The annual tribute gala is held to benefit the Latin GRAMMY® Cultural Foundation
Vives will be recognized for his more than three decades of career as a multifaceted singer and songwriter, as well as for his constant 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 his support of the new generations personify the values of our Academy,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We honor him as Person of the Year for his extensive contributions to our musical heritage and for his numerous philanthropic initiatives.”
For his part, Vives said, “I am honored and excited to be chosen as the Latin Recording Academy’s 2024 Person of the Year. It is the reward for an authentic path, 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 care for it and respect it to exalt humanity with it.”
With more than 30 years of career, Carlos Vives is one of the most respected figures in Spanish music, pioneer of a new Latin American sound that redefined 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 10,000 million views on digital platforms, 20 million albums sold, and hits like “La gota frida,” “ Pa’ Mayte”, “The land of oblivion”, “Fresh fruit” and “I was born again”. Vives has become an ambassador of Colombian and Hispanic American culture around the world, and his commitment transcends the musical field. 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 Río Grande Music School to offer artistic experiences to children and young people, and founded his label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talents. As part of his ongoing commitment to music education, Vives has been a strong supporter and generous supporter of the Latin GRAMMY® Cultural Foundation since its inception, and sponsored the Prodigio Scholarship in 2018.
Vives will be honored at a special gala filled with renowned music stars as part of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs®. The emotional tribute concert will include versions of his famous repertoire performed by a range of notable artists and friends. Details of the long-awaited event, which will be held during Latin GRAMMY® Week 2024 in Miami, will be announced later.
The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year recognizes musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry, as well as their humanitarian efforts. The artists previously honored 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 funds raised at the Latin Academy Person of the Year Gala will go to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation’s charities.
