LOS ANGELES — The Recording Academy bestowed its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards upon an illustrious group of music icons during Saturday’s Special Merit Awards ceremony. Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Fela Kuti, and the late Whitney Houston were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the music industry at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre event, held preceding Sunday’s main Grammy Awards.
Chaka Khan emerged as the sole honoree to personally accept her award during the emotional ceremony. Dressed in a radiant sea green gown, the legendary vocalist reflected on her five-decade career with profound gratitude. “Music has been my prayer, my healing, my joy, my truth,” Khan expressed. “Through it, I saved my life.” Her acceptance speech acknowledged both the brilliant collaborators and occasional “cuckoos” she encountered throughout her journey.
The ceremony featured poignant tributes to posthumous recipients. Family members accepted honors for Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, who passed in 1997, and vocal phenomenon Whitney Houston, who died in 2012. Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and former manager, movingly declared: “Her voice — that voice! — remains eternal. Her legacy will live forever.”
Kuti’s children received his award, recognizing him as a “producer, arranger, political radical, outlaw and the father of Afrobeat” — marking the first time an African musician has received this honor. Femi Kuti emphasized the significance: “It’s so important for us, it’s so important for Africa, it’s so important for world peace and the struggle.”
Absent recipients contributed through video messages. Cher humorously recalled her childhood aspirations: “The only thing I ever wanted to be was a singer. When I was 4 years old I used to run around the house naked, singing into a hair brush. Things haven’t changed all that much.” Carlos Santana, represented by his son Salvador, delivered an inspirational message: “The world is so infected with fear that we need the music and message of Santana to bring hope, courage and joy to heal the world.”
The Trustees Award recognized non-performers including Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s longtime lyricist, who humorously noted waiting “57 years for one of these” despite co-writing numerous hits. Taupin shared his songwriting principles: “avoid cliches,” “never write songs in cubicles” and “don’t say you’re going to die if she leaves you — because you’re not.”
Additional honorees included Latin jazz innovator Eddie Palmieri (posthumously), Sylvia Rhone (the first Black woman to lead a major label), and technical pioneer John Chowning. The ceremony also celebrated educational excellence with Jennifer Jimenez receiving the Music Educator Award and Raye’s “Ice Cream Man” earning the Harry Belafonte Song for Social Change Award.