The Velvet Underground and Nina Simone are among the artists in line to receive prizes at next year's Grammy Special Merit Awards.

They will be given Lifetime Achievement awards at the ceremony in February, which is due to take place before the main Grammys. Sly Stone, Shirley Caesar, Ahmad Jamal, Charley Pride and Jimmie Rodgers will also receive the award.

Speaking about the legacy of The Velvet Underground, the Recording Academy said: "Despite a relatively brief lifespan and limited commercial success, The Velvet Underground are now recognised as one of the most influential rock bands of all time.

"Comprising Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison, and Maureen ‘Moe’ Tucker, the band was, perhaps, ahead of their time, both visually and sonically. Often dubbed the quintessential proto-punk band, they’ve continued to be the benchmark for countless modern-rock movements over the past 50 years."

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Watch The Velvet Underground in action below: