On Wednesday, November 17, The Latin Recording Academy celebrated its 2021 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Gala honoring Rubén Blades .
The memorable evening featured moving renditions of some of Blades’ renowned repertoire featuring past and current Latin GRAMMY Awards nominees including Ángela Aguilar, Christina Aguilera, María Becerra, Eduardo Cabra, Andrés Calamaro, Sofia Carson, Oscar D’León, Farruko, Flor de Toloache, Lasso,Beatriz Luengo, Marc Anthony, Rafa Pabón, René Pérez, Milly Quezada, Rozalén, Joaquín Sabina, María Toledo, Diego Torres, Vicentico, Carlos Vives, and Yotuel.
Rubén Blades is an eight-time Latin GRAMMY and nine-time GRAMMY-winner, singer-songwriter, producer, musician, actor and activist. He was honored for his continued commitment to fighting for social justice around the world by supporting initiatives that raise awareness towards political oppression, hunger, poverty, and more. Through his music, with songs such as “Prohibido Olvidar,” “Buscando América” and “Desapariciones,” Blades has been a champion for positive, meaningful change in Latin communities and beyond.
The star-studded gala and tribute concert at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas featured guest appearances via video segments by Michael Bublé, Lila Downs, Jorge Drexler, Erika Ender, Juan Luis Guerra,Natalia Lafourcade, Tania Libertad, Luba Mason, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Alejandro Sanz, Paul Simon, and Sting.
Roberto Delgado & Orquesta accompanied the performers onstage throughout the night, and the band was also joined by talented artists Egidio Cuadrado, Mayte Montero, Ismael Guijarro, Marc Quiñones and Bobby Allende, who provided the audience with original and unique interpretations of Blades’ songs. The concert ended with a standing ovation after a stellar rendition of “Pedro Navaja” performed by the Person of the Year himself.
The stage design was the largest live event production to date by The Latin Academy, including a nod to Blades’ love of theater and Broadway. The highly-anticipated gala preceded the 22nd Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, which will air live on Univision tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central).
Net proceeds from the 2021 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, whose mission is 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.
Congratulations, Rubén Blades!
