neil Portnow's Eclectic Recording Academy Office

Neil Portnow Office

The 1,200-square-foot office of Neil Portnow, president and CEO of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences since 2002, is far bigger than those of most label heads.

Neil Portnow Office

A photo of the late Ray Charles, flanked by Quincy Jones (right) and Portnow, who recalls: “That was a special, bittersweet moment. Q called to say, ‘Ray’s pretty sick; maybe we can do something to lift his spirits.’ So we gave him this beautiful discretionary award. Unfortunately, we lost him shortly after.”

Neil Portnow Office

During the early 1900s, before flat records, music was recorded and played on wax cylinders like these.

Neil Portnow Office

Among the hundreds of tchotchkes adorning Portnow’s office are figurines of Mozart (left) and Brahms.

Neil Portnow Office

“This little AM transistor is an heirloom,” says Portnow of his childhood gadget. “I would take it to bed at night so my parents wouldn’t know I was listening to the radio.”

Neil Portnow Office

Grammy trophies through the years.