“My songs connect the spirits of our American and Hispanic diversity,” the Colombian artist tells Rolling Stone
Carlos Vives will be 2024’s Latin Grammy Person of the Year, the Latin Recording Academy announced on Wednesday. The organization is marking its 25th anniversary this year.
“I am happy that The Latin Recording Academy celebrated el rock de mi pueblo by choosing me as the Person of the Year in this 25th-anniversary edition,” Vives tells Rolling Stone. “My songs connect the spirits of our American and Hispanic diversity.”
“I share this recognition with all those who taught me to love my Colombian heritage and with my musician friends who have always believed that our rock & roll is born from local music,” Vives adds. “And what better way to celebrate it than by being in these pages?”
Vives has been a leader in Colombian vallenato for more than three decades. He’s an 18-time Latin Grammy winner and two-time Grammy winner, and became the first Colombian artist to earn an American Grammy. He won the trophy for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album in 2002 for Déjame Entrar.
Among Vives’ greatest hits are “Volví a Nacer,” “La Gota Fría,” “La Tierra del Olvida,” “Fruta Fresca,” and “La Bicicleta” with Shakira, which won both Record and Song of the Year at the 2016 Latin Grammys.
“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.”
Vives will be celebrated during a ceremony the week of the Latin Grammys — scheduled for Nov. 14 this year — with other artists performing renditions of his discography. With the distinction, Vives joins a cohort of stars that includes Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Juanes, Vicente Fernandez, and Marco Antonio Solis. Last year, Laura Pausini earned the distinction.