13th LA MUSA Awards Put the Hitmakers Behind Latin Music’s Biggest Songs in the Spotlight
MIAMI — The people behind the hits had their moment Wednesday night as the 13th annual LA MUSA Awards welcomed six new members into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, with Oscar winner Paul Williams, actor and singer Anthony Ramos, and Gloria and Emilio Estefan joining the celebration.
Held October 14 at the Flamingo Theater Ballroom at The Four Ambassadors, the ceremony inducted Sergio George, Gian Marco, Kike Santander, Mario Quintero Lara, Yoel Henríquez and Danny Daniel. Jason Canela and MŌRIAH hosted.
The class reflected the breadth of Latin songwriting, spanning salsa, tropical music, Latin pop, regional Mexican music and the singer-songwriter tradition. Founded by Rudy Pérez and Desmond Child, the organization celebrates those creative contributions while supporting future songwriters through education and professional development.
Ramos presented George’s induction, while the Estefans joined Omar Alfanno in welcoming Gian Marco, who performed “Hoy.” Williams presented Mayimba Music founder Marti Cuevas with the Ralph S. Peer Publishers Award.
Williams brought his own chapter of film-music history: He shared the original-song Oscar with Barbra Streisand for “Evergreen,” the love theme from the 1976 A Star Is Born.
Lupita Infante received the LA MUSA Elena Casals Award from peermusic’s Elizabeth Rodda, recognizing her career and contributions to Latin music. In accepting, Infante discussed how music helped reconnect her with her roots following her father’s death.
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews received the Founders Award from BMI President Mike O’Neill, bringing a moment of friendly rivalry to the stage as the leaders of two competing performing rights organizations celebrated songwriting’s enduring impact.
The evening’s finale belonged to Celia Cruz, honored posthumously with the Premio Legado. Lucrecia accepted and performed “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” with George, Marlow Rosado’s musicians and Emilio Estefan, before closing with “La Vida Es un Carnaval” and a salsa jam.
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