Prince and Clash Honored With Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

On Saturday, February 1, the 2025 Grammy Special Merit Award ceremony recognized some of the finest musicians in history. Prince and The Clash were among those honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their outstanding contributions to the music industry.

Dr. Bobby Jones, Taj Mahal, Frankie Valli, Frankie Beverly, and Roxanne Shante were also honored this year for their unquestionable contributions to music. Per the Grammy website, this honor is bestowed upon musicians “who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.”

Prince and The Clash’s Music Legacy

Jimmy Jam, a former member of the Minneapolis band The Time and a close collaborator of Prince, discussed the late icon’s impact throughout the ceremony.

“He had the best work ethic of anybody I ever met,” Jam stated (via NME). “What that lesson taught me was that he saw me as better than I saw myself. I want to enlighten other people to their greatness.”

The Clash’s contribution to the industry was also recognized that evening. On behalf of the band, Chuck D of Public Enemy accepted the award after reading a statement from Topper Headon, Paul Simonon, and Mick Jones, the band’s surviving members.

A Night of Big Wins at the Grammys

The 2025 Grammy Awards night was held the following day, February 2, with legendary artists winning big in several categories. The Rolling Stones won Best Rock Album with Hackney Diamonds, while The Beatles won Best Rock Performance for “Now and Then,” a song from 2023.

Green Day (Saviors), Pearl Jam (Dark Matter), Jack White (No Name), and The Black Crowes (Happiness Bastards) were among the other nominees in the Best Rock Album category.

Several of the biggest names in music came together for an incredible evening of celebration during the ceremony, which was broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.