Grammy Honors Music Greats

(AP)  Joan Baez, Ornette Coleman, the Doors and the Grateful Dead were recognized with lifetime achievement awards at the Grammys on Sunday.

"I could possibly, at the end of my life, (have) been recognized more for social and political activities than for vocal career," Baez, 66, said before the show.

Coleman said he was touched by the honor.

"It's good to know that human beings know of you and have some faith in what you're trying to do," said the 76-year-old jazz man.

Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh said he was "very excited" to get his first recognition from the recording academy.

"It's kind of a wonderful thing, after however many years of neglect, to be recognized," said Lesh, 66.

Other lifetime achievement honorees were Maria Callas, Bob Wills and Booker T. & the MG's. Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, founders of A&M Records, were also honored with the President's Merit Award for contributions to popular music.