Top Latin Performers to be Honored with Latin Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award
Luz Casal, Leo Dan, Rita Moreno, Milton Nascimento, Daniela Romo, Poncho Sánchez, and Toquinho will be honored with The Latin Recording Academy®'s Lifetime Achievement Award, and Juan Carmona "Habichuela" and Yomo Toro are the recipients of the Trustees Award.
These honorees will be acknowledged at a special invitation-only ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 14 as part of the weeklong Latin GRAMMY Awards® celebration.
"This year's exceptional group of honorees not only beautifully represent our diverse music communities but exemplify the meaning of being a true pioneer of one's craft as well as being internationally recognized within their respective musical genres," Gabriel Abaroa Jr., president/CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, said. "We continue the privilege of honoring and celebrating these iconic individuals whose contributions and accomplishments continue to leave an indelible legacy in the world of Latin music and will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and music fans for many years."
Spanish born singer, songwriter and composer Luz Casal is one of the first women to break through the male-dominated rock genre. She has recorded more than 15 solo albums, contributed to several acclaimed and award-winning film soundtracks, sold more than 6 million albums, and received numerous honors in France and Spain, among other countries.
Argentinian singer, songwriter and actor Leo Dan emerged as one of the most recognized composers and vocalists in the Latin world. Considered an integral founder of the "nueva ola" (new wave) style of popular music in the '60s, he relocated to Mexico in the '70s and became the first balladeer to record with mariachi groups, pairing his unique voice with traditional Mexican folk music. He has sold more than 50 million albums, starred in four feature films and has been honored internationally.
Puerto Rican-born singer, dancer and actress Rita Moreno is one of an elite group of performers who have won the industry's top five most prestigious awards: an Oscar®, Emmy®, GRAMMY, Tony Award, and Golden Globe Award. Adding to her recognitions, she received the highest honor bestowed upon a U.S. civilian when former President George W. Bush awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004. Her professional repertoire includes starring in more than 135 feature films and TV series and countless stage productions in the United States and abroad.
One of Brazil's top musical innovators, singer, songwriter Milton Nascimento has recorded more than 40 albums and toured worldwide. In 2012, he is celebrating 40 years since the release of his acclaimed album, Clube Da Esquina, which is considered one the most important works of popular Brazilian music. He is a three-time Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winner.
Mexican Singer, actress and television host Daniela Romo launched her musical career in 1979 with her first album, También Yo, produced by esteemed arranger and 2011 Latin Recording Academy Trustees Award recipient Jesus "Chucho" Ferrer. With 16 albums, 13 soap operas, 10 stage plays, 11 original live shows, eight television shows, numerous gold and platinum records, and awards in recognition of her acting and singing, her happiness derives from what she holds most dear, the respect of her audience and the devoted support of her fans around the world.
Mexican-American conguero, Latin jazz bandleader and salsa singer Poncho Sánchez is considered one of the top percussionists of all time. His career has lasted more than three decades and includes more than 30 albums, numerous musical collaborations and a GRAMMY for Best Latin Jazz Performance in 1999.
Brazilian composer, singer and guitarist Toquinho is considered a pioneer of the música popular Brasileira (popular Brazilian music) movement of the '60s. He composed his first big hit, "Que Maravilha," which led to a partnership with lyricist Vinicius de Moraes that would produce 120 songs and numerous live performances abroad.
Spanish virtuoso and flamenco guitarist Juan Carmona "Habichuela" has recorded with every existing flamenco cantaor from the last century. He is the recipient of a Latin GRAMMY in 2008 for Best Flamenco Album and has toured the world extensively. Although retired, he sporadically performs at various festivals throughout Spain.
Puerto Rican-born Yomo Toro's 60-year musical legacy includes 150 albums, 20 consisting of both solo works and an extensive repertoire of collaborations with artists such as Harry Belafonte, David Byrne, Willie Colón, Alfonso "El Panameño" Joseph, Héctor Lavoe, Linda Ronstadt, and Arsenio Rodríguez. His preservation of traditional jíbaro music coupled with the bomba format for orchestration and song structure blended to create an unrivaled depth and range unique to the genre. Though extremely connected to the folkloric roots of the cuatro, his improvisations and experimental and eclectic originality awarded him another title, "the Jimi Hendrix of the Cuatro." A member of the famed Fania All-Stars, he toured the world and will forever be treasured for his artistry as an international sensation. Toro passed away in June, shortly after being informed of this award.
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