Linda Ronstadt is one of several musical icons who will be honored for her lifetime of achievements in the music industry. Ronstadt is the latest artist to be announced as a recipient of a 2016 Special Merit Award from the Recording Academy.

“Each year, the Academy has the distinct privilege of honoring those who have greatly contributed to our industry and cultural heritage, and this year, we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees,” Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow says in a press release. “Their exceptional accomplishments, contributions and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.”

Ronstadt finds herself in a respected class of 2016 recipients including Ruth Brown, Celia Cruz, Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Jefferson Airplane and Run-D.M.C.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors artists who have made "contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording," a press release states. Ronstadt fits into this category, as she is well known as one of the most popular interpretive singers. Ronstadt made a name for herself in the 1970s folk and pop scene. A 10-time Grammy winner, her musical hand prints span the pop, country, folk and Latin genres, as well as musical theater. In 1974, she was named Best New Female Artist at the ACM Awards. More than a decade later, in 1987, she won an ACM Award for Best Album for Trio with collaborators Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris.

While Ronstadt has been suffering from Parkison’s disease, the trio have said that plans to release a follow-up to Trio are in the works. Meanwhile, a ceremony and concert honoring the recipients of the 2016 Special Merit Award from the Recording Academy will be held in the spring.

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