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Ricky Martin to be honored by the Latin Recording
Academy
Martin to be honored as Latin Recording Academy Person
of the Year
 September
27, 2006 -- GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY®-winning international
superstar Ricky Martin will be honored as the 2006 Latin Recording
Academy Person of the Year, it was announced today by The Latin Recording
Academy®. Martin, chosen for his accomplishments as a world renowned
entertainer, consummate performer and passionate humanitarian, will receive
the honor at a special star-studded tribute dinner and concert held
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006, at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers in New York. A
portion of the proceeds from the evening's tribute dinner will benefit Ricky
Martin's charitable efforts.
The Latin Recording Academy and its Board of Trustees are
extremely proud and excited to honor an amazing human being who embodies the
positive spirit that comes from true commitment, full dedication and
perseverance," said Latin Recording Academy President Gabriel Abaroa. "His
musical accomplishments are matched by his endeavors as an advocate for the
welfare of children around the world. It is a great pleasure to honor this man
of limitless talent, passion and sense of caring."
Singer/songwriter Ricky Martin began his musical career more
than 20 years ago and has sold more than 60 million copies of his sound
recordings and videos/DVDs worldwide. His self-titled English-language debut
album sold 7 million copies according to the Recording Industry Association of
America and his Sound Loaded album has been certified gold and/or platinum in 26
countries and is certified double-platinum by the RIAA in the United States. But
above any other successes, Martin is recognized as the artist who reached a new
dimension for Latin performers worldwide and as a great peer among peers.
In addition, Martin's sense of responsibility to uphold the
principles of human dignity and equality for all and his desire to evolve as a
better individual led him to establish the Ricky Martin Foundation, which he
started in Puerto Rico at the turn of the century. Martin and his foundation,
now a global organization, have taken a leadership role to advocate for children
rights. They tirelessly work to influence government policy, political
authorities and the world at large by conveying messages that trigger behavior
change and raise social consciousness. Additionally, the foundation provides
disadvantaged children education, social service benefits and activities to
improve their quality of life, and collaborates with various organizations that
aid young survivors and their families who have been affected by natural
disasters.
In 2004, the foundation launched People for Children, a global
initiative to educate and support the international agenda for the elimination
of human trafficking, especially trafficking of children. He has also served as
a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and, in addition to the numerous awards
received throughout his musical career, Martin has also been honored with many
accolades for his humanitarian efforts including: the Hispanic Heritage Award,
Leadership In The Arts Award, Billboard's Spirit of Hope Award, the Alma Award,
Vanguard Award, and the International Humanitarian Award by the International
Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Ricky Martin is the seventh Latin Recording Academy Person of
the Year honoree, joining a prestigious list of previous honorees: José José,
Carlos Santana, Gilberto Gil, Vicente Fernández, Julio Iglesias, and Emilio
Estefan.
For information on purchasing tickets or tables to the Latin
Recording Academy Person of the Year tribute to Ricky Martin, please contact The
Latin Recording Academy ticketing office at 310.314.8281. For program
advertising queries, please contact Ken Rose/AFM at 818.508.0934 or e-mail to
latingrammy@afmla.com.
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