LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Lady Gaga will lead a tribute to late rock legend David Bowie at the Grammy Awards on Feb 15, organisers of the music industry's annual gala announced on Tuesday.

Gaga will perform "a multisensory testament to the icon's incredible artistry and a reflection of his limitless creativity," the Recording Academy said in a statement.

The tribute will be directed by Nile Rodgers of Chic fame, a longtime friend of Bowie who produced his disco-infused 1983 album Let's Dance.

Bowie, one of the most influential figures in pop music history who invented glam rock before experimenting in soul, electronica and jazz, died on Jan 10 after a previously undisclosed battle with cancer.

Lady Gaga - with her array of glittery on-stage personas and sexual openness - is one of many contemporary stars who claims artistic descent from Bowie.

Despite the wide respect for Bowie in the music world, the British artist won only one Grammy during his half-century career, which was for a video.

Bowie, who lived in New York but enjoyed more commercial success in Britain and several other European countries, was also presented a Grammy lifetime achievement award in 2006.

This year's Grammys, the biggest night in the US-based music industry, will also feature performances by superstar British ballad singer Adele as well as award nominees including rapper Kendrick Lamar, who is in the running in the most categories at 11.