By Latifah Muhammad–

The Recording Academy announced its 2019 list of “gifted and brilliant honorees.” 

Soul legend Donny Hathaway will be honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the singer-songwriter’s untimely death.

The 2019 list of recipients, announced by the Recording Academy Wednesday (Dec. 19), features Dionne Warwick, George Clinton & Parliament, Black Sabbath, Julio Iglesias, Billy Eckstine, and Sam & Dave.

Hathaway, the soul stylist whose life was cut short in 1979, recorded a catalog of classics that include “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” “A Song For You,” and “This Christmas.”

The Chicago native is one of three posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, alongside Dave Prater of Sam & Dave, the soul music pairing of Prater and Sam Moore, best known for the 1967 hit “Soul Man.” Eckstine, the third among the posthumous recipients, was a jazz legend and bandleader of the swing era. He died in 1993.

“Each year, the Recording Academy has the distinct privilege of celebrating music industry giants who have greatly contributed to our cultural heritage,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “This year, we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees and their exceptional accomplishments, contributions, and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.”

The Recording Academy also announced honorees of the 2019 Trustee Awards, including the late Nick Ashford, of Ashford & Simpson, the songwriting team responsible for timeless hits such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “You’re All I Need to Get By” and “I’m Every Woman.” Ashford, who died in 2011, will be honored along with his wife and music partner, Valerie Simpson.

A special award presentation ceremony celebrating the honorees will be held in Los Angeles on May, 11, 2019.