Doc Watson and James Galway to be Honored

More Grammy News this week as Doc Watson is named among those who will receive lifetime achievement awards this year. The Recording Academy today named recording artists Van Cliburn, the Funk Brothers, Ella Jenkins, Sonny Rollins, Artie Shaw and Doc Watson as this years recipients. The Academy also selected jazz producer Orrin Keepnews, songwriting team Gerry Goffin and Carole King, and pianist/radio host Marian McPartland to receive Trustees Awards. Formal acknowledgment of the awards will be made in conjunction with the 46th Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony, which will be held at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 8, 2004 and broadcast on CBS.

"The Lifetime Achievement and Trustees Awards recognize music people who have made the greatest impact on our culture," said Academy President Neil Portnow. "These recipients are being honored as legendary performers, cultural ambassadors, archetypal musicians and profoundly inspiring figures. Their outstanding accomplishments and passion for their craft have created a timeless legacy that has positively affected multiple generations and will continue to influence generations to come."

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors lifelong artistic contributions to the recording medium, while the Trustees Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the industry in a non-performing capacity. Both special merit awards are decided by vote of the Recording Academy 's National Trustees.

Doc is certainly deserving of this award being one of the most influential folk/country guitar players of our time, and his beautiful voice, great instrumental talent, and mastery of traditional material have made him an American treasure. Watson sings and picks with an emotional authenticity that is unsurpassed, and many of today's great artists — including Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris — acknowledge his influence. Additionally, Watson's encyclopedic knowledge of American traditional songs has provided a cultural service by preserving the legacy of music in our country. He has been performing and recording for five decades, and during this time has won six GRAMMY Awards, including Best Traditional Folk Album at the 45th Annual GRAMMY Awards in New York .

Also this year Irish Flautist James Galway will be honored at a special luncheon being held in February. The Salute to Classical Music luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles will include prominent members of the classical music community. Academy President Neil Portnow will present the seven-time GRAMMY nominee with the President's Merit Award in recognition of his professional achievements. Ginny Mancini, wife of the late Henry Mancini and president of the Henry Mancini Institute, is the honorary chair for this event.

Galway is not only an accomplished classical player but also has huge repertoire of Irish tunes and songs as well and is a great ambassador for Irish music worldwide