Draco Rosa to Receive The Latin Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award

Draco Rosa will receive a special honor for his storied career…

The 55-year-old Puerto Rican singer, musician, songwriter and entrepreneur will be one of the recipients of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy, as part of its annual Special Awards presentation.

Draco RosaDraco is among a roster of honorees that include Albita, Lolita Flores, Alejandro Lerner, Los Angeles Azules and Lulu Santos.

Additionally, Puerto Rican composer Ángel “Cucco” Peña and Mexican guitarist Chucho Rincón will receive the Trustees Award.

“It is with great pride that we honor these musical legends who continue redefining our Latin music and heritage, said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating them as part of our Latin GRAMMY 25th anniversary festivities in November.”

According to the Latin Academy, the Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to performers who have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to Latin music and its communities.

Meanwhile, the Trustees Award is given to artists who’ve made “significant contributions to Latin music during their careers in ways other than performance.”

Both are voted on by the Latin Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees.

Draco has evolved from boy band stardom to becoming a rock en español icon and global hitmaker.

He originally garnered fame as a member of boy band Menudo in the 1980s, singing lead on the band’s biggest stateside hit, “Hold Me” and featuring prominently in the accompanying music video.

After leaving the band he moved to Brazil where he released two albums, achieving mainstream success.

Following a brief subsequent stint in California, he returned to New York and joined the band Maggie’s Dream, which split after only one album, allowing him to resume his solo career.

The singer and composer has released numerous albums and has composed multiple songs for Ednita NazarioJulio Iglesias and former Menudo band-mate, Ricky Martin.

He has also been featured on VH1‘s Behind the Music.

Renowned for her fiery vocal delivery, Albita has been championing Cuban music and tradition since the late ’80s.

Her career in the U.S. has produced success, including multiple Grammy and Emmy nominations and wins.

In 2005, Albita was cast for a major role in the Broadway-produced musical play The Mambo Kings, where she worked for six months to rave reviews.

Daughter of Spanish legends Lola Flores and Antonio “El Pescaílla” González, Lolita Flores has made significant contributions to modern flamenco with her stunning voice and diverse repertoire.

Flores started her career in the early 1970s and with the release of the album Amor, amor and a single of the same name in 1975 she achieved success in her native Spain, as well as in countries in Latin America.

Her songs “Sarandonga,” “Lo voy a divider” and “Si la vida son dos días,” among others, have become staples in Spanish radio.

In 2002, she won a Goya Award for Best New Actress for her performance in the movie Rencor. Flores has also appeared in several television programs such as Directísimo and Hostal Royal Manzanares. In February 2019, she received the Medalla de Oro al Mérito en las Bellas Artes.

Hailing from Buenos Aires, Alejandro Federico Lerner was a trailblazer in Argentine rock during the ’70s and is celebrated as a seminal figure in the genre.

From Iztapalapa to the world, Los Ángeles Azules have been instrumental in propelling Mexican cumbia to international acclaim since the ’70s, continually infusing the genre with a Latin alternative twist that keeps it vibrant and relevant.

Lastly, Lulu Santos, a gifted Brazilian guitarist, singer and composer, has enchanted audiences for over five decades with his distinctive contributions to Brazilian music.

The honorees will be celebrated at a private event on Sunday, November 10, in Miami during Latin Grammy Week. As in previous years, Latin Grammy Week will include the Latin Grammy Person of the Year gala, which this year honors Colombian sensation Carlos Vives, the Special Awards ceremony and a Leading Ladies of Entertainment luncheon, among other events.

Nominations for the 2024 Latin Grammys will be announced on September 17, and the awards ceremony will take place on November 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

Amazon Music LAT!N’s Angie Romero Among LAMC’s “Wonder Women of Latin Music” Honorees

Angie Romero is a Wonder Woman…

The Latin Alternative Music Conference has announced the honorees for the third edition of its Wonder Women of Latin Music, including the Latina music executive who works for Amazon Music LAT!N.

Angie Romero

The Wonder Women of Latin Music celebrates female leaders making a difference in the industry.

Presented by Amazon Music LAT!N, this year’s Class of 2022 includes 20 women who represent a range of companies and countries. As is tradition, the list was curated by the LAMC team spearheaded by founder Tomas Cookman.

According to LAMC, the 2022 Wonder Women of Latin Music will be recognized with a special award and a social media campaign.

Additionally, the free virtual conference — set to take place April 27-29 — will also host a Wonder Women of Latin Music panel as part of this year’s schedule. Speakers include Romero, The Latin Recording Academy’s Iveliesse Malavé, Apple Music’s Marissa Lopez, Creative Management Firm’s Yvette Medina, and artists Goyo from ChocQuibTown and Villano Antillano.

“It is so important for us to celebrate and uplift the voices of the women in our industry who have been instrumental in the tremendous growth of Latin music worldwide,” says Rocío Guerrero, global head of Latin Music for Amazon Music. “It is an honor to join LAMC in presenting the third annual Wonder Women of Latin Music awards that celebrate these accomplished women who continue to inspire us.”

This year’s LAMC will have a third annual virtual conference and, for the first time since 2019, the LAMC returns for an in-person event in New York set to take place July 6-9 at the Stewart Hotel. Registration for both the online and summer event is now open. For more information and/or to register, visit www.latinalternative.com.

Speakers for the online event include Pepe Aguilar,Kany Garcia,Guaynaa,Carla Morrison, Fito Paez and Ana Tijoux. Artists who will be part of the in-person event will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

Here’s the complete list of Wonder Women of Latin Music 2020 honorees:

Yvette Medina — Creative Management Firm
Pili Montilla — TV host and producer
Nerea Igualador — Sony Music U.S. Latin
Celeste Zendejas — CESAC
Angie Romero — Amazon Music
Amy Roland — Sony Music Publishing
Iveliesse Malavé — The Latin Recording Academy
Azucena Olvera — Pandora
Fátima Rodriguez — Grupo Toro
Loren Medina — Guerrera PR
Daniela Bosé — Palacio Vistalegre Arena
Patricia Flores — Apple Music
Tania Dorante — Meta
Inés Sapochnik — The Orchard
Monica Escobar — The 3 Collective
Fabiana Kulick — Live Nation
Núria Net — La Coctelera Music
Martha Ledezma — Fonovisa/Universal
Mariauxy Castillo-Vitale — Apple
María Montejo — Warner Music Colombia

Ivy Queen Among Latin Recording Academy’s ‘Leading Ladies of Entertainment’ Honorees

Ivy Queen is officially a leading lady

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican singer, rapper, songwriter and actress will be minted as one of the 2021 Leading Ladies of Entertainment by the Latin Recording Academy.

Ivy Queen

Ivy Queen, known as the “Queen of Reggaeton,” joins a list of honorees that includes composer Mónica Vélez, publicist and marketer Mayna Nevarez and Spotify’s managing director for Latin America, Mia Nygren.

Due to limitations imposed by COVID-19, the four women, representing different arenas of Latin music, will be honored during a virtual ceremony November 16 instead of the traditional lunch that has defined the event.

Launched five years ago, the Academy’s Leading Latin Ladies initiative was created to honor and recognize “professional and socially-conscious women within the arts and entertainment fields who have made significant contributions and inspired the next generation of female leaders.”

Since its inception, the initiative has honored both artists and musicians along with executives, and this year is no exception.

Ivy Queen, considered the pioneer female artist in reggaetón, is being honored alongside Vélez, a two-time Latin Grammy winner who has written for the likes of Marc Anthony and Luis Fonsi. But she’s also being honored with Nygren, who oversees Spotify’s Latin America operations, and Nevarez, whose company – Nevarez Entertainment — is the longtime agency of superstars like Daddy Yankee and Carlos Vives.

This year the event is also partnering with She Is The Music on a collaborative mentorship program that will pair past honorees with a She Is The Music mentee.

“On behalf of The Latin Recording Academy, I am proud to honor these powerful women as this year’s Leading Ladies of Entertainment,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a statement. “These dynamic women give us a chance to reflect on the challenges female professionals face in today’s arts and entertainment environment. There is still a lack of gender parity in the industry, and we remain focused on continuing our work to overcome the challenges that women face through educational programs, partnerships and a transparent voting process.”

The Leading Latin Ladies event will take place the week of the Latin Grammys, which will air live on the Univision network from Las Vegas on November 18.

Manuel Abud Named New CEO of The Latin Recording Academy

Manuel Abud is movin’ on up…

The Board of Trustees of The Latin Recording Academy has appointed the Mexican executive as CEO of the organization effective August 1 as part of its 10-year strategic plan.

Manuel Abud

Outgoing President/CEO Gabriel Abaroa, Jr. will become President Emeritus, a senior advisory role that will include working on assigned strategic projects while assisting the new chief executive officer in the transition.

“I am delighted to have led a succession plan that was designed with professionalism, respect, love and consistency,” said the organization’s Chairman of the Board Eduardo Hütt. “Several candidates were considered to replace Gabriel’s unique leadership style, and we agreed that Manuel Abud meets the established criteria, excelling in ways that guarantee our organization the leadership required to accomplish its goals over the next decade. The plan was carefully executed, and Manuel was groomed over an extended period.”

“We achieved tremendous progress and growth over the past two decades. I’m eager to transition to a new role that won’t be as time consuming and certain that Manuel will take us boldly into our next chapter,” said Abaroa.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead The Latin Recording Academy,” said Abud. “Before coming here in 2019, I had long admired the organization’s excellence, and I look forward to building on its rich heritage of supporting and honoring Latin music and ushering in a new era of growth and impact.”

“This is a wonderfully executed succession plan,” said Harvey Mason Jr., Chair & Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “Having Manuel in the role of COO for two years, where he oversaw the day-to-day operation of the organization was invaluable in equipping him to lead it now. Manuel is a seasoned executive with an excellent background in content development, distribution and international markets. As he takes the reins, he will benefit from Gabriel’s tenure, continued presence and unrivaled passion for this organization.”

While COO of the Latin Academy, Abud successfully led a major reorganization, maximizing efficiencies and accelerating digital content development. In addition, he developed strong and clear positioning for the organization, leveraging its heritage and plans.

Abud will lead a seasoned executive team that includes Luis Dousdebes, Chief Awards, Membership and Preservation Officer and a 20-year veteran at The Latin Academy; Javier Aguirre, Chief Financial Officer; Davina Aryeh, Chief Business Development Officer; Laura Dergal, Vice President of Marketing and Content Development; Iveliesse Malavé, Vice President of Communications; and Aida Scorza, Senior Vice President of Awards, who has served both the Recording Academy and The Latin Recording Academy for more than 30 years.

Tanya Ramos-Puig, who was appointed President of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation in April, will continue reporting to both the Board of the Foundation and the CEO of The Latin Academy.

CNN to Air Acclaimed Linda Ronstadt Documentary on New Year’s Day

Linda Ronstadt’s inspiring story is headed to the screen…

CNN Films has acquired the documentary feature about the 73-year-old Mexican American singer, Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, and it has set the film’s television premiere for New Year’s Day on CNN.

Linda Ronstadt

Ronstadt was 21 when she first hit the national charts with the Stone Poneys’ “Different Drum,” and her plaintive vocal leapt off the radio from the opening line. By the mid-’70s, she was cranking out smash singles and multiplatinum albums as fast as the public could consume them. Three of her LPs hit No. 1 en route to her becoming the most successful female singer of the decade. 

Ronstadt is a 10-time Grammy winner, and has earned a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by The Latin Recording Academy and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by The Recording Academy. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Famein 2014.

Two-time Oscar winner Rob Epstein and Oscar nominee Jeffrey Friedman directed the documentray from Greenwich Entertainment1091and CNN Films. 

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice premieres at 9:00 pm on Wednesday, January 1.

Miguel to Perform for the First-Time at the Latin Grammys

Miguel is preparing for Latin music’s biggest night…

The 34-year-old Mexican American R&B singer, songwriter, who released the Spanish EP Te Lo Dije earlier this year, is set to perform at this year’s Latin Grammys, according to The Latin Recording Academy.

Miguel

Miguel is part ofthe final wave of performers and presenters joining the star-studded 2019 Latin Grammys lineup.

In addition to Miguel, who performed “Remember Me” with Natalia Lafourcade on the soundtrack to Disney’s Dia de los Muertos-themed animated film Coco, new additions to the performers roster include Alicia KeysFarrukoOzunaResidenteBeto CuevasCalibre 50Leonel GarcíaFito PáezMilly QuezadaTony SuccarCarlos Rivera, and Prince Royce.

Plus, Ángela AguilarEduardo “Visitante” Cabra,Sofia CarsonEmilio EstefanMon LaferteWilliam LevyRudy Mancuso,,Luis Gerardo MéndezMichael Peña, and Dayanara Torres join as presenters. 

Nominees CamiloDe La GhettoPaula FernandesKany GarcíaChristian Nodal and Tommy Torres were previously announced as presenters.

Coined as “the biggest night in Latin Music,” the awards show will kick off with a never-before-seen tribute honoring the 20th Anniversary of the Latin Grammys. A group of 20 artists, who’ll perform together for the first time, will interpret multiple iconic songs spanning various genres of Latin music while commemorating the past 20 years of excellence.

The final roster of performers join already confirmed artists Aitana, Anitta, Pedro CapóJulio Reyes CopelloDarellDimelo FlowFonsecaLuis FonsiGreeicyIntocableNellaReikRosalía, and Alejandro Sanz, who’s this year’s top nominee. 

The awards show will also include performances by Pepe Aguilar and Los Angeles AzulesPaula ArenasBad BunnyAlessia CaraDraco Rosa, Ximena SariñanaSech, Sebastián YatraNatalia Jiménez, Olga Tañón and Juanes, who as the 2019 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year will perform a medley of his biggest hits.

VicenteAlejandro, and Alex Fernandezwill also take the stage, becoming the first time all three generations of the Fernandez family will perform at the show. They’ll be joined by Mariachi Sol de Mexico

The 20th annual Latin Grammys, which will be co-hosted by Ricky Martin and actresses Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega, will air live Nov. 14 from the MGM Grand Garden Arenain Las Vegas via Univision.

Linda Ronstadt to Receive Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Linda Ronstadt is about to shine a little brighter…

The class of 2019 Hollywood Walk of Fame honorees have been announced, with the71-year-old half-Mexican American singer making the list.

Linda Ronstadt 

Recipients are recognized in the recording, television, film and live theater/live performance categories, and Ronstadt is certainly a living legend.

Ronstadt, an 11-time Grammy winner, was awarded the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by The Latin Recording Academy in 2011 and also awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award by The Recording Academy in 2016. Additionally, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was awarded the National Medal of Arts and Humanities in 2014.

She will receive a joint star with Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris. The three singers joined voiceson the albumTrio, which was released in 1987. It sold over 4 million copies worldwide and also received several awards, including two Grammy Awards.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame receives hundreds of submissions each year for a personal star on Hollywood Boulevard. The groundbreaking only comes to fruition for very few, as it is estimated that the construction and ceremony production costs exceed $30,000.

The dates for the star ceremonies have yet to be announced.