Carlos Vives Named Latin Recording Academy’s 2024 Person Of The Year

The Latin Recording Academy is honoring one of its most celebrated artists with its most prestigious honor. The Academy announced that 18-time Latin Grammy winner Carlos Vives will be this year’s Person of the Year for his storied three-decade career and his environmental and social initiatives.

“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,” Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, said in a statement. “We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives.”

Vives is the 23^rd person to be recognized by the Latin Recording Academy as Person of the Year, an honor that has been given to notable Latin acts including Shakira, Vicente Fernandez, Laura Pausini, Marco Antonio Solís, Maná, Gloria Estefan and Julio Iglesias.

“I am honored and moved to have been chosen as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year,” Vives said. “It is the reward for an authentic journey, for a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity. These spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to take care of it and to respect it in order to exalt humanity with it.”

Vives, who is repped by Carlos Pinilla of WK Entertainment, has sold more than 20 million records and is one of the most influential artists to come out of Colombia with hit songs like “Pa’ Mayte,” “La Gota Fría” and “Volví A Nacer.” He created the Tras La Perla initiative in 2015 to promote sustainable development in the hometown of Santa Marta. He also created a music school for children in Bogotá and founded a record label, Gaira Música Local, to promote Colombian talent.

The Latin Recording Academy will celebrate the musician at a special gala that also celebrates the 25^th anniversary of the Latin Grammys. Notable artists and friends will take the stage during a heartfelt tribute concert to perform Vives’ greatest hits. This year Latin Grammy Week will take place in Miami, and events will be announced at a later date.

Proceeds from the Latin Academy Person of the Year Gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.