The Grammys honoured music legends with lifetime achievement awards
The Recording Academy presented special Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards to outstanding artists whose contributions to music have had a global impact, according to the Associated Press.
This year's winners were Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana and Paul Simon. Posthumous awards were given to Fela Kuti and Whitney Houston.
Accepting the award, Chaka Khan emphasised that music became a prayer, healing and a way to save her own life. Before the ceremony, the audience was shown a short documentary about her career — from performances with the funk band Rufus to solo hits, including Tell Me Something Good and I Feel For You. The singer also thanked the artists, authors and producers she has worked with for over 50 years.
The award for Whitney Houston, who died in 2012, was accepted by members of her family. Her daughter-in-law and long-time manager Pat Houston noted that Whitney's voice remains eternal and her musical legacy will live on forever.
The award for Fela Kuti was received by his three children. The Nigerian musician was presented as a producer, arranger, political radical and founder of Afrobeat. His son Femi Kuti emphasised that this recognition is of special significance not only for the family, but also for Africa and the struggle for peace. Fela Kuti, who died in 1997, became the first African musician to receive this award.
Cher did not attend the ceremony in person and addressed the audience in a video, humorously recalling that she had dreamed of being a singer since childhood. Carlos Santana also recorded a video message after his son accepted the trophy on his behalf. The musician emphasised that in times of fear, the world especially needs music as a source of hope and healing.
Special words of praise were spoken for Paul Simon. Elton John's long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin, who was present at the ceremony as the recipient of another Grammy Special Award, called Simon the greatest American songwriter of our time.
Grammy, Lifetime Achievement Award, Chuck Khan, Fela Kuti, Whitney Houston.
