Neil Portnow, NARAS president, Bill Hearn, CEO EMI CMG, Andy Griffith, Billy Ray Hearn
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2005) - The Recording Academy will spotlight the classical, jazz and gospel genres with special events to be held during GRAMMY Week. The GRAMMY Salute To Classical Music, the GRAMMY Salute To Jazz, and the GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music events will celebrate these genres and honorees who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Each event will feature live performances and a special presentation of The Recording Academy President's Merit Award to accomplished artists in honor of their professional achievements. This year's honorees are Kronos Quartet (Classical); Barry Harris, Hank Jones and Oscar Peterson (Jazz); and Shirley Caesar, Billy Ray Hearn & Bill Hearn, and Richard Smallwood (Gospel). The 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live from STAPLES Center on the CBS Television Network on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2006, from 8 - 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
"In keeping with the mission of The Recording Academy, we will salute and celebrate specific genres of music and pay homage to some of the legends who have made significant contributions to these musical forms," said Recording Academy President Neil Portnow. "Our celebrations are a primary part of GRAMMY Week events, which highlight music's cultural impact on our society. We are so pleased to honor great artists as well as recognize timeless music."
GRAMMY Salute To Classical Music
In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the GRAMMY Salute To Classical Music, The Recording Academy pays tribute to Kronos Quartet, one of the most celebrated and influential ensembles of our time. Known for an adventurous approach that dates back more than 30 years, the Kronos Quartet has released more than 40 recordings, collaborated with many of the world's best composers and performers, and commissioned hundreds of works and arrangements. The Quartet will be honored from 12 - 2 p.m. on Feb. 3 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Guests of this prestigious event will include prominent members of the classical music community.
GRAMMY Salute To Jazz
Paying tribute to three of the greatest pianists in American music, GRAMMY Salute To Jazz will honor Barry Harris, Hank Jones and Oscar Peterson. The special presentation will take place on Feb. 3 at The Music Box at Fonda Theater from 7 - 10 p.m. and will feature live performances and appearances by the honorees and the Gibson/Baldwin GRAMMY Jazz Ensembles. The President's Merit Award for outstanding achievement will be presented to these jazz legends for their lasting contributions to jazz and the music community at large.
GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music
In appreciation of music that touches the soul, The Recording Academy hosts GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music honoring gospel legend Shirley Caesar, EMI Christian Music Group founder Billy Ray Hearn, President and Chief Executive Officer of EMI Christian Music Group Bill Hearn, and gospel innovator and songwriter Richard Smallwood. The event will be held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel at 11 a.m. on Feb. 4. In addition to the President's Merit Award presentation, this event will feature exciting performances by top gospel artists.
Established in 1957, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., also known as The Recording Academy, is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards, The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs - including the creation of the national public education campaign What's The Download www.WhatsTheDownload.com. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.
Media Contact:
Lourdes Lopez
The Recording Academy
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