LAS VEGAS (AP) – Rubén Blades will be honored tonight as 2021 Person of the Year by the Latin Recording Academy at a benefit concert where dozens of stars will soothe him with versions of their classics.
The event, whose details have been kept strictly hermetic, will feature the participation of more than 40 artists and will have a set design “out of the ordinary with changes that will take you through the life and musical work of Blades,” said the executive producers of the event. , Ayleen Figueras and academy president emeritus Gabriel Abaroa Jr., exclusively to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
All the guests are a surprise at the request of the honoree, they noted in an email.
And they added that “it is a night in which we celebrate the power of Rubén’s music to awaken the mind, heart and rhythm of Latin music lovers, uniting nationalities, generations and genres.”
After failing to give recognition last year due to the pandemic, the Panamanian musician, actor and activist will receive the honor for his continued commitment to the fight for social justice and promoting positive and significant change in Latino communities and beyond. Through songs like “Forbidden to forget”, “Looking for America” and “Disappearances”.
“Rubén Blades is a truly iconic artist who has inspired several generations with the powerful and intelligent lyrics of his songs, and whose genius has promoted justice at all levels of society,” Abaroa Jr., then president and president, said in June. academy executive director when the announcement was made. “As activism and social justice movements have dominated our collective conversation over the past year, there is no one more deserving of the Latin Academy Person of the Year honor at this time.”
Blades, meanwhile, expressed appreciation for the mention, which he shared with those who have helped him throughout his career.
“Success is never the product of the effort of a single individual, it is the result of many contributions and the will and talent of other people. Today I give thanks to all those who made possible the success of my career as a musician and composer ”, said then the idol of salsa in a statement.
Blades was an iconic figure in the salsa revolution of the 1970s in New York, with classic songs including “El Cantante”, “Pedro Navaja” and “Plástico.”
As an actor, he has worked in more than 50 film and television productions, in English and Spanish, including the series “Fear The Walking Dead”, in the role of Daniel Salazar, and films such as “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” ( “Once upon a time in Mexico”), “Predator 2” (“Predator 2”) and “Hands of Stone” (“Hands of stone”).
In addition to his artistic achievements, he studied law at the University of Panama and Harvard and between 2004 and 2009 he served as Minister of Tourism of Panama.
The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year award is given to musicians of Ibero-American heritage not only for their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry, but also for their humanitarian efforts.
Previous honorees include Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012 ), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).
Proceeds from the Person of the Year gala go to charities for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.
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AP journalist Sigal Ratner-Arias in New York contributed to this report.
