Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 2014: Armando Manzanero Honored; Yoko Ono Accepts Husband John Lennon's Trophy

Last night, the Grammy’s honored the best in the music industry this year. And although there wasn’t a big Latino presence, or a Latino presence at all -- except from an appearance by Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan and Juanes, who were presenting -- a huge name in Boleros was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A 78-year-old Mexican legend, whose songs have transcended international barriers and have been performed by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Christina Aguilera, Andrea Bocelli, Luis Miguel and Elvis Presley only to name a few.

This man has been in the industry for more than five decades and has recorded 30 albums and composed over 400 songs. We’re talking about Armando Manzanero. With songs like “Somos Novios,” “Contigo Aprendí,” and “Esta Tarde Vi Llover,” he captivated the hearts of many couples who have fallen in love to the melody of his creations. He's the only Latino of the group of seven artists who this year have been awarded for their “contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.” Among the legendary group were also John Lennon, Clifton Chenier, The Isley Brothers, Kraftwerk, Kris Kristofferson and Maud Powell.

In a press release, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States wrote that Manzanero "has been contributing to the world of Latin music for five decades." It also noted his knack for "smooth romantic ballads" and his 2010 receipt of a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Latin Recording Academy, as well as his efforts in defense copyright laws as president of the Sociedad de Autores y Compositores in Mexico, which they said "have garnered the organization international acclaim." The singer was born in 1935 to a family of Maya lineage in the city of Mérida, in the southeastern Yucatán state.

"It is a great privilege to recognize such an exceptional group of honorees and celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to the recording industry," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, in the press release. "This astoundingly unique and gifted group have created some of the most distinguished and influential work in our musical history. Their legacies are timeless and legendary, and their creativity will continue to influence and inspire future generations." Receiving the award destined to John Lennon, was his wife Yoko Ono, who shared some words with Manzanero, creating an iconic moment between two significant contributors to the music industry in an international level.