SANTA MONICA (CelebrityAccess) – The Recording Academy is set to host the Special Merit Awards Ceremony, honoring the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustees Award, Technical Grammy Award, and Best Song For Social Change Award recipients during Grammy Week on February 3 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.
The honorees for the 2024 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award include Laurie Anderson, the Clark Sisters, Gladys Knight, N.W.A., Donna Summer, and Tammy Wynette. Peter Asher, DJ Kool Herc, and Joel Katz will receive the Trustees Award, while Tom Kobayashi and Tom Scott are set to be honored with the Technical Grammy Award. The Best Song For Social Change Award goes to “Refugee,” written by K’naan, Steve McEwan, and Gerald Eaton (a.k.a. Jarvis Church).
Anderson, a versatile artist, has made significant contributions to various fields, including music, art, theater, and technology. The Clark Sisters, pioneers of contemporary gospel, have been instrumental in bringing gospel music to the mainstream. Gladys Knight, a seven-time Grammy winner, is recognized for her achievements in pop, gospel, R&B, and adult contemporary. N.W.A., credited with inventing gangsta rap, comprises Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and MC-Ren. Donna Summer^, a global superstar, merged various genres, including R&B, soul, pop, funk, rock, disco, and electronica. Tammy Wynette^, known for hits like “Stand By Your Man,” made significant contributions to country music.
The Trustees Award recipients include Peter Asher, DJ Kool Herc, and Joel Katz. Asher, a former member of Peter & Gordon, became head of A&R for the Beatles’ Apple Records and later discovered, produced, and managed artists like James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. DJ Kool Herc, known as the founder of hip-hop, introduced the use of two turntables to make beats last longer, contributing to the evolution of hip-hop culture. Katz, an influential entertainment attorney, has played a key role in entertainment-related corporate acquisitions and mergers.
The Technical Grammy Award goes to Tom Kobayashi^ and Tom Scott, who contributed significantly to the recording field through their work at Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Sound and the launch of the Entertainment Digital Network, revolutionizing long-distance collaboration in the industry.
The Best Song For Social Change Award honors “Refugee,” a single by K’naan, Steve McEwan, and Gerald Eaton, which addresses social issues and demonstrates a positive global impact.
The ceremony will take place on February 3 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre as part of Grammy Week, leading up to the main event, Music’s Biggest Night.
^Denotes posthumous honoree.
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