Ravi Shankar to Receive Lifetime Achievement Grammy

Hours after his death on Wednesday (Dec. 12), it was announced that Ravi Shankar will be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award. According to Billboard.com, Ravi was made aware of the honor last week. "Just last week, I had the honor to inform him that he would receive a 2013 Lifetime Achievement this February," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "He was deeply touched and so pleased, that he extended a gracious and personal invitation to visit with him at his home."

The official Grammy statement reads: "Three-time Grammy winner and renowned sitar player Ravi Shankar was a true pioneer in introducing Indian music to the West. He influenced artists across classical, jazz, pop, rock, and world music genres, including the Beatles, John Coltrane, Philip Glass, and his daughters, Norah Jones and Anoushka Shankar. In 1971, he helped pave the way for charity concerts, alongside George Harrison, organizing the Concert for Bangladesh, to help Bangladesh refugees."

"We have lost an innovative and exceptional talent and a true ambassador of international music," Portnow added. "Our thoughts and sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and all of those around the world who were inspired by his music and compassionate philanthropy."

Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award along with Shankar are Glenn Gould, Charlie Haden, Lightnin' Hopkins, Carole King, Patti Page and the Temptations. The Grammy Awards will be televised on Feb. 10, and a separate ceremony will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013.