LATIN ACADEMY DUBS VIVES PERSON OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to WK-repped Carlos Vives, who has been named the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year.

In making the announcement, the Latin Recording Academy praised Vives for “his more than three-decade career as a multifaceted singer and composer, as well as for his continued commitment to environmental and social initiatives.”

Vives has been a pioneer of new Latin American musical hybrids. His styles mixes modern pop and rock sounds with traditional Colombian vallenato, a Caribbean-influenced folk music. The Sony Latin star has won two Grammys and 18 Latin Grammys, and has amassed more than 10 billion streams.

“Carlos Vives is one of the most prolific and beloved artists of our time, whose commitment to Latin music and support for the new generations truly personifies the values of our Academy,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy.

Vives called the Academy's laurel "the reward for an authentic journey, for a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity.”

In 2015, Vives created the Tras La Perla initiative to promote the sustainable development of the coastal Colombian city Santa Marta. He also created the Escuela de Música Rio Grande to encourage new approaches to Colombian music, and started the record label Gaira Música Local to promote emerging Colombian artists.

Vives will receive his honor at an upcoming Latin Grammy event where notable Spanish-language stars will perform his songs. Details of the event will be announced at a later time.

The list of previous Person of the Year honorees includes Rubén Blades, Juanes, Marc Anthony, Caetano Veloso, Shakira, Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, and Carlos Santana.