In collaboration with PBS' "Great Performances" series, The Recording Academy will air "GRAMMY® Salute To Music Legends" — a special all-star concert honoring The Recording Academy's 2016 Special Merit Awards recipients — on Oct. 14 from 9–11:30 p.m. on PBS. Taped at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, this special features tribute performances and never-before-seen video packages celebrating each of the recipients' contributions to the music industry and our cultural heritage. The lineup features performances by Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane; Patti Austin; Ry Cooder; Lila Downs; Earth, Wind & Fire; David Foster; Andy García and The CineSon All Stars; Herbie Hancock; Henry Gray; J'Nai Bridges; Kris Kristofferson; Lucrecia; Shelby Lynne; Magnolia Sisters; Martina McBride; Naughty By Nature, Anthony Parce; and JD Souther. Presenters include David Crosby, Jimmy Jam, LL Cool J, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Don Was.
Among numerous highlights, psychedelic rock pioneers Jefferson Airplane take fans back in time as they play some of their most memorable hits that shaped much of the San Francisco scene in the 1960s and earned them international mainstream success. Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady performed "Somebody to Love" and "Embryonic Journey"/"Come Back Baby" medley. Grace Slick appeared to accept her Grammy award.
This year's Lifetime Achievement Award honorees are Jefferson Airplane, Ruth Brown, Celia Cruz, Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Linda Ronstadt, and Run DMC. John Cage, Fred Foster and Chris Strachwitz are Trustees Award honorees; and EMT and Dr. Harvey Fletcher are Technical GRAMMY Award recipients. Also being honored is Phillip Riggs, this year's recipient of the Music Educator Award.
