Yoel Henríquez, Danny Daniel, Kike Santander, Sergio George, Mario Quintero Lara and Gian Marco join the Hall of Fame; Lupita Infante, Marti Cuevas and Elizabeth Matthews receive special honors
(Photo: Desmond Child, Sergio George, Rudy Perez)
(Photo: Lupita Infante)
Credit: Manny Hernandez/LA MUSA AWARDS
Miami, FL. (October 15th, 2026) – The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted Yoel Henríquez, Danny Daniel, Kike Santander, Sergio George, Mario Quintero Lara and Gian Marco during the 13th anniversary celebration of LA MUSA AWARDS on October 14 in Miami. The evening brought together artists, songwriters, producers and music industry leaders to honor the creators behind Latin music, culminating in a tribute to Celia Cruz featuring Lucrecia, Sergio George, Emilio Estefan and Marlow Rosado’s band.
Hosted by actor and singer Jason Canela and singer-songwriter MŌRIAH at the Flamingo Theater Ballroom at The Four Ambassadors, the ceremony celebrated careers spanning salsa, Latin pop, regional Mexican music and the singer-songwriter tradition. Special awards also recognized Lupita Infante, music publisher Marti Cuevas and ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews.
Following an opening performance of “Que Esperas,” Paul Williams presented Cuevas, founder of Mayimba Music, with the Ralph S. Peer Publishers Award, recognizing her contributions to music publishing and the creative community.
The Hall of Fame inductions began with Sergio George, presented by actor and singer Anthony Ramos. Delia Orjuela inducted Mario Quintero Lara, while songwriter Jorge Luis Piloto presented Yoel Henríquez. Tribute videos and acceptance speeches highlighted the careers and contributions of the new members.
LSHOF co-founder Rudy Pérez inducted Danny Daniel, who also performed during the evening, accompanied by Jon Rose on piano. Gabriel Abaroa presented Kike Santander’s induction, continuing the recognition of this year’s class.
Gian Marco’s induction brought together Omar Alfanno, who introduced the presentation, and Emilio and Gloria Estefan, who welcomed him into the Hall of Fame. The Peruvian singer-songwriter then performed “Hoy,” connecting the recognition of his career with a live interpretation of his work.
(Photo: Gian Marco)
The special honors included the LA MUSA Elena Casals Award, presented to Lupita Infante by Elizabeth Rodda. Matthews received the Founders Award in a segment featuring LSHOF co-founders Rudy Pérez and Desmond Child, Gaby González and Mike O’Neill. Domino Saints, the duo of Gigi Ojeda and David Leal, performed “Aura” as part of the presentation.
The ceremony also paused to remember arrangers whose work helped shape the sound of Latin music, recognizing their contributions through an in memoriam segment.
Celia Cruz was honored posthumously with the Premio Legado, which Lucrecia accepted on her behalf during a tribute celebrating Cruz’s lasting influence on Latin music and culture. Lucrecia performed “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” accompanied by Sergio George on piano and musicians from Marlow Rosado’s band, with Emilio Estefan joining them for the performance.
The celebration closed with Lucrecia and Rosado’s band performing “La Vida Es un Carnaval,” followed by a salsa jam that carried the evening’s tribute to Cruz into its finale.
Founded by songwriter-producers Rudy Pérez and Desmond Child, the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame honors the songwriters and composers whose work has shaped Latin music and inspires new generations of creators. Its annual LA MUSA AWARDS ceremony brings that mission to the stage, recognizing the people behind the songs and their contributions across languages, genres and generations.
For more information about the LA MUSA AWARDS and the Latin Songwriters Hall Of Fame, visit www.LatinSongHall.org.
