Music Legends to be Honored at 2026 Special Merit Awards

Grammy Week 2026 is starting with a legendary celebration of the people who shaped the sound of our world. On January 31, the Recording Academy will host its Special Merit Awards Ceremony at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre. These awards recognize the artists, executives, and technical innovators whose work has left a permanent mark on the recording field. From pop icons to the architects of Afrobeat, this year’s honorees represent the very best of musical history.

The 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are a group of true household names. The list features guitar pioneer Carlos Santana, the powerful Chaka Khan, and the incomparable Cher. They are joined by songwriting master Paul Simon, who has influenced the industry for over seven decades. The Academy will also honor the late Whitney Houston, celebrated worldwide as “The Voice,” and Fela Kuti, the revolutionary father of Afrobeat. These performers have not only sold millions of records but have also moved culture forward through their art.

Beyond the performers, the Academy is celebrating the leaders and creators who work behind the scenes. Sylvia Rhone is being recognized with a Trustees Award for her historic career as a pioneering music executive. Lyricist Bernie Taupin, best known for his legendary partnership with Elton John, and salsa visionary Eddie Palmieri are also among this year’s distinguished honorees. On the technical side, John Chowning will receive a Technical Grammy for his discovery of FM synthesis, a breakthrough that completely changed the landscape of electronic music and digital instruments.

These honors serve as a vital reminder that the music we enjoy today stands on the shoulders of giants. By celebrating these visionaries just before Grammy Sunday, the industry acknowledges that talent, leadership, and innovation are the keys to a lasting legacy. It is a night of deep respect and community that sets an inspiring tone for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.