Ricky Martin Honored As 2006 Latin Recording Academy Person Of The Year

LOS ANGELES (Latin Recording Academy) - 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 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: Jose Jose, Carlos Santana, Gilberto Gil, Vicente Fernandez, Julio Iglesias, and Emilio Estefan. 
For information e-mail to latingrammy@afmla.com