The annual tribute gala benefits the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®
MIAMI (APRIL 26, 2022) — The Latin Recording Academy® announced that five-time Latin GRAMMY® -winner and six-time GRAMMY®-nominee, composer, arranger, producer, musician, and artistic director, Marco Antonio Solís will be the 2022 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™.
Solís will be honored for his more than four-decade career as a multifaceted performer and one of Mexico's most successful artists of all time. His dedication to his musical roots has made him a true ambassador of Latin music around the world, endearing him to the legions of fans who have been moved by his songs. Solís is one of the most respected musicians of his generation—generous with his talents by composing and producing for other performers—as well as an ardent supporter of up-and-coming talent.
"Marco Antonio Solís is a living legend and one of the most emblematic figures in Latin music," said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. "He continues to break down generational barriers through his poignant lyrics which move millions of people and inspire greater acceptance and understanding. For this we are honored to bestow him with the 2022 Latin Academy Person of the Year distinction."
Meanwhile, the Mexican singer said, "I am very moved and grateful to The Latin Recording Academy for this special distinction that means so much to me professionally and personally. I would like to share this sentiment with everyone who has inspired me, and with those who I may have inspired as well to be able to occupy this place that the public has made me deserving of through this blessing called music. Thank you to everyone who has been witnesses to my journey, from my beginnings to the present day, and who are in some way also part of this important achievement. Thank you to The Latin Academy for undertaking the task of following my career and considering me among the greats that have left a mark in the world of music. Thank you to my family for the motivation that they ignite in me to always continue to excel, and thank you to the support of my loyal audiences for making this reality possible which fills my heart with pride, love and joy. Thank you to God the Father for always being present within Me."
"El Buki" was born in Ario de Rosales, Michoacán, and his love of music was sparked at an early age when he would watch his father sing and play the guitar. He began performing with his cousin, Joel Solís, as Dueto Solís, and got his big break in the mid-1970s when they formed Los Bukis, which would establish Marco Antonio as a talented singer-songwriter within the group. During the next two decades, Solís also became known within the industry for his work as a composer, arranger and producer, collaborating with prominent artists such as Rocío Dúrcal, Raphael and Lucero.
In 1996, Solís launched his solo career and his more than 16 albums since then have broken sales records and reached top-ten lists in Latin America, the United States and Spain, spanning successful world tours with Marc Anthony, Laura Pausini and Alejandro Fernández, among others. Solís is a prolific performer who delights audiences onstage and inspires his peers. His musical legacy transcends genres and continues to influence other musicians; many of his popular songs have been performed by more than 120 artists including Juan Luis Guerra, Maná, Mon Laferte and Luis Fonsi.
Beyond the stage, his hit song "Si No Te Hubieras Ido" was featured on the soundtrack to the Oscar-nominated film Y Tu Mamá También, and he voiced the character of Ernesto de la Cruz in the Spanish-language version of the Disney/Pixar film Coco. His business endeavors have also generated new jobs and growth for thousands of families. Solís is currently the subject of a career-spanning exhibit, Y Para Siempre… Marco Antonio Solís, at the GRAMMY Museum®'s permanent Latin Music Gallery.
Solís will be celebrated at a special star-studded gala featuring a heartfelt tribute concert, including renditions of his renowned repertoire performed by an impressive array of notable artists and friends. Details of the coveted event and the 23rd Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® will be announced at a later date.
The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year recognizes musicians of Ibero-American heritage and honors their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts.
The past honorees are 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.
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ABOUT THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY:
The Latin Recording Academy® is an international nonprofit dedicated to nurturing, celebrating, honoring and elevating Latin music and its creators. Established as the global authority on Latin music, the membership-based organization composed of music professionals, produces the annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, The Biggest Night in Latin Music®, which honors excellence in the recording arts and sciences, in addition to providing educational and outreach programs for the music community through its Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. For more information, please visit LatinGRAMMY.com.
ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 to further international awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of Latin music and its makers to the world's culture. The Foundation provides college scholarships, educational programs and grants for the research and preservation of its rich musical legacy and heritage, and to date has donated more than $6.5 million with the support of Latin Recording Academy members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.com, Amazon Smile or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Twitter and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT:
The Latin Recording Academy
Iveliesse Malavé
ive@grammy.com
305.576.0036