2025 Grammy Lifetime Achievement honorees announced

The Recording Academy has announced the recipients of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards, honoring artists who have made significant contributions to the music industry. This year's honorees include Prince, The Clash, Frankie Beverly, Roxanne Shanté, Frankie Valli, Dr. Bobby Jones, and Taj Mahal.

Prince, a prolific artist known for his eclectic work and flamboyant stage presence, has previously won seven Grammy Awards. His innovative contributions to music, blending genres like funk, rock, and R&B, have left an undeniable mark on the industry.

The Clash, a seminal British punk rock band formed in 1976, are celebrated for their dynamic music and politically charged lyrics. Their influence on punk and rock music is profound, with hits like "London Calling" and "Should I Stay or Should I Go" becoming anthems for generations.

Frankie Beverly, the lead singer and founder of the soul and R&B band Maze, is renowned for classics such as "Before I Let Go." Despite not having received a Grammy nomination during his career, his impact on the R&B genre is significant, making this recognition a notable acknowledgment of his contributions.

Rappers, rockers and bluesmen

Roxanne Shanté, a pioneering female rapper from the 1980s, gained fame with her hit "Roxanne's Revenge." As one of the first female rappers to achieve widespread recognition, she paved the way for future generations of women in hip-hop.

Frankie Valli, frontman of The Four Seasons, is known for his powerful falsetto and hits like "Sherry" and "Big Girls Don't Cry." His music has endured over the decades, and the story of his career was famously told through the musical Jersey Boys.

Dr. Bobby Jones, a prominent figure in gospel music, is best known for his long-running television program Bobby Jones Gospel, which has been a platform for gospel artists for decades. His dedication to the genre has been instrumental in bringing gospel music to a broader audience.

Taj Mahal, a blues musician with a career spanning over five decades, has been influential in preserving and innovating within the blues genre. He has received multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Contemporary Blues Album for Señor Blues in 1997 and Shoutin' in Key in 2000.

Other awards related to the Grammy Awards

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Trustees Award will honor Erroll Garner, Glyn Johns, and Tania León for their significant contributions to music beyond performance. The Technical Grammy Award will be posthumously presented to Dr. Leo Beranek, recognizing his contributions to acoustical engineering.

The Special Merit Awards Ceremony, where these honors will be presented, is scheduled for February 1, 2025, the day before the main Grammy Awards ceremony. The 2025 Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena on February 2.

This year's Lifetime Achievement honorees join a prestigious list of past recipients who have significantly influenced the music industry. The Recording Academy continues to recognize artists whose life's work has left an enduring legacy in the world of music.