The award was accepted by Apple's senior vice president of internet software and services, Eddy Cue, who thanked the crowd on behalf of Jobs' widow, Laurene, and his children.

"Accepting this award means so much to me because music meant so much to him. He told us that music shaped his life. It made him who he was. Everyone who knows Steve knows the profound impact that artists like Bob Dylan and the Beatles had on him," Cue said while accepting the award.

"When he introduced the iPod in 2001, people asked 'Why is Apple making a music player?' His answer was simple: 'We love music, and it's always good to do something you love'."

The Grammys this year wore a sombre look with the sudden death of Whitney Houston, who was found dead in her hotel room's bathtub, a day before the ceremony.

The awards also paid tribute to late singers Amy Winehouse and Etta James.