Press Release
Source: National GUITAR Museum
The National GUITAR Museum announced that Al Di Meola, one of the most accomplished guitarists of the past 50 years, will receive its annual “Lifetime Achievement” Award. Di Meola is the twelfth recipient of the award.
Di Meola’s extraordinary guitar musicianship covers four decades of music, spanning styles from jazz fusion and rock to world music and pop. “Al’s playing astounded those of us who heard his first recordings with Return To Forever—when he was only 19 years old,” according to HP Newquist, the Executive Director of The National GUITAR Museum.
“His incredible speed, skill, and picking style were new to the ears of guitarists and music lovers everywhere. And he has been astounding us every year since. He is both an icon and an inspiration, and we’re honored to be able to recognize Al’s contribution to the guitar with this award.”
“I’m very honored to be receiving this Lifetime Achievement award from the National GUITAR Museum,” said Di Meola. “I fell in love with the guitar when I heard The Beatles and The Ventures, and I’ve been exploring every facet of the instrument ever since. After all these years and all the awards, I still find something new in the guitar every time I compose for a record and perform a concert. I’m thankful that my own experience with the guitar has influenced others, and I thank the NGM for selecting me as someone who has contributed to this beautiful instrument’s legacy.”
Al Di Meola – Photo Brady Lavin
Di Meola’s accomplishments are legendary. He was recognized as best jazz guitarist five years in a row by Guitar Player magazine (earning him induction in its “Gallery Of Greats”), and has released over three dozen albums as a solo artist, selling over six million albums with three gold records. The Grammy winner has also worked with musicians including Paco de Lucia, John McLaughlin, Stanley Clarke, Jean Luc-Ponty, Luciano Pavarotti, Paul Simon, Phil Collins, Carlos Santana, Steve Winwood, Tony Williams, Les Paul, and Stevie Wonder.
2022 will see Di Meola undertaking a world tour—alongside his now famous “House Concerts.”
In addition to this award, The National GUITAR Museum has invited Di Meola to serve on its board of advisors. He has graciously accepted and will be part of the museum’s efforts going forward.
More on Al Di Meola can be found at https://www.aldimeola.com/
About The National GUITAR Museum
The National GUITAR Museum (NGM) is the first museum in the United States dedicated to the history, evolution, and cultural impact of the guitar. Its touring exhibitions launched in 2011 and have been displayed in over 50 museums nationwide in the last decade. The NGM is at https://nationalguitarmuseum.com/
Al Di Meola joins previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients:
2010: David Honeyboy Edwards
2011: Roger McGuinn of The Byrds
2012: B.B. King
2013: Vic Flick
2014: Buddy Guy
2015: Tony Iommi
2016: Glen Campbell
2017: Bonnie Raitt
2018: Liona Boyd
2019: Jose Feliciano
2020: Eddie Van Halen
2021: Al Di Meola
The Museum’s Board of Advisors is comprised of guitar greats Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Howe, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, Liona Boyd, Tony Iommi, and now—Al Di Meola.
