The Latin Recording Academy® to honor Lucecita Benítez, João Bosco, Ilan Chester, Víctor Heredia, Los Del Río, Guadalupe Pineda, and Cuco Valoy with the Lifetime Achievement Award

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The Latin Recording Academy® to honor Lucecita Benítez, João Bosco, Ilan Chester, Víctor Heredia, Los Del Río, Guadalupe Pineda, and Cuco Valoy with the Lifetime Achievement Award

Latin GRAMMYs/Sep 13, 2017 - 01:00 PM

JON FAUSTY AND LALO SCHIFRIN TO RECEIVE THE TRUSTEES AWARD

MIAMI, FL (September 13, 2017) The Latin Recording Academy®® announced today Lucecita Benítez, João Bosco, Ilan Chester, Víctor Heredia, Los Del Río (Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruiz Perdigones), Guadalupe Pineda and Cuco Valoy will receive the this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Jon Fausty and Lalo Schifrin will receive the Trustees Award. The Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Award honorees will be celebrated during a private ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas on Nov. 15 as part of the 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY® Week.

“We are proud to honor such a diverse group of internationally acclaimed artists with this year's Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards,” said Gabriel Abaroa Jr., Latin Recording Academy President/CEO. “Our 2017 class represents a wide-range of artists that together have contributed to shape Latin music’s iconic rhythms and lyrics throughout history. Each honoree is an inspiration to our culture and community as well as a muse for new and contemporary work.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who have made unprecedented contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and the Latin community. The Trustees Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions, other than performance, to Latin music during their careers. All the honorees are chosen by vote by the members of The Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees.

2017 Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees:

Lucecita Benítez began her career as a young Puerto Rican star, a protagonist of the Nueva Ola pop phenomenon. But her subsequent discovery of the socially conscious nueva trova movement and her elegant interpretation of classic boleros place Lucecita at the very heart of everything that is soulful in Latin music. International fame arrived in 1969 when Lucecita won the first prize in Mexico’s Festival de la Canción Latina with the song “Génesis.” The next year, she appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and toured the United States extensively.

“I feel deeply honored by The Latin Recording Academy’s recognition of my career of more than five decades in this wonderful industry. Receiving such an important prize brings me unequalled pride in the work that I have enjoyed and loved all my life. But above all, it gives me the satisfaction of having faced it with the dignity and poise that the times required of me. Many thanks to The Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences® for allowing me to experience this great moment in my life.”— Lucecita Benítez

Lush, soulful, and sophisticated, the songs of singer/songwriter and guitarist João Bosco are an essential part of the música popular brasileira (MPB) movement — the fusion of traditional formats with jazz, rock and funk that blossomed in Brazil in the ’60s and ’70s. An artist of seemingly unlimited imagination, Bosco is a Latin GRAMMY winner and has received eight Latin GRAMMY nominations. He continues touring internationally and recording to this day.

“It's good to know the way in which we have traversed these many years — and many times we did it in obscurity — is illuminated by the ray of light that reveals us and fills us with pride and gratitude. Thank you for this distinction and honor." — João Bosco

Ilan Chester has transformed a deep mystical devotion and his fascination with many different sounds into a long-lasting career of staggering variety and depth. A multitalented singer/songwriter and musician, Chester grew up listening to Venezuelan folk, Afro-Caribbean dance formats, British progressive rock, and American R&B, all of which would play a part in his own music. He received a Latin GRAMMY for Best Folk Album for 2010’s Tesoros De La Música Venezolana.

“I must admit that the phone call I received from The Latin Recording Academy informing me of the decision to award me special recognition for my musical career was quite a surprise. I am deeply grateful.”— Ilan Chester

Born in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Monserrat in 1947, Víctor Heredia enjoyed success early in his career when his composition “Para Cobrar Altura” was celebrated at the annual Cosquín Folk Festival in 1967. In 1986, he released his most ambitious work to date: Taki Ongoy, a concept album about the conquest of the Americas from the point of view of the vanquished indigenous people. Now an established master of Latin song, Heredia is celebrated as a living legend.

“I feel great joy because of this incredibly kind gesture toward my career as an artist of the people. Thank you to The Latin Recording Academy! You fill me with excitement and give me the strength to continue.” — Víctor Heredia

Los Del Río’s Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruiz Perdigones were teenagers when they joined forces to appear on a radio show in their native Sevilla, Spain. The year was 1962, and the two friends decided to perform under the name Los Del Río, launching a career of flamenco pop music in Spain during the ’70s and ’80s, they boasted the same infectious sense of joy and warm sonics that would later define their 1993 global hit “Macarena.” “Macarena” went on to sell millions of copies worldwide, staying on top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 consecutive weeks and igniting a dance craze that is still fondly remembered in dance clubs around the globe. Far from being one-hit wonders, Los Del Río have spent decades honing a distinctive sound — life affirming, irrepressibly melodic — forever in touch with their Spanish roots.

“For us it is a great honor to be recognized by the most universal of music awards. Thank you.” — Los Del Río

Few artists in the vast landscape of Mexican music have managed the seemingly impossible task of switching effortlessly between genres, formats, and languages, and selling millions of records while maintaining a distinct identity. Guadalupe Pineda is one of them, and her dazzling voice is at the heart of her one-of-a-kind success story. Pineda recorded 30 albums devoted to mariachi, bolero, operatic arias — Mi Corazón Se Abre A Tu Voz/Arias de Ópera, 2002, and French pop classics — Francia Con Sabor Latino, 2008. During her career she has shared the stage with a diverse group of singers such as Plácido Domingo, Natalia Lafourcade, and Mercedes Sosa. Pineda teamed up with fellow Latin singers Eugenia León and Tania Libertad for a series of sold-out shows in 2016, a collaboration that led to a Best Long Form Music Video Latin GRAMMY nomination. Pineda continues to record, with a new album release scheduled for 2018.

“I am deeply grateful to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, after 43 years of singing and working in music, proudly representing the art and culture of Mexico and of our Latin American nations. I am touched and inspired to continue along this wonderful path. I congratulate my colleagues who are sharing in this great honor.”— Guadalupe Pineda

One listen to “Juliana” — the transcendental hit by Cuco Valoy — is enough to illustrate the place of honor that this Dominican singer/songwriter occupies within the history of Afro-Caribbean music. “Juliana” is a prime example of classic salsa at its best, complete with electrifying brass riffs, clave-infused percussion and a swinging piano line. Most notably, Valoy can easily switch from authentic salsa grooves to merengue beats and rootsy “cha cha chá” — making him one of the most versatile performers in tropical music. A true master of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Valoy continues to tour and receive recognition and awards around the world.

“To me, the Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest award that can be given to a musician over the course of a career. It is an honor to be recognized by colleagues and peers in the industry. The years have been long, but well spent. Thank you to The Latin Recording Academy and to the fans who find pleasure in my songs.”— Cuco Valoy

2017 Trustees Award Honorees:

Decades ago, Latin music was forever changed in New York when a young generation of musicians fused the raucous grooves of Cuban music with a dash of R&B, jazz, rock, and psychedelia. Known as the salsa explosion of the ’70s, this movement found legends such as Ray Barretto, Ruben Blades, Willie Colon, Celia Cruz, and Héctor Lavoe recording some of the best albums of their careers. The man who sat behind the controls for most of these sessions — the quintessential recording engineer of the salsa experience — was Jon Fausty. Following the salsa explosion, he continued working with the genre’s most innovative artists, producing albums for Los Van Van and Eddie Palmieri, and collaborating with Steve Lillywhite on David Byrne’s Rei Momo. With six GRAMMY Awards®, five Latin GRAMMY Awards and seven Latin GRAMMY nominations, Fausty continues to produce and engineer and is sought out by Latin music’s best.

“I feel extremely grateful and humbled that The Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees has elected me in 2017 to receive this recognition for the contributions I have made to the music recording industry over the course of my career.”— Jon Fausty

If the ’60s and ’70s were a time of absolute creative splendor for the art of the movie soundtrack, Argentinian born Lalo Schifrin is one of its all-time masters. Seeped in gorgeous melodies and melancholy moods, informed by jazz and the avant-garde, his compositions for cinema and television remain today a paragon of sophistication. A true Renaissance man of 20th century music, Schifrin is also a jazz pianist, skillful arranger, orchestra conductor, and composer of virtuoso taste and eclecticism. Releasing a variety of new music through his own label, Aleph Records, Schifrin continues actively composing and recording and has received one Latin GRAMMY as well as four GRAMMY Awards.

“Your generosity in granting me the Trustees Award is an honor that touches me profoundly. Thank you very much for this distinction, which emphasizes my heritage as a Latin composer and performer from Argentina.” — Lalo Schifrin

The18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 16, 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).

FB: 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 Lippin Group on behalf of The Latin Recording Academy:
Jennifer Price: JPrice@lippingroup.com
Elina Adut: EAdut@lippingroup.com
Freddy Morales: FMorales@lippingroup.com
323.965.1990

The Latin Recording Academy:
Teresa Romo: teresa.romo@grammy.com
310.392.3777
Iveliesse Malave: Ive@grammy.com
305.576.0036

Erika Ender Joins Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ Benefiting Panama’s Ciudad De Las Artes

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Erika Ender Joins Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ Benefiting Panama’s Ciudad De Las Artes

Latin GRAMMYs/Jul 22, 2025 - 07:30 PM

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® and Fundación Puertas Abiertas joined forces to offer a live educational program

Click here to download image

Credit: Luis González.Heif/Fundación Puertas Abiertas

MIAMI (JULY 22, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® and Fundación Puertas Abiertas, established and presided over by the renowned songwriter Erika Ender—Latin GRAMMY® winner, GRAMMY® nominee, and a member of The Latin Recording Academy®’s Board of Trustees—hosted an educational experience at Panama’s Ciudad de las Artes to inspire a new generation of Latin music creators.

This marked the 43rd Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ program organized by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, which included a donation of musical instruments to young students, performances, and a special appearance by Ender, along with a Q&A session with Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

Ciudad de las Artes is an arts and training facility that is home to the Network of Choirs and Orchestras, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Ballet of Panama, among others, promoting music, inspiration, and learning while uniting art with social engagement.

“It's a pleasure to celebrate the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation event in Panama, joining forces with my foundation, Fundación Puertas Abiertas, and work together, hand in hand to support youth,” said Ender. “Supporting education, music, and Panamanian talent is both a duty and an honor, and I am proud to be able to make this donation of instruments to the Network of Choirs and Orchestras and connect generations through music in a place as magical as Ciudad de las Artes.”

“Creating spaces to provide opportunities to promote Latin music and its culture is key to our mission,” said Egusquiza. “We are grateful to Fundación Puertas Abiertas and Erika Ender for welcoming us to Panama and for allowing us to work together to empower the future generation of Latin music creators.”

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, 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 ERIKA ENDER:

A pioneer in the global music industry, Erika Ender stands as one of the most decorated and versatile creators of all time. As a songwriter, artist, producer, communicator, and philanthropist, she has penned over 40 #1 hits across a broad spectrum of genres, including the most globally successful song in history, “Despacito.” With more than 200 albums featuring her compositions and nearly 400 prestigious awards—including Latin GRAMMYs® and Billboard Awards—she ranks among the most honored Latin songwriters of all time. Her catalog has earned 16 Diamond certifications, 177 multi-Platinum, and 181 Gold awards across multiple countries, cementing her legacy as both an artistic and commercial powerhouse. A member of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognized by Forbes as one of Central America's Most Powerful Women, and honored with a Guinness World Record™ for her innovative philanthropic initiative “TALENPRO”—the flagship project of her Fundación Puertas Abiertas, established in 2009—she has transformed over 50,000 lives through educational programs, renovated learning environments, university scholarships, early childhood nutrition programs, and more. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Erika Ender transcends music: she is a visionary who shapes the world with every note, word, and action. For more information: www.erikaender.com.

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 $12.5 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 X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

Fundación Puertas Abiertas

Ilka Ender

ilka@funpaee.org

Intocable will support the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® with sales from their ‘Antologia Tour 2025’

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Intocable will support the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® with sales from their ‘Antologia Tour 2025’

Latin GRAMMYs/Jul 17, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026 inductees and GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® winners Intocable will donate $1 from every ticket sold on their Antología Tour 2025 to support the Foundation

Miami, FL. (July 17, 2025) — GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® winning band and inductees of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026, Intocable, will be donating $1 from every ticket sold during their North American tour, Antología Tour 2025, to benefit the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. The donation, which will be collected in at least 18 cities across the United States, will support the Foundation's programs dedicated to promoting music education through scholarships, grants, and other programs focused on supporting the next generation of Latin music creators.

"For us, music has been a way of life. If we can help talented young people receive an education and better opportunities, then each concert will have even more meaning," said Ricky Muñoz, lead vocalist and co-founder of Intocable.

“We are grateful to Intocable for their generosity in providing opportunities for future generations of Latin music creators through this donation,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Their support makes educational opportunities, scholarships, and grants possible for students, and serves as an example and inspiration for young musicians following in their footsteps.”

This important announcement comes after the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that Intocable, led by Ricky Muñoz and Rene Martínez, will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as part of the illustrious Class of 2026. This prestigious honor places the iconic Tejano/Norteño group among 35 prominent figures in music, film, television, and sports, including Miley Cyrus, Shaquille O’Neal, Demi Moore, among others.

With over three decades of musical trajectory, Intocable has marked a turning point in Latin music, recognized not only for their musical success and international tours, but also for their unique fusion of traditional Mexican sounds and modern narratives. They have also been recognized with multiple GRAMMYs and Latin GRAMMYs, Billboard awards, as well as lifetime achievement honors, celebrating their influence and role in bringing Tejano and Norteño styles to a global audience.

On July 6th, frontman Ricky Muñoz participated as an Honorary Official at the NASCAR Cup Series Chicago Street Race. The event, held in Grant Park, highlighted Intocable's reach and recognition beyond the music world. As Honorary Official of the event, Muñoz lived the NASCAR experience to the fullest and took the opportunity to connect with Daniel Suárez, a Mexican NASCAR national series winner and Intocable fan.

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About Intocable:

For over three decades, Intocable has revolutionized Latin music, blending Tejano, Norteño, pop, rock, and cumbia into a groundbreaking sound that has inspired generations. With over 55 million albums sold, 50+ chart entries, multiple GRAMMYs and Latin GRAMMYs, Billboard awards, and Lifetime Achievement awards, consolidating them as true icons of Mexican-American identity. Intocable celebrated its 30-year milestone in 2024 with their Modus Operandi album, nominated for a Latin GRAMMY® for “Best Norteño Album”, and their 30th Anniversary Tour captivated sold-out audiences in cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix, featuring classics and new hits like “Mi Castigo”, which marks their 20th No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, a record they’d break in 2025 with their 21st Regional Mexican Airplay No. 1 “Me Gusta Mi Vida”, which made them the second artist with most No. 1s entries on the chart. In 2025, they continue celebrating their legacy through their Antologia Tour 2025, which has seen sold-out performances throughout Mexico and U.S. cities, proving Intocable remains at the forefront of Latin music, continuing to make enduring contributions to music and culture, and inspire fans in Texas and beyond. In 2024, Intocable received a Proclamation for their enduring contributions to music and cultural impact from the Governor’s Office and the House of Representatives in Texas, and were named “Emissary of the Muses” by the city of San Antonio, a distinguished title previously awarded to musical icons Bon Jovi, Journey, and Placido Domingo, among others. In 2025, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce confirmed that Intocable will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as part of the illustrious Class of 2026.

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 $12.5 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 X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The Latin Recording Academy® In Partnership With The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Launches The Latin Music Educator Award

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The Latin Recording Academy® In Partnership With The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Launches The Latin Music Educator Award

Latin GRAMMYs/Jun 26, 2025 - 01:00 PM

The first honoree will be recognized during the Special Awards Presentation at the

26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas

Applications now open, deadline to apply is September 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET

MIAMI (JUNE 26, 2025) — The Latin Recording Academy ®, in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, is proud to announce the launch of the Latin Music Educator Award.

This new distinction will honor one exceptional educator from the global music community who is making a significant impact by incorporating Latin music into their curriculum. Applications are now open to educators worldwide currently teaching kindergarten through high school in a public, private or charter school, who speak Spanish, Portuguese, English or any native dialect.

The inaugural recipient will be honored at the Special Awards Presentation during the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY Week in Las Vegas this November. Additional details will be shared in the coming months.

“Educators are pivotal in nurturing and shaping the future of Latin music and its creators,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “Together with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, we are proud to honor those who ensure the enduring legacy of Latin music.”

The honoree will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for themselves and a guest to attend the Special Awards Presentation. Additionally, the recipient’s school music program will receive a $10,000 instrument donation to support continued music education.

To apply and view guidelines, click here. Application materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese. The deadline to apply is September 5, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. If you have any additional questions, please email LGCF@grammy.com and/or visit http://www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org/en.

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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.

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 $12.5 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 X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Opens Applications For Its 2025 Latin Music Research And Preservation Grant Program

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The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Opens Applications For Its 2025 Latin Music Research And Preservation Grant Program

Latin GRAMMYs/Jun 18, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Four talented music institutions, nonprofit organizations, musicologists and researchers will receive a total of $20,000 for research and preservation of Latin music

Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® nominee Silvestre Dangond will sponsor two grants in support of research and preservation of the vallenato genre

Deadline to apply is August 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET

MIAMI (JUNE 18, 2025) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced that applications are officially open for its 2025 Latin Music Research and Preservation Grant Program. This program provides grants that support music institutions, nonprofit organizations, musicologists and researchers around the world dedicated to the research and preservation of Latin music heritage.

A total of four grants—each valued at up to $5,000—will be awarded this year as follows:

  • One (1) Research Grant for a maximum amount of $5,000, funding one project focused on historical research, folklore and anthropology of a Latin music genre.

  • One (1) Preservation Grant for a maximum of $5,000, supporting one project aiming to archive and preserve Latin music heritage.

To support the growth and development of vallenato, Latin GRAMMY® winner and GRAMMY® nominee Silvestre Dangond has pledged a dedicated fund to support the research and preservation of the folkloric music genre from Colombia as follows:

  • One (1) Research Grant for a maximum amount of $5,000, funding one project focused on historical research, folklore and anthropology of vallenato music.

  • One (1) Preservation Grant for a maximum of $5,000, supporting one project aiming archival and preservation of the heritage of the vallenato genre.

Dedicated funds are open to any artist or institution interested in this type of focused giving, as part of the international assistance provided by the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation to preserve and promote Latin music and its genres.

“Vallenato is not just my roots; it’s my reason for being. That’s why it fills me with pride to contribute to the preservation and research of this genre, which has told the story of our people for generations. Supporting this cause through the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is my way of ensuring that the legacy of vallenato remains alive, evolving, and touching hearts around the world,” said Dangond.

“Supporting research and preservation is vital to honoring the rich legacy of Latin music, ensuring that future generations of creators understand its origins and remain inspired by its roots,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, and Latin music creators like Silvestre Dangond, these grants help fuel the future of Latin music.”

Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded more than $255,000 in grants to support projects, one of which received both a Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY.

To apply, view guidelines, and learn about past project winners please click here (the materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese). The deadline to apply is August 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. If you have any additional questions, please email LGCF@grammy.com and/or visit http://www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org/en.

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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 $12.5 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 X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ABOUT SILVESTRE DANGOND:

Colombian superstar Silvestre Dangond, a modern icon of vallenato, has taken the genre to new global heights during his more than two-decade career. With three Latin GRAMMYs® to his name, he has led successful international tours and collaborated with major artists such as Nicky Jam, Natti Natasha, Carin León, Emilia, Fonseca and Carlos Vives. His song “Tú o Yo” with Vives was recognized by Billboard magazine as one of the 24 best songs released in 2024. Following the success of his album ‘Ta Malo and his stadium tour across the United States and Latin America, Dangond is gearing up for the release of El Último Baile, a powerful new project with his longtime accordionist Juancho de la Espriella. For images of Silvestre Dangond, please click here.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.alberto@grammy.com