Grammys honor Chaka Khan alongside Cher, Whitney Houston and Fela Kuti

The Recording Academy presented Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Special Merit Awards to Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Fela Kuti and Whitney Houston; Chaka Khan attended and accepted her award in person.

The Recording Academy held its Special Merit Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday night, presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to multiple artists. Chaka Khan, Cher, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Fela Kuti and Whitney Houston were named as recipients. Chaka Khan was the only Lifetime Achievement honoree who appeared in person at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre and accepted the award. Families accepted awards for the late Fela Kuti and Whitney Houston. Event highlights: - Chaka Khan attended and accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award, saying, "Music has been my prayer, my healing, my joy, my truth." - Cher and Carlos Santana addressed the event in short videos; Cher was not present at the theatre. - Fela Kuti's award was accepted by three of his children; he was introduced as the first African musician to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. - Whitney Houston's award was accepted by family, and Pat Houston described her voice as enduring. - Bernie Taupin and Eddie Palmieri received Trustees Awards; Taupin attended and noted he had been waiting 57 years for such an honor. - John Chowning won the Technical Grammy Award; Jennifer Jimenez received the Music Educator Award; "Ice Cream Man" by Raye won the Harry Belafonte Song for Social Change Award. Summary: The Special Merit Awards recognized a range of artists and contributors across genres and generations, highlighting recorded-music careers and behind-the-scenes work. The ceremony took place on the eve of the main Grammys ceremony, which is scheduled for Sunday.