Ramones, Parton to get lifetime Grammys

Country singer Dolly Parton and punk pioneers the Ramones are to receive lifetime achievement Grammy Awards next year.

Also to be honoured is George Beverly Shea, a Canadian singer of gospel music known for his participation in the Billy Graham Crusades. Shea is 101 and will be 102 when he receives his lifetime Grammy in a special ceremony Feb. 12, 2011.

The Recording Academy that organizes the Grammys announced seven artists to be honoured with lifetime achievement awards next February.

They include:

• British singer Julie Andrews, known for film and stage roles including The Sound of Music.
• Roy Haynes, the jazz drum and cymbal player who has performed with Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk.
• Juilliard String Quartet, a string quartet formed in 1946 at the famed New York music school.
• The Kingston Trio, artists who helped launch the folk revival of the 1950s with hits such as Tom Dooley.

Shea, born in Winchester, Ont., began as a youth singing in a church choir and had a 70-year career as one of the most revered gospel singers. He is known for his rendition of How Great Thou Art and for composing The Wonder of It All.

He won a Grammy in 1965 for best gospel recording for his album Southland Favourites.

Parton has had a 50-year career as singer, actor and philanthropist. She is known for hits such as Jolene, I Will Always Love You and 9 to 5.

The Ramones emerged out of New York's punk scene in the 1970s and were a major influence on later bands in the U.S. and U.K. Their trademark tracks include I Wanna Be Sedated, Blitzkreig Bop and Sheena is a Punk Rocker.

The band disbanded in 1996 and three of itsfounding members lead singer Joey Ramone, guitarist Johnny Ramone and bassist Dee Dee Ramone are all deceased.

The Ramones are the only honouree never to have won a Grammy Award.