The Recording Academy has unveiled the exceptional musicians and visionaries who will receive the 2025 GRAMMY Special Merit Awards, celebrating their unparalleled contributions to the evolution of the music industry. The honorees represent a diverse array of genres, including soul, punk, gospel, blues, hip-hop, and pop, each leaving a lasting mark on music history.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This prestigious accolade will be presented to the following artists:
Frankie Beverly — A soul legend whose classic "Before I Let Go" remains an enduring cultural anthem.
The Clash — Punk rock pioneers who redefined the genre with their politically charged anthems and genre-bending experimentation.
Dr. Bobby Jones — A gospel icon who transformed television with his innovative music programming.
Taj Mahal — A blues innovator who preserved the genre’s traditional roots.
Prince — A genius multi-genre musician who fused funk, rock, R&B, and pop.
Roxanne Shanté — One of hip-hop’s first female MCs, breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation.
Frankie Valli — Whose falsetto with The Four Seasons became emblematic of a musical era.
Trustees Award
Recognizing significant contributions beyond performance:
Erroll Garner — Posthumously, for his outstanding contributions to jazz as a pianist and composer.
Glyn Johns — A legendary producer who worked with iconic acts such as Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones.
Tania León — A contemporary classical composer whose works have received global acclaim.
Technical GRAMMY Award
This honor will posthumously recognize Dr. Leo Beranek, whose groundbreaking advancements in acoustics revolutionized the design of concert halls worldwide.
The Ceremony
The Special Merit Awards will be presented during GRAMMY Week, culminating in the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The event will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, inviting audiences worldwide to join this celebration of musical excellence.
Celebrating Diversity and Inspiration
This year’s honorees showcase the richness of musical traditions and innovations, inspiring fans and artists alike while emphasizing the importance of preserving and honoring the legacy of music’s greats.