Wonderwall

Ravi Shankar to Receive Lifetime Achievement Grammy

The Associated Press, Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 8:00am (PST)

Billboard -- On the morning after his death, the Recording Academy announced that Ravi Shankar and six others -- Glenn Gould, Charlie Haden, Lightnin' Hopkins, Carole King, Patti Page and the Temptations -- will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards.

RAVI SHANKAR: 1920-2012

• Influential Sitar Master Was 92

•PHOTOS: Shankar With Friends

In a separate statement issued shortly after news of Shankar's death broke, Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow said: "Three-time Grammy winner and renowned sitar player Ravi Shankar was a true pioneer in introducing Indian music to the West. He influenced artists across classical, jazz, pop, rock, and world music genres, including the Beatles, John Coltrane, Philip Glass, and his daughters, Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar. In 1971, he helped pave the way for charity concerts, alongside George Harrison, organizing the Concert for Bangladesh, to help Bangladesh refugees.

"Just last week, I had the honor to inform him that he would receive a 2013 Lifetime Achievement this February. He was deeply touched and so pleased, that he extended a gracious and personal invitation to visit with him at his home. We have lost an innovative and exceptional talent and a true ambassador of international music. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and all of those around the world who were inspired by his music and compassionate philanthropy."

Other Special Merit Awards recipients announced today include songwriters Marilyn & Alan Bergman, Chess Records founders Leonard and Phil Chess, and longtime Capitol Records exec Alan Livingston as Trustees Award honorees; and Ikutaro Kakehashi & Dave Smith and Royer Labs as Technical Grammy recipients. A special ceremony will be held during Grammy week on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, and a formal acknowledgment will be made during the Grammy telecast on February 10.

"Each year, The Academy has the distinct privilege of honoring those who have greatly contributed to our industry and cultural heritage, and this year we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees," Portnow said in a statement. "Their exceptional accomplishments, contributions and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come."

For more details on the recipients, see Grammy.com.