Serrat Is Latin Recording Academy’s Person Of Year

Serrat will be honored for his artistic and social accomplishments and his contributions to Latin culture at a tribute concert on Nov. 19 in Las Vegas, the day before The Latin Grammy Awards are held in the city. A Tuesday news release says friends and notable musicians will perform songs from Serrat’s career with proceeds to benefit the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.

Serrat was born in Barcelona, Spain, and began to perform as a teenager, earning his first record contract in 1965. His career was marked by political activism. He was barred from Spanish media for five years for defying dictator Francisco Franco.

Previous recipients include Placido Domingo, Gloria Estefan, Carlos Santana and Shakira.