The Latin Recording Academy® to honor  Erasmo Carlos, Dyango, Andy Montañez, José María Napoleón, Chucho Valdés, Wilfrido Vargas, and Yuri with the Lifetime Achievement Award

Horacio Malvicino and Tomás Muñoz to Receive the Trustees Award

MIAMI (August 29, 2018) – The Latin Recording Academy^® announced today that Erasmo Carlos, Dyango, Andy Montañez, José María Napoleón, Chucho Valdés, Wilfrido Vargas, and Yuri will receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Horacio Malvicino and Tomás Muñoz will receive the Trustees Award. The honorees will be celebrated during a private ceremony to be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas on Nov. 13^th as part of the 19th Annual Latin GRAMMY^® Week.

"We are proud to pay tribute to this remarkable group of talented artists and music professionals with this year's Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards," said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., Latin Recording Academy President/CEO. "Our 2018 class has made outstanding contributions benefitting Ibero-American music, providing innovation and a unique vision in favor of all music lovers."

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who have made unprecedented contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music. The Trustees Award is voted on by The Latin Recording Academy's Board of Trustees and given to individuals who have made significant contributions, other than in performance, to music during their careers.

2018 Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees:

Erasmo Carlos

There are two sides to the wondrous musical biography of Erasmo Carlos.  First, his songwriting partnership with pop-star Roberto Carlos, which helped define the emotional scope and nostalgic textures of Latin American balladry in the ’70s. Second, there’s his brilliant solo career, which includes some of the most unpredictable and evocative albums in the history of Brazilian music. The singer-songwriter gained notoriety in the late ’60s as part of the youth oriented jovem guarda movement. His 2009 album Rock 'N' Roll received a Latin GRAMMY^® nomination, and in 2014, he won a Latin GRAMMY for Best Brazilian Rock Album (Gigante Gentil). Combining commercial success with relentless artistic independence, Erasmo Carlos continues to surprise and delight with each new project he embarks on.

Dyango

It is no coincidence that Dyango (José Gómez Romero) is known as "La Voz del Amor" ("The Voice of Love"). Beginning with the release of his self-titled debut album Lejos de los Ojos in 1969, the Spanish singer has continued to evolve as a performer of romantic songs, leaving his indelible stamp on both the balada genre and tango. His innate talent for adding passion and honesty to every song he performs was first recognized in Latin America and later in the United States, after he traveled to Argentina and starred in the 1970's film El Mundo Es De Los Jóvenes (The World Belongs to the Young), recording an album of the same name. In 1975, his gorgeous recording of the tango "Nostalgia," with a subtle balada arrangement as well as "Por Volverte a Ver", Corazón Mágico" and "Por ese Hombre" confirmed Dyango as a key performer in Latin pop. And although his large-scale tours have reduced, he continues recording and performing live.

Andy Montañez

Puerto Rican salsa has nurtured many legendary singers. Even among such tough competition, Andy Montañez stands as one of the most soulful and creative vocalists in the Afro-Caribbean genre. He was 20 years old when he joined El Gran Combo, the quintessential salsa orchestra until 1981, when he decided to devote himself to a solo career. His newly gained independence allowed him to blossom as a songwriter and delve into the emerging style of salsa romántica. Marked by superlative production values and velvety arrangements, solo hits such as "Casi Te Envidio," "Payaso," "Me Gusta," and "La Última Copa" established him as one of the most successful salsa singers of the ’80s. In 2006, he received a Latin GRAMMY for Best Traditional Tropical Album. Always willing to explore new directions, Montañez recently experimented with salsatón, fusing his tropical soundscapes with the urban vibe of reggaetón.   

José María Napoleón 

Marked by delicately layered arrangements and gorgeous melodies, the work of singer-songwriter José María Napoleón, known as "El Poeta de la Canción" ("The Song's Poet"), overflows with tenderness and poignant observations about romantic love and the meaning of life. Napoleón was one of the key protagonists of the hugely influential balada movement of the ’70s, in his native Mexico, he was only 20 years old when he recorded his first album, known as El Grillo. Napoleón—who has also acted in Mexican telenovelas—continued releasing albums, penning such emotionally charged hits as "Pajarillo," "Hombre," "Eres," "Leña Verde," "30 Años," and "Celos." In 2015, the album Vive found the singer revisiting the brightest pages of his songbook in the shape of duets with stars such as Manoella Torres, Mon Laferte, Yuri, and many others.

Chucho Valdés

It is impossible to ponder the current state of Latin jazz without considering the multifaceted talent of virtuoso pianist, bandleader, and composer Chucho Valdés. Both in his work with supergroup Irakere and as an eclectic and prolific solo artist, Valdés reinvented the lexicon of jazz, blending it with rock, classical music, and Afro-Cuban roots music. Chucho Valdés' Irakere featured some of the island’s most talented musicians including Paquito D’Rivera on saxophone, Arturo Sandoval on trumpet, and featured a dazzling mix of rock, Afro-Cuban roots music and jazz. In 1998, Valdés launched an ambitious solo career that has included outstanding performances, a moving duet album with his father Bebo Valdés (Juntos Para Siempre), crackling quartet sessions, and the appearance of a new band, The Afro-Cuban Messengers. In 2000, Chucho Valdes and his father participated in Calle 54, a documentary film about Latin jazz musicians. He has received three Latin GRAMMYs™ and six GRAMMY awards.

Wilfrido Vargas

There is a limited handful of bandleaders who managed to elevate the infectious merengue, the quintessential dance and music style from the Dominican Republic into a worldwide craze. Wilfrido Vargas is one of them, memorable and powerful hit singles such as "El Africano," "El Jardinero," "A Mover La Colita," "El Baile Del Perrito," and "Abusadora" trace a prodigious discography spanning the development of merengue. In the early ’70s, he founded the orchestra Wilfrido Vargas & Sus Beduinos, however the ’80s was a time of extraordinary growth for Vargas, as the salsa explosion of the ’70s was replaced with new styles and genres in the Latin mainstream that included merengue. Besides having participated in movies and a reality show, Vargas continues actively touring and recording to this day.

Yuri

There are a few cases where the world can witness the birth, growth and rise to stardom of an artist, this would be the case of "La Güera" (The Blonde), one of the most commercially successful artists in the history of Latin pop. Mexican songstress Yuri has placed her remarkable vocal range at the service of a variety of styles—from torrid balladry and Christian music to tropical stylings, folk, and rootsy rancheras. Yuri gained fame across Latin America in 1980, acting in movies and soap operas and with the release of one of her most successful albums Esperanzas, which included the hit track of the same name. In the mid-eighties she peaked, participating in the Viña del Mar Festival and the radio hit "¿Qué Te Pasa?" from the Aire album firmly established her musical career and made her an international pop icon. During the height of her fame, she released expertly produced singles such as "Yo Te Amo, Te Amo," "Tiempos Mejores," "El Apagón", and "Karma Kamaleón," a Spanish version of the catchy Culture Club smash. "La Güera" is more active than ever.

2018 Trustees Award Honorees: 

Horacio Malvicino

Horacio Malvicino has been a successful label executive, notable administrator in his native Argentina, a legendary jazz and tango guitarist, composer, and arranger, as well as a key collaborator of tango master Astor Piazzolla. Malvicino also formed his own combo—the Horacio Malvicino Jazz Quintet—and sold more than two million records playing light versions of tango and Latin music under his artistic moniker, Alain Debray. Malvicino’s career extended beyond performing, working as an artistic director for local and international labels, and scoring more than 90 films, theater, and television productions. A musician’s musician, he has served actively as president of the Argentine Association of Performers’ Rights since 2014.

Tomás Muñoz

A trendsetting record label executive blessed with an unerring instinct for developing future pop stars, Tomás Muñoz is arguably one of Spain’s greatest music champions. When he moved to Mexico, he was offered a post as director of the Gamma record label. Muñoz quickly developed an appetite for discovering young music artists who were largely ignored by the music industry. In 1969, he was named managing director of CBS Records in Spain. He supported the careers of Julio Iglesias, Raphael, and Joaquín Sabina, effectively changing the way Spanish music was perceived and consumed throughout the world.

In 1980, he moved to Brazil, where he revolutionized the way to promote the music of artists like Simone, Roberto Carlos y Djavan. He managed the promotion of Michael Jackson, Supertramp, and the Police in South America. Muñoz’s major-label career concluded on a high note with his New York appointment as vice president of A&R for Sony Music Latin America, working with Roberto Carlos, Chayanne, and Ricky Martin, among others. Tomás' work in Spain and Brazil contributed decisively to the formation of a whole generation of executives in the music industry. After publishing his autobiography, Muñoz remained active in the music industry, having also mentored a younger generation of label executives.   

Latin GRAMMY Week will culminate with the 19th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, which will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 15, from 8–11 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central) on Univision.

For more information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin Recording Academy^® website at: LatinGRAMMY.com (#LatinGRAMMY).

Facebook: LatinGRAMMYs | Twitter: @LatinGRAMMYs | Instagram: @LatinGRAMMYs

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers. In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, The Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community either directly or through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation^®.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy:

Soledad Estrella: soledad.estrella@GRAMMY.com

 Office:305.576.0036

The Lippin Group on behalf of The Latin Recording Academy:

Elina Adut: EAdut@lippingroup.com

323.965.1990

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MIAMI (NOVEMBER 12, 2025) — The Latin Recording Academy® celebrated its 2025 Person of the Year Gala honoring Raphael, with moving renditions of some of the singer’s renowned repertoire, featuring past and current Latin GRAMMY® nominees including Aitana, Pepe Aguilar, Susana Baca, David Bisbal, Enrique Bunbury, Willy Chirino, Ivan Cornejo, Kany García, Myriam Hernández, Eddy Herrera, Jesse & Joy, Carín León, Pablo López, Víctor Manuelle, Vanesa Martín, Víctor Martínez, Mestrinho, Gaby Moreno, Kiki Morente, Café Quijano, Fito Páez, Silvia Pérez Cruz, Carlos Rivera, Elena Rose, Rozalén, Ángeles Toledano and Néstor Torres.

Raphael was honored for his more than six-decade career as a multifaceted singer and performer, which has established him as a true ambassador of Latin music worldwide. The evening featured tributes from artists who have shaped his repertoire, alongside others who came to honor his lasting impact and celebrate his remarkable career.

The evening opened on a high note with a breathtaking performance by Enrique Bunbury of “Yo Soy Aquél” and was then joined by Carín León, electrifying the stage together with a medley of “Toca Madera” and “Ahora”— the latter a song Bunbury himself wrote for Raphael. Café Quijano and Gaby Moreno followed with a bolero-infused rendition of “Qué Tal Te Va Sin Mí”. David Bisbal raised the energy with a duet alongside Elena Rose on “En Carne Viva,” and then captivated the audience with a heartfelt homage performance of “Como Yo Te Amo.” Jesse & Joy joined Ivan Cornejo for an emotive tribute to “Cierro Mis Ojos.”

Pablo López kept the momentum alive with a passionate delivery of “De Tanta Gente,” followed by his intimate piano rendition of “Lo Saben Mis Zapatos.” Aitana later joined López for a moving performance of “Si No Estuvieras Tú.” Latin rock icon Fito Páez and Rozalén delivered a stirring version of “La Carta,” while Susana Baca and Rozalén offered a folkloric interpretation of “Chabuca, Limeña.” Kiki Morente, Ángeles Toledano and Víctor Martínez on the guitar offered a passionate rendition of “Digan Lo Que Digan,” fusing flamenco textures and thundering Latin percussion. Vanesa Martín and Kany García shared the stage for “Cada Septiembre,” featuring García’s debut solo cello performance, and Martín later returned with Carlos Rivera for an intimate acoustic take on “A Que No Te Vas.”

The magic continued as Pepe Aguilar and Myriam Hernández united their powerhouse vocals in a sweeping version of “Procuro Olvidarte.” Spanish songstress Silvia Pérez Cruz offered a mesmerizing “Somos” with Brazilian accordion virtuoso Mestrinho, weaving Iberian and tropical tones into one. The celebration reached its peak as Eddy Herrera, Víctor Manuelle, Néstor Torres, and Willy Chirino — who wrote the song for Raphael — took the stage with all the infectious rhythms of the Caribbean, filling the room with “Escándalo.”

The evening wouldn’t be complete without the 2025 Person of the Year stepping on stage; he wowed the audience with a medley of “Que Sabe Nadie,” “Mi Gran Noche,” and “Como Yo Te Amo.”

The highly anticipated gala preceded the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, which will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 13. The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish-language media company in the world, airing across TelevisaUnivision’s U.S. platforms, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6 p.m. Central).

Latin Academy head of Production Ayleen Figueras, along with Macarena Moreno, served as executive producers of the gala. Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY® winner Carlos Fernando López served as musical director, and the musical production was led by Danny Flores, also a Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY nominee. The Philharmonic Orchestra Project (“POP”) accompanied all artists.

Live Nation served as presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year, as part of the first multi-year presenting sponsor partnership for the Person of the Year Gala.

Net proceeds from the 2025 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, whose mission is to be a global champion of music education and empower communities through Latin music and culture. The Foundation has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage, and to date has donated more than $13.9 million with the support of Latin Recording Academy members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors.

ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

Ive@grammy.com

The exclusive event, hosted by 2019 Best New Artist Nominee, Aitana, was held in partnership with Mastercard during

Latin GRAMMY® Week in Las Vegas

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Credit: Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy

MIAMI (NOVEMBER 11, 2025) — The Latin Recording Academy®, in partnership with Mastercard, presents the 2025 Best New Artist Showcase, an initiative that provides exposure for the new generation of music creators during the prestigious Latin GRAMMY® Week.

“Three years ago, we held the first Best New Artist Showcase, and we are proud to continue opening doors for the next generation of Latin music creators,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Year after year, this showcase has become an important platform for our Best New Artist nominees to share their talent and creativity with our Academy members, industry leaders and special guests.”

The private event took place on Tuesday, November 11, at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, and was hosted by 2019 Best New Artist nominee Aitana. The evening featured performances from Best New Artist nominees for the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®: Alleh, Annasofia, Yerai Cortés, Juliane Gamboa, Camila Guevara, Isadora, Alex Luna, Paloma Morphy, Sued Nunes and Ruzzi.

Multiple Latin GRAMMY winner and GRAMMY winner Edgar Barrera, Latin GRAMMY winner Lena Burke, previous Latin GRAMMY winners in the Best New Artist category Joaquina (2023), Gaby Moreno (2013), Monsieur Periné (2015), as well as previous nominees in the category Natascha Falcão (2021), Zoe Gotusso (2021), Beto Montenegro (Rawayana 2017), Raquel Sofia (2015), also joined the showcase as presenters.

The Best New Artist Showcase kicked off in 2022 during Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas. Over the last three years, the initiative has hosted showcases in several cities around the world, in collaboration with Mastercard, including Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Miami, San Juan, São Paulo and Seville. This year, Espolòn® Tequila joined the celebration as the Official Sponsor.

The Best New Artist Showcase was produced by The Latin Academy’s production team, led by Ayleen Figueras, with Ana Maria Daza as executive producer and Gisela Gonzalez as producer. Musical production was led by Roberto Trujillo, forming a nine-piece band of musicians who are members of The Latin Recording Academy.

With over twenty years of experience, Trujillo has collaborated with some of Latin music’s top artists and has served as the musical director for some of the world’s most renowned shows, including the GRAMMYs and the Latin GRAMMY Person of the Year.

The 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 13. The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish-language media company in the world, airing across TelevisaUnivision’s U.S. platforms, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6 p.m. Central).

For the latest news, visit the official Latin Recording Academy site at LatinGRAMMY.com. Follow us on Facebook (LatinGRAMMYs), Instagram (@LatinGRAMMYs), the Latin GRAMMYs WhatsApp Channel, and use #LatinGRAMMY on all popular social media platforms. The official Latin GRAMMY app is also available on iOS (Apple) and Android (Google Play).

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals, produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

ive@grammy.com

Click here for images

MIAMI (NOVEMBER 10, 2025) — The Latin Recording Academy® announced presenters for the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®. The lineup includes Enrique Bunbury, Eduin Caz and Jhonny Caz (Grupo Firme), Silvestre Dangond, Fariana, Daisy Fuentes, Kany García, Lupita Infante, Mon Laferte, Richard Marx, Nicki Nicole, Carlos Rivera, Miguel Rojas, Trueno and Yandel.

Confirmed presenters include the following artists nominated this year: Eduin Caz and Jhonny Caz from Grupo Firme (Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album), Silvestre Dangond (Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album), Fariana (Best Urban Music Album), Lupita Infante (Best Regional Song), Mon Laferte (Song Of The Year and Best Long Form Music Video), Nicki Nicole (Best Urban Music Album), Trueno (Best Rap/Hip Hop Song and Best Urban Song) and Yandel (Best Reggaeton Performance and Best Urban Music Album).

The 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 13. The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish-language media company in the world, airing across TelevisaUnivision’s U.S. platforms, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT (6 p.m. Central).

The Latin GRAMMY Premiere®, where the majority of the categories are awarded, will precede the telecast. Additional details about this long-established afternoon full of unforgettable performances, heartfelt acceptance speeches and Latin GRAMMY® moments will be announced soon.

For the latest news, visit the official Latin Recording Academy site at LatinGRAMMY.com. Follow us on Facebook (LatinGRAMMYs), Instagram (@LatinGRAMMYs), the Latin GRAMMYs WhatsApp Channel, and use #LatinGRAMMY on all popular social media platforms. The official Latin GRAMMY app is also available on iOS (Apple) and Android (Google Play).

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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:

The Latin Recording Academy® is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals, produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Iveliesse Malavé

ive@grammy.com

The Program Empowers the Next Generation of Latin Music Creators, Further Advancing the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation’s Mission to Preserve Latin Music and Its Legacy

For additional images, please click here

Credit: David Becker/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

LAS VEGAS (NOVEMBER 10, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY® winning producer and composer, Edgar Barrera, Latin GRAMMY nominated artist, Luis Ángel “El Flaco” and Música Mexicana recording artist, Oscar Maydon students hosted an educational experience that included a musical instrument donation to Las Vegas High School and SLAM Nevada. The session featured student performances as well as a Q&A among students and the artists in attendance, moderated by renowned journalist Grecia Lopez.

Celebrating its centennial anniversary, Las Vegas High School in Sunrise Manor, Nevada, is recognized as the longest-standing high school in the state. The school boasts a rich arts program centered on showcasing the diversity of storytelling through various mediums including the music program featuring an internationally recognized mariachi band. The investment will further enable the school to develop its music program and acquire new instruments, offering more students the opportunity to pursue the arts.

SLAM Nevada is a tuition-free, public charter school for K-12 students. The investment will allow the music program, launched five years ago, to continue flourishing, with the vision of introducing novice elementary students to music education and building enthusiasm through the curriculum as they approach middle and high school. The program will further enable the school to acquire more instruments, allowing students to take them home during the season for continued practice, thus generating added opportunities for performances.

The program was presented in partnership with the Dr. Simi Foundation and Sony Music Group, as part of the company’s Beyond The Instrument initiative. In addition, Dollar Tree joined the celebration as an Official Sponsor, with additional support from Gibson Gives and Sweetwater.

“It’s so important to give back to the next generation of music makers and encourage them to follow their dreams the same way I followed mine,” said Barrera. “That’s why I’m truly honored to partner with The Latin Recording Academy on initiatives like this, which help inspire, educate, and empower the future of Latin music.”

“Being here with these students feels special because I see myself in them. I also started dreaming just like they are, without knowing where I could go, but with a strong desire to sing and tell real stories,” said “El Flaco.” “Music taught me that the most important thing is to sing from the heart and never forget where you’re from. If there’s one thing I want them to take away from today, it’s that dreams can come true when you pursue them with passion, discipline, and humility.”

“Estar aquí con estos estudiantes es algo muy especial porque me veo reflejado en ellos. Yo también empecé soñando al igual que ellos, sin saber hasta dónde podía llegar, pero con muchas ganas de cantar y de contar historias reales”, dijo “El Flaco”. “La música me enseñó que lo más importante es cantar con el corazón y nunca olvidar de dónde vienes. Si algo quiero que se lleven hoy, es que los sueños sí se cumplen cuando los trabajas con pasión, disciplina y humildad”.

“It’s an honor to be at Latin GRAMMY In The Schools representing Mexican music,” said Maydon. “Music has given me everything, and being here in front of these students reminds me of my beginnings and the importance of never giving up. Seeing their passion inspires me to keep working and to open more doors for future generations.”

“Las Vegas High School greatly appreciates the support of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and the instruments the Foundation provided for our students. Without this help, it would be a struggle to provide instruments and equipment for our 700 performing arts students,” said Stephen Blanco, Mariachi Director at Las Vegas High School.

“At SLAM Nevada, we are incredibly honored to receive this generous gift from the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and its partners. Our community is deeply grateful for this opportunity, which will allow our students to grow musically, find their voices, and express themselves through the power of music. This investment inspires our mission to open doors for every student to discover their talent, creativity, and confidence both inside and outside the classroom,” said the SLAM Nevada Administration Team.

“We’re grateful to all our partners for allowing us to offer this unique opportunity to the students of Las Vegas High School and SLAM Nevada,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “It’s inspiring to see both institutions’ work in fostering music education at all levels, from elementary through high school. This support not only fuels their passion for the arts but also prepares them for a future in the industry.”

Since its inception, the Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program has benefited educational institutions in various cities across the United States, including Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Antonio, as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Panama City, Panama, Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, and San Juan in Puerto Rico; and Sevilla, Spain.

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry, supporting educational music departments that face financial limitations. The Foundation invites professional musicians, artists, and sound engineers to visit middle and high schools, universities, or music education institutions and share their personal stories and experiences with students, highlighting the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.

Among the artists who have participated in this program are: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Erika Ender, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Laura Pausini, Ángel "Cucco" Peña, Mireya Ramos, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Noel Scharjris, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.

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ABOUT EDGAR BARRERA:

As a producer, songwriter, and overall creative force, Edgar Barrera has helped push Latin music into the mainstream. For his work with acts like Bad Bunny, Peso Pluma, Grupo Frontera, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Karol G, the Mexican hit-maker has won 26 Latin GRAMMYs®, including the awards for Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year. In addition, to collaborating with Anglo artists like Madonna, Ariana Grande, and Shawn Mendes, Barrera has also won a GRAMMY® Award. Though Barrera has crafted hits in many different genres, he has especially been instrumental in the recent explosion of regional Mexican music on a global level.

ABOUT LUIS ÁNGEL “EL FLACO”:

Luis Ángel Franco, who is known by his stage name "El Flaco," is a pioneer and powerhouse in the regional Mexican music scene. The Mexican superstar first rose to prominence as a singer for the group Banda Los Recoditos in 2003. Following sixteen years with the band, Franco successfully launched his solo career. With his albums like Yo Te Extrañaré and 25 Aniversario, he has established himself as a leading and defining artist of the Mexican banda genre. With the former LP, Franco received his first Latin GRAMMY® nomination last year for Best Banda Album. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with fellow Mexican acts like Grupo Firme, Luis Alfonso, Tony Aguirre, and Majo Aguilar.

ABOUT OSCAR MAYDON:

Óscar Maydon is one of today's leading regional Mexican artists. The Mexican superstar has helped reimagine the age-old corrido for a younger generation. In 2021, Maydon signed with top corridos record label Rancho Humilde. Since then, he has scored multiple hits like "Madonna" and "Fin De Semana" with his labelmates Natanael Cano and Junior H. Last year, Maydon broke through the mainstream with his global smash "Tu Boda" featuring Fuerza Regida. The collaboration added to his 7.5 billion total streams on Spotify. In June, Maydon released latest album Rico o Muerte, Vol. 1, which showed off a more romantic side to his spin on regional Mexican music. He also recently wrapped up his first headlining tour across the US.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. In 2024, the Foundation celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and during the last decade, it has fostered the next generation of Latin music creators through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $13.9 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information or to donate, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com