The late singing icons Gene Autry and Dean Martin are among those who will be honored by the Recording Academy with Lifetime Achievement Awards, which will be handed out during the week of the 51st annual Grammy Awards, it was announced today.
The Blind Boys of Alabama, the Four Tops, Hank Jones, Tom Paxton and Brenda Lee are being similarly honored.
The Trustees Award, which is given to individuals whose music careers have made significant contributions to the field of recording, will be give to George Avakian, Elliott Carter and Allen Toussaint.
Clarence "Leo" Fender and Universal Audio will receive the Technical Grammy Award.
"This year's recipients are a prestigious group of legendary performers, creative architects and technical visionaries who have made lasting contributions to the music and global communities," said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy.
"Their outstanding accomplishments, legendary passion and artistry have positively affected our culture and will continue to influence and inspire generations to come."
The awards will be handed out during a ceremony on Feb. 7, 2009. The 51st annual Grammy Awards will take place at the Staples Center on Feb. 8, 2009.
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