Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar is set to receive a posthumous lifetime achievement award at this year’s Grammy Awards.
The Indian-born sitarist died on Tuesday (11 Dec, 2012) and found out that he was to receive the award not long before.
“Just last week I had the honour to inform him that he would receive a 2013 Lifetime Achievement this February,” President and CEO of The Recording Academy Neil Portnow said. “He was deeply touched and so pleased, that he extended a gracious and personal invitation to visit with him at his home. We have lost an innovative and exceptional talent and a true ambassador of international music. Our thoughts and sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and all of those around the world who were inspired by his music and compassionate philanthropy.”
The award will be presented at the 55th Grammy Awards, which will be held on February 10, 2013.
Shankar gained notoriety through his association with George Harrison, but his reputation was solidified as he slowly but surely redefined the way the west viewed “world” music. He embarrassed thousands at Madison Square Garden during the George Harrison-organised, Shankar-inspired Concert for Bangla-Desh in 1971 as the crowd enthusiastically cheered the band tuning up.
He was 92 years old.
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