Santa Monica, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Recording Academy) - Attendees include Mrs. Gene Autry,
George Avakian, The
Blind Boys of Alabama, Clarence "Leo" Fender, The Four Tops, Hank Jones, Brenda Lee, family members of Dean Martin, Tom Paxton, Allen Toussaint; representatives of Universal Audio; President/CEO of The Recording Academy� Neil Portnow and Chair of The Recording Academy Jimmy Jam. Performances by the GRAMMY Jazz Ensemble.
WHAT: Special Merit Awards Ceremony
The Recording Academy will present the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring lifelong artistic contributions to the recording medium, to Gene Autry, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Four Tops, Hank Jones, Brenda Lee, Dean Martin, and Tom Paxton; the Trustees Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the industry in a non-performing capacity, to George Avakian, Elliott Carter, and Allen Toussaint; and the Technical GRAMMY Award, honoring an individual's and/or corporation's outstanding contributions of technical significance to the recording field, to Clarence "Leo" Fender and Universal Audio.
The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held live at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 8, and broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.
WHERE: Wilshire Ebell Theater
4401 West 8th St.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90005
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009
3:30 p.m. Media check-in
3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Red carpet interviews
5 p.m. Award Presentation
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards - the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music - The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com.
