Folk Icon and Soul Legend Among Stars Getting Music's Highest Honor
- - Folk Icon and Soul Legend Among Stars Getting Music's Highest Honor
Isabella TorregianiDecember 23, 2025 at 1:42 AM
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Since 1963, the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award has celebrated artists whose work defines the history of music. And while many performers fit the bill, only a select few from R&B, pop, Latin rock and Afrobeat will take center stage during Grammy Week in 2026.
On Saturday, January 31, just one day before the main Grammy ceremony, these music legends will be honored at Los Angeles’ Wilshire Ebell Theatre.
Whitney Houston, celebrated as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, will receive the award posthumously. Her career, over 200 million records sold, seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits and three diamond albums — makes her recognition long overdue.
Chaka Khan, a ten-time Grammy winner, will join the roster of honorees. Over fifty years, she has influenced generations of singers and musicians, while her work with the Chaka Khan Foundation demonstrates a dedication to community and humanitarian work.
Honoring the legendary Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti posthumously, the award highlights his lasting contributions to Afrobeat and music culture. His politically infused music continues to inspire artists today, with the Academy observing that his legacy “spans generations.”
Paul Simon, celebrated for his solo work and as one half of the legendary Simon & Garfunkel, is among this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honorees. From folk hits like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to beloved albums like Graceland, Simon has left an undeniable mark on music worldwide.
Highlighting her extraordinary career, Cher, whose influence spans over six decades, will also receive the award. Rounding out the honorees is Carlos Santana, whose work in Latin rock earned him this well-deserved recognition.
Alongside the Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Recording Academy will present the Trustees Award to Bernie Taupin, Eddie Palmieri and Sylvia Rhone, recognizing their significant contributions to music outside of performance.
John Chowning, the classical composer who developed frequency modulation synthesis in 1967, will be honored with the Technical Grammy Award for his innovative work in music technology.
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
