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Grammys Honor Music Legends: Khan, Cher, Santana Shine
1 Feb
Summary
- Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, and others received Lifetime Achievement Awards.
- The event honored influential artists for their significant contributions to music.
- Chaka Khan was the only honoree present at the Los Angeles ceremony.
The Recording Academy honored music luminaries with Lifetime Achievement Awards at its Special Merit Awards ceremony held on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Among the distinguished recipients were Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Fela Kuti, and Whitney Houston, celebrated for their profound impact on the music industry.
Chaka Khan graced the event in Los Angeles as the only honoree present. Reflecting on her career, she shared that music has been her "prayer, my healing, my joy, my truth." She acknowledged the "extraordinary artists, musicians, writers, producers and creatives" she has collaborated with over five decades.
Awards were also presented posthumously to Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, who died in 1997, and the iconic singer Whitney Houston, who passed away in 2012. Kuti's children accepted his award, noting his significance as the first African musician to receive this honor and its importance for Africa and world peace. Houston's sister-in-law expressed that her voice remains eternal.
Other honorees included Carlos Santana and Paul Simon, who appeared via video messages. Elton John's lyricist Bernie Taupin and Latin jazz innovator Eddie Palmieri received Trustees Awards, recognizing contributions outside of performance. Sylvia Rhone, the first Black woman to head a major record label, and synthesizer innovator John Chowning also received awards.
