The Velvet Underground, Nina Simone and Sly Stone are all set to be honoured at next year’s Grammy Special Merit Awards.
Additionally, Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to guitarist Charley Pride, singer Shirley Caesar, jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, and “Father of Country Music” Jimmie Rodgers.
The Recording Academy wrote, in tribute to The Velvet Underground: “Despite a relatively brief lifespan and limited commercial success, The Velvet Underground are now recognised as one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Comprising Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen ‘Moe’ Tucker, the band was, perhaps, ahead of their time, both visually and sonically. Often dubbed the quintessential proto-punk band, they’ve continued to be the benchmark for countless modern-rock movements over the last 50 years.”
