Carlos Vives named 2024 Latin Recording Academy ‘Person of the Year’

The Latin Recording Academy® announced that Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winner, Carlos Vives, will be the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year.

Vives will be honored 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.

“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. “We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives.”

Meanwhile, Vives said, “I am honored and moved to have been chosen as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. It is 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. These spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to take care of it and to respect it in order to exalt humanity with it.”

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Carlos Vives is one of the most respected artists in Spanish-language music and a pioneer of a new Latin American sound, redefining traditional Colombian vallenato by incorporating pop and rock. He is an 18-time Latin GRAMMY winner and two-time GRAMMY winner—the first Colombian to win the latter award—with more than 10 billion streams on digital platforms, 20 million albums sold, and hits like “La Gota Fría,” “Pa’ Mayte,” “La Tierra Del Olvido,” “Fruta Fresca” and “Volví A Nacer.” Vives has become an ambassador of Colombian and Latin American culture around the world, and his commitment also transcends the musical realm. In 2015, he created the Tras La Perla initiative to promote the sustainable development of Santa Marta and its ecosystem. In addition, he created the Escuela de Música Río Grande to offer artistic experiences to children and young people, and founded the record label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talent. As part of his ongoing commitment to music education, Vives has been a strong advocate and generous supporter of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® since its inception, and sponsored its annual Prodigy Scholarship in 2018.

Vives will be celebrated at a special star-studded gala as part of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs®. The heartfelt tribute concert will feature renditions of his renowned repertoire performed by an array of notable artists and friends. Details of the coveted event to be celebrated during the 2024 Latin GRAMMY® Week in Miami will be announced at a later date.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts. The past honorees are Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).

Net proceeds from the Latin Academy Person of the Year Gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.