Steve Jobs will receive a posthumous Grammy award.

The Apple company boss, who died in October from a rare form of pancreatic cancer, will be honoured with the Trustees Award Grammy, for “outstanding contributions to the industry in a non-performing capacity”.

Steve’s company popularised the personal MP3 player with their iPod device, and set up the most commonly used digital method of music distribution worldwide through its iTunes store, as well as developing a number of software packages which have aided musicians to record relatively cheaply and easily.

The US National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) CEO Neil Portnowin said: “This year’s honourees offer a variety of brilliance, contributions and lasting impressions on our culture.

“It is an honour to recognise such a diverse group of individuals whose talents and achievements have had an indelible impact on our industry.”

Other Grammys announced include Lifetime Achievement awards for George Jones, Diana Ross, Glen Campbell and the late Gil Scott Heron; the poet, activist and speaker who died in May.

The Grammy Awards will take place on 12 February 2012 in Los Angeles.