The Recording Academy has just unveiled a breathtaking lineup of legends for the 2026 Special Merit Awards, proving that true greatness only shines brighter with time. On January 31st at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre, the industry will gather for an emotional masterclass in musical heritage, honoring icons like Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Paul Simon with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s list also pays a long-overdue and powerful tribute to the late “Voice” herself, Whitney Houston, and the revolutionary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, whose legacies continue to shape the very pulse of modern sound. It is a stunning convergence of artists who haven’t just made music—they’ve built the foundations of our culture across generations and genres.
Beyond the stage, the Recording Academy is rightly celebrating the visionary minds behind the scenes with the Trustees and Technical Grammy Awards. From the poetic genius of Bernie Taupin to the pioneering executive leadership of Sylvia Rhone and the groundbreaking Latin jazz brilliance of the late Eddie Palmieri, these honorees represent the architects of the industry. We also see technical wizardry take center stage as John Chowning is recognized for his revolutionary discovery of FM synthesis, a feat that transformed the electronic landscape forever. As CEO Harvey Mason Jr. noted, this group’s influence spans the very foundation of music, and celebrating them on the eve of Grammy Sunday is the perfect prelude to the biggest night in music.