The Latin Recording Academy has announced that Spanish singer Raphael will be honored as the Person of the Year at a special gala in Las Vegas on November 12. The event, which is part of the celebrations leading up to the Latin Grammy Awards, will pay tribute to Raphael’s more than six-decade career in Spanish-language romance music.
Raphael, 82, expressed his deep gratitude upon receiving the recognition. “Being named Person of the Year thrills me immensely,” he said. “It’s the best way to celebrate so many years of dedication and love for music.” He also thanked his loyal fans, colleagues, and the music industry, adding, “I look forward to reuniting with everyone in November to celebrate together and give back all that affection through songs.”
Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy, praised Raphael’s remarkable career, saying, “We feel tremendously proud to pay this well-deserved tribute to Raphael for an exemplary artistic career that has transcended borders and languages. His unmistakable style, resilience, and constant reinvention have kept him relevant throughout the decades, making him a source of inspiration for new generations of Latin music creators.”
Raphael, born Rafael Martos in Linares, Spain, in 1943, has been a key figure in the Latin music scene since childhood. He began singing at the age of four and won the prestigious best child voice award at the Salzburg Festival at just nine years old. His international breakthrough came when he represented Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest and performed on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1970.
In addition to his music career, Raphael has also enjoyed success in film, with notable appearances in Al Ponerse El Sol (1967), El Golfo (1969), and Mi Gran Noche (2015). Despite a challenging battle with brain lymphoma in late 2024, Raphael has made a triumphant return to the stage with his Raphaelísimo tour, performing across Spain and Latin America.
Raphael joins a prestigious list of past honorees, including Carlos Vives (2024), Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), and Maná (2018). The Person of the Year Gala benefits the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, with net proceeds going to support its initiatives.
Fans can expect an unforgettable tribute to the legendary artist at the gala this November.
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