The annual tribute gala benefits the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®

For additional images, please click here. Credit: Natalia Gw

MIAMI (MAY 22, 2024) — The Latin Recording Academy® announced that Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY® winner, Carlos Vives, will be the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™.

Vives will be honored for his more than three-decade career as a multifaceted singer and composer, as well as for his continued commitment to environmental and social initiatives.

“Carlos Vives is one of the most prolific and beloved artists of our time, whose commitment to Latin music and support for the new generations truly personifies the values of our Academy,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives.”

Meanwhile, Vives said, “I am honored and moved to have been chosen as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. It is the reward for an authentic journey, for a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity. These spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to take care of it and to respect it in order to exalt humanity with it.”

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Carlos Vives is one of the most respected artists in Spanish-language music and a pioneer of a new Latin American sound, redefining traditional Colombian vallenato by incorporating pop and rock. He is an 18-time Latin GRAMMY winner and two-time GRAMMY winner—the first Colombian to win the latter award—with more than 10 billion streams on digital platforms, 20 million albums sold, and hits like “La Gota Fría,” “Pa' Mayte,” “La Tierra Del Olvido,” “Fruta Fresca” and “Volví A Nacer”. Vives has become an ambassador of Colombian and Latin American culture around the world, and his commitment also transcends the musical realm. In 2015, he created the Tras La Perla initiative to promote the sustainable development of Santa Marta and its ecosystem. In addition, he created the Escuela de Música Río Grande to offer artistic experiences to children and young people, and founded the record label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talent. As part his ongoing commitment to music education, Vives has been a strong advocate and generous supporter of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® since its inception, and sponsored its annual Prodigy Scholarship in 2018.

Vives will be celebrated at a special star-studded gala as part of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs®. The heartfelt tribute concert will feature renditions of his renowned repertoire performed by an array of notable artists and friends. Details of the coveted event to be celebrated during the 2024 Latin GRAMMY® Week in Miami will be announced at a later date.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts. The past honorees are Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).

Net proceeds from the Latin Academy Person of the Year Gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is an international nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. The Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage, and to date has donated nearly $10 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

ive@grammy.com

305.576.0036

MIAMI, FL (MARCH 11, 2025) —The Latin Recording Academy® announced new serving Board members for the next three years. The new Trustees include Gabriel Abaroa, Jr., Pedro Blanco, multi-Latin GRAMMY® winner Gustavo Borner, Rafael Fernández, Jr., Dr. Chelsey Green, Jorge Hernández-Toraño, and Latin GRAMMY winner Berta Rojas, who will assume the great responsibility of helping chart the course of the organization and ensure its continued success.

Luis Álvarez-Fiol, Eduardo Bergallo, Paty Cantú, Alexandra Lioutikoff, Rico Love, Rafa Sardina and Manuel Tejada have reached their serving term limits and have retired from the Board.

“Our deepest gratitude to all our former Trustees! I am honored to give a warm welcome to a very talented and diverse group of professionals joining our Board,” said Eduardo Hütt, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Latin Recording Academy. “Each of our new Trustees has been serving the music community over the years in different roles, and I look forward to working closely with them as we continue to grow, evolve and strengthen our organization.”

The Board of Trustees, in partnership with CEO Manuel Abud and The Latin Academy Executive Team, works to uphold the organization's mission to nurture, celebrate, honor and elevate Latin music and its creators.

ABOUT THE NEWLY ELECTED TRUSTEES:

Gabriel Abaroa, Jr. is a seasoned entertainment executive, attorney and the first President Emeritus of The Latin Academy, where he also served as President/CEO from 2002 to 2021. Currently, Abaroa is a co-founder and CEO of Incurator LLC. Previously, he founded Legal Corp, a law firm providing services to multinational and independent record labels in México. He is a musician and record producer of children’s music, and was a professor of entertainment law for five years at the Anáhuac University. Abaroa is a dual member of the Recording Academy and The Latin Academy, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, serves as Board member of NALAC and is an international jury member for Premios Platino. He also participated in the Hispanic Committee of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Pedro Blanco is the President and CEO of Blanco-Lorenz, a global content branding studio with 25 years of experience in the industry. Blanco and his company specialize in content development and packaging for streaming platforms, digital media, television and film, and have collaborated with leading companies such as HBO, Spotify, ViX, A+E Networks, Netflix, BBC, ESPN, FOX, Warner Bros. Television, TelevisaUnivision, NBCUniversal, Disney and Telemundo. He has also directed over 50 commercials and has been behind the lens for music videos featuring artists like Marc Anthony, Alejandro Sanz, Gente de Zona, and Fonseca. In addition, Blanco has served on the Latin GRAMMY TV Committee since 2003. His work has earned him honors from the Global Entertainment Marketing Academy, the Mark Awards and the Streamy Awards.

Gustavo Borner is a renowned producer and sound engineer, winner of six GRAMMYs® and 14 Latin GRAMMYs. With four decades of experience, he has worked on productions for artists such as Phil Collins, Santana, Juanes, Fito Páez, Vicente Fernández, Luis Miguel and Plácido Domingo, totaling over 40 million records sold. He has worked on all Latin MTV Unplugged productions since 2004 as an engineer, mixer or producer. Borner has also worked on television projects for the Latin GRAMMYs, MTV Music Awards and “Sep7imo Día”, the Cirque du Soleil show dedicated to Soda Stereo. His talent has left a mark on film soundtracks, including Birdman, Guardians of the Galaxy, Suicide Squad, and video games such as Spiderman. Borner has served The Latin Academy as an active member of the Circle of Producers and Engineers (CPI) since 2019. In 2018, he received the AES Fellowship Award for his achievements in audio production and worldwide dissemination of audio knowledge. Since 2000, he has operated Igloo Music in Burbank, California, a complex with 18 studios.

Rafael Fernández, Jr. is the Senior Vice President of State Public Policy and Industry Relations at the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), where he directs government relations activities across all 50 U.S. states, while also serving as the Director of Latin Music. Previously, Fernández held the position of Vice President of Latin Music at the RIAA and has been with the organization for nearly 24 years. Under his leadership, the RIAA has been an active supporter of The Latin Academy and its Person of the Year Gala.

Dr. Chelsey Green is an artist, entrepreneur and educator who combines classical and contemporary to make music uniquely her own. Dr. Green and her ensemble, Chelsey Green and The Green Project, have released five studio projects, debuted on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart, and actively perform concerts, music festivals and educational workshops around the world. Dr. Green has appeared on stage and screen with artists of various genres, including Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, Samara Joy, The War and Treaty, Esperanza Spalding, Kirk Franklin and many more. Committed to music education, advocacy and youth arts access, Dr. Green is an associate professor at Berklee College of Music and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Recording Academy.

Jorge Hernández-Toraño is an attorney specializing in general business law, corporate transactions and entertainment law. After 31 years as a partner at the international law firm Holland & Knight, Hernández-Toraño retired from full-time legal practice in 2024. Throughout his career, he has represented GRAMMY-winning artists and producers and negotiated recording contracts, publishing agreements, tours, radio and television appearances, and sponsorship deals. Hernández-Toraño served as counsel to The Latin Recording Academy® from 2002 through 2023. He has also represented major record labels and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). Recognized in rankings such as The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers, Hernández-Toraño was named one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the U.S. entertainment industry by Hispanic Business Magazine. Committed to his community, he served as Trustee and General Counsel for United Way of Miami, is a past President and former Board Member of the Cuban American Bar Association and chaired the Miami Business Forum.

Berta Rojas is one of Latin America's most celebrated classical guitarists. With a career spanning over three decades, the Paraguay-born artist has released 14 studio albums and performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls. Her exceptional talent also led her to academia at Berklee College of Music, where she serves as an associate professor, becoming the first Latin American instructor invited to join the institution's guitar department. In 1992, Rojas earned a bachelor’s degree in music with a concentration in guitar from the Universidad de la República in Uruguay, and later completed a master’s in music, specializing in guitar, from Johns Hopkins University. She has received four Latin GRAMMY nominations and won Best Classical Music Album in 2022 for Legado. In 2023, she was honored with the National Order of Merit in the Gran Cruz, Paraguay's highest civil and military decoration.

The full list of the Latin Recording’s Board of Trustees can be found here.

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is an international nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring, and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY® Awards, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

ive@grammy.com

Presented by Windstar Cruises, the series features conversations with 2024 Special Award honorees Albita, Alejandro Lerner and Ángel "Cucco" Peña

MIAMI (FEBRUARY 6, 2025)—The Latin Recording Academy® announced the launch of its digital series highlighting 2024 Special Awards honorees, presented by Windstar Cruises. The video capsules kickoff today, with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Latin GRAMMY® winner, Albita. Throughout the month of February, 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Latin GRAMMY nominee Alejandro Lerner, and 2024 Trustees Award recipient and Latin GRAMMY winner Ángel "Cucco" Peña, join the series to reflect on their distinguished careers and the defining moments that cemented their legacies in Latin music.

The series is part of a two-year agreement with Windstar Cruises, who serve as a presenting sponsor of The Latin Academy’s Special Awards Presentation, held annually during Latin GRAMMY® Week. The interviews feature an intimate glimpse into the lives and contributions of Latin music creators and will be available across all Latin GRAMMY social media accounts.

The Special Awards Presentation recognizes legendary artists whose careers have had immeasurable influence and impact within the world of Latin music. Both the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to performers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance of Latin music and its communities, and the Trustees Award, presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to Latin music during their careers, other than through performance, are voted on by The Latin Recording Academy's Board of Trustees.

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is an international nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals, produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

ABOUT WINDSTAR CRUISES:

With a fleet of seven boutique all-suite and sailing yachts, each carrying between 148 to 342 guests, Windstar Cruises offers an intimate experience like no other. Guests can explore enchanting destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, South America, Japan, and the South Pacific. Plus, Windstar operates year-round in Europe and will offer two unique ship experiences in Tahiti starting in 2027. Windstar will introduce two new ships to its Star Class beginning with Star Seeker in December 2025 and followed by Star Explorer in December 2026. At Windstar Cruises, it's not just about travel – it's about creating experiences that resonate with the soul. With port-intensive itineraries, iconic destinations, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program, every moment with Windstar is an opportunity for discovery and delight. Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

The immersive learning experience, sponsored by TikTok, guided aspiring music creators through song production, music business and stage performance techniques

Click here for more images

Credit: John Parra/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

MIAMI (JANUARY 30, 2025) – The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Berklee Global, hosted the debut of their new Emerging Artist Intensive, the first in a series of immersive learning experiences for aspiring music creators. The day long workshop, sponsored by TikTok, was held at Miami Art Studio.

The program was led by Berklee’s faculty professor Enrique González Müller and jazz pianist, composer and educator, Zahili González, alongside Latin music industry leaders including Francisco Granados, Senior Vice President of A&R at Warner Music Latina; Pierre Hachar, Jr., Esq., an entertainment attorney; and Latin GRAMMY® nominee Vikina. The lecture guided more than 100 future music creators through the process of song production, music business and stage performance techniques, and spotlighted key areas like writing, producing and marketing music from conception to completion.

“Artists in the 21st century must be equipped not only to refine their artistry but also to successfully connect with their audience in meaningful ways,” said María Martínez Iturriaga, Senior Vice President at Berklee Global. “This program unites exceptional partners to empower participants with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to build and sustain thriving careers in today's dynamic music landscape.”

“At TikTok, we’re committed to empowering the next generation of music creators and celebrating the cultural impact of Latin music,” said Ara Yoo Han, Global Head of Social Impact at TikTok. “We’re thrilled to play a role in shaping the future of Latin music through this hands-on, immersive program.”

“We are proud to launch the first Emerging Artist Intensive with Berklee Global and TikTok,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Together, we are furthering the Foundation’s mission to advance Latin music and its legacy via hands-on educational opportunities with leaders in the music industry.”

For more information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org

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ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT TIKTOK:

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. Visit: https://www.tiktok.com/. TikTok for Business is a global platform designed to give brands and marketers the solutions to be creative storytellers and meaningfully engage with the TikTok community. With solutions that can deliver seamlessly across every marketing touchpoint, TikTok for Business offers brands an opportunity for rich storytelling through a portfolio of full-screen video formats that appear natively within the user experience.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

Valued at $120,000, the scholarship will cover tuition and wrap-around services that further the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation’s mission of offering educational opportunities to students with a passion for flamenco music

Deadline to Apply: April 10, 2025

MIAMI (JANUARY 21, 2025) – The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced the Paco de Lucía Legacy Scholarship, the first of the Legacy Scholarship series, established in partnership with the Paco de Lucía Foundation. The scholarship furthers the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation's mission of supporting and cultivating the next generation of music creators, offering educational opportunities that advance Latin music and its legacy.

The Paco de Lucía Legacy Scholarship will award $120,000 toward tuition, including wrap-around services provided by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, for a student to attend the music institution of their choice.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our reach to future Latin music creators through this scholarship, in partnership with the Paco de Lucía Foundation,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “It’s an honor to pay tribute to the legacy of one of the most influential guitar players in the history of flamenco and music in general, and forge new paths in his memory.”

Casilda Sánchez Varela, president of the Paco de Lucía Foundation, said, “It’s important to support young musicians through international platforms as prestigious as the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, and, of course, through the artistic and personal legacy of maestros like Paco de Lucía.”

The scholarship will be awarded to a music student between 17 and 25 years of age who demonstrates a passion for flamenco music, is enrolled in the music institution of their choice, and faces financial limitations in pursuing a college degree. The student can pursue a bachelor’s degree at their preferred institution and begin their musical studies in the fall of 2025.

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is accepting applications for all 2025 scholarships until April 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Click here to review 2025 guidelines and apply. The application includes two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university. Materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Last year, The Latin Recording Academy®, in collaboration with the Regional Government of Andalucía, hosted the Latin GRAMMY® Celebra: Paco de Lucía event in Cádiz, in homage to the guitarist. The event, attended by the Andalusian maestro’s family, was a journey through Paco de Lucía's life, accompanied by artists and friends who shared his path and performed some of his most beloved songs.

During the tribute, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, in collaboration with the Paco de Lucía Foundation and Berklee College of Music, exclusively premiered a recording and video clip of “Cositas Buenas,” composed by Paco de Lucía. The recording featured four Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation scholarship recipients, with arrangements and instrumentation by artists from the Alalá Foundation and production by Salomé Limón, a member of the Circle of Producers and Engineers of The Latin Academy.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has awarded 427 scholarships and invested over $10 million in scholarships, grants, educational programs and mentorships over the last decade.

For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org

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ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $10 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT PACO DE LUCÍA:

Paco de Lucía revolutionized flamenco, taking his art from the smallest tablaos to the most prestigious stages worldwide. He combined tradition and avant-garde, resulting in a unique style that transcended genres. Works such as El Concierto De Aranjuez and Entre Dos Aguas redefined flamenco guitar, consolidating the maestro as one of the 20th century’s most influential musicians.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

Equipo Singular

María García: maria.garcia@equiposingular.com

Sofía Esnaola: sofia.esnaola@equiposingular.com