The Late Jerry Garcia & His Grateful Dead Band Mates Named MusiCares’ 2025 Persons of the Year

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

The late Jerry Garcia is getting a special posthumous honor…

The half-Spanish American singer/songwriter/guitarist and his Grateful Dead band mates have been named as the 2025 Persons of the Year by MusiCares, with the band’s original members due to be feted at the organization’s annual gala concert and dinner on January 31, two days prior to the Grammys.

The honor will effectively kick off what may turn out to be a yearlong celebration of the 60th anniversary of the group’s founding. As always, the fundraiser for this charitable arm of the Recording Academy will culminate in a series of all-star performances covering the honoree’s catalog.

The evening will take place in its usual location in a vast ballroom at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

In the 33-year history of MusiCares events, this marks only the third time that a superstar group has been selected for the honor instead of an individual. The previous bands chosen were Fleetwood Mac in 2018 and Aerosmith in 2020.

It’s the first time that someone no longer among the living will be officially celebrated as part of the tribute. Garcia, who died in 1995 at the age of 53, will get his posthumous due during the evening, along with the four living Dead members from the original lineup — Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir.

The four musicians have played in spinoff groups since Garcia’s passing, with Weir and Hart continuing to be active as mainstays of Dead & Company.

That outfit officially retired from touring after a 2023 outing, but went on to play a ravenously well-received residency at Sphere in Las Vegas from May through August of this year.

Fans are hoping for a return engagement or some other live commemoration in the coming year to help mark the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead.

Don Was, who just served as musical director of last week’s Robbie Robertson tribute at the Kia Forum, will take up MD duties again for this event. Returning as producers are Lewis & Clark, a live event broadcast outfit made up of Joe Lewis and R.A. Clark.

Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares, said in a statement that the Dead’s legacy “transcends music, having built a community of fans and collaborators that embody the spirit of connection and support, something that is deeply aligned with MusiCares’ mission.

The band’s passion for the arts and philanthropy, along with their enduring commitment to social causes, has made a lasting impact that goes beyond the stage. It is a privilege to celebrate their contributions to both music and humanity.”

The Dead will be following in the footsteps of MusiCares’ 2024 honoree, Jon Bon Jovi, and a three-decade-long list of previous recipients that includes Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Bono, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Billy Joel, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young and Paul Simon.

Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh and Weir collectively issued a statement that said in part, “We are deeply honored to be recognized as MusiCares Persons of the Year. This honor is truly a testament to the legacy of the music, which has always been bigger than us — it’s about the connection between us, the crew, and all those who’ve been on this long strange trip. It’s not just about what we create, but about making sure the people behind it, behind us every night, the ones who quietly make it all happen, get the support they need to keep going, no matter what life throws at them. We’re grateful to stand with MusiCares and hope everyone continues to support this vital mission to ensure music thrives in perpetuity.”

MusiCares cited the group’s charitable efforts as one reason for their selection, noting how “Garcia’s involvement with the Rex Foundation, Hart’s work in music therapy and brain health, Weir’s advocacy for addressing climate change and combating poverty, Kreutzmann’s ocean conservation efforts, and Lesh’s Unbroken Chain Foundation underscore the band’s commitment to making a difference beyond the stage.”

MusiCares’ mission is to offer musicians in need a network of preventive, emergency and recovery programs.

Bruno Mars to Co-Chair the Grammy Museum’s Music Education Campaign

Posted on October 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bruno Mars is helping raise money for music education…

The Grammy Museum has announced a campaign for music education, featuring the 37-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer/songwriter, with the goal of raising $3 million to $5 million for their educational programs.

The funds raised over the 18-month campaign will provide free admission to the Grammy Museum in downtown Los Angeles for everybody up to age 18 and for all college students with ID and expanded access to their music education programs across the country.

In addition to Mars, the campaign is co-chaired by Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Shawn Mendes and Rosalía.

Michael Sticka, president and CEO of The Grammy Museum, says the museum’s goal is to raise “anywhere from $3 million to $5 million – and this money goes directly to the education programs. As of [October 7] we’re at about 25% of the top end of that goal, so there’s quite a bit of momentum here.”

That money has come from foundations. The museum is now starting to reach out to labels, publishers, artists, promoters and more for additional funding. “We’ve started some of the conversations with the industry,” Sticka says.

How’s that going? “No one has said no yet,” he replies.

Has anyone in the industry said “You make a lot of money from the Grammy telecast and from the MusiCares person of the year gala. Why don’t you fund your programs yourself?”

“We always hear that,” Sticka acknowledges. “I think there’s a general confusion out there of how everything is structured. The Grammy Museum Foundation is separate from the Recording Academy, so we don’t make any money off of the telecast. We’re separate from MusiCares, so we don’t see any of the money that comes in from person of the year. That goes to their important mission. We’re all part of the same family, but we are a separate entity.

“We do receive funding from the Recording Academy. They provide a healthy percentage of our operating budget, then we go out and we raise money. This money [that we raise] doesn’t go to salaries or overhead because the Academy helps subsidize that. This money goes directly to the education programs.

“Our goal with this campaign is very simple, to do our best to democratize music education by expanding our reach into underserved communities where access to our museum and educational programs could make a huge impact, and ultimately foster the next generation of music’s creators and leaders,” Sticka said in a statement.

Jesse & Joy Performance Clip to Be Featured on “MusiCares: Music on a Mission” Special

Posted on March 21, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Jesse & Joy will be heading on a special mission…

Fans will be able to view a previously recorded performance clip of the Mexican duo, comprised of brother Jesse Huerta and sister Joy Huerta, will at “MusiCares: Music on a Mission” on Wednesday, March 30.

The virtual event will also feature a performance clip by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, taken from the MusiCares Person of the Year gala on February 10, 2017, where Petty was the honoree. Petty died less than eight months later, one week after the end of the band’s 40th anniversary tour.

Other performances include Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, k.d. lang, Shawn Colvin, Fantastic Negrito, Gian Marco, Dante Spinetta, Amythyst Kiah, morgxn, Zach Person, Emily Wolfe and Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums .

According to a statement, the event will celebrate the power of music and also Joni Mitchell as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree.

Every dollar from ticket purchases will be distributed to those in need in the music community.

The event will include testimonials from members of the music community who have been helped by MusiCares. MusiCares’ partner in the event is Gibson, the Nashville-based instrument brand.

Music on a Mission will air on Mandolin, the concert livestream platform, on March 30 at 5:00 pm PT/8:00 pm ET.

Music on a Mission was first held in March 2021 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 17,000 people bought tickets. The event raised more than $2 million.

“We were blown away by the support from the music community, industry professionals and of course music fans,” Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares, said in a statement. “We’re so thankful that Gibson recognizes the importance of this event to both fans and professional musicians and that they’ve signed on to help us make Music on a Mission a reality again this year.”

Tickets are on sale now for $25 at https://bit.ly/MusiconaMission.

Sech to Perform This Week as Part of Billboard’s “Live At-Home Concert Series

Posted on September 7, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Sech’s ready to welcome you into his home…

The 26-year-old Panamanian singer is set to perform this week as part of Billboard’s Live At-Home concert series, which streams live on Billboard‘s Facebook page.

Sech will kick off the post-Labor Day weekend with a performance on Tuesday, September 8.

He’ll perform after rockers ASH – known for their 1996 hit “Goldfinger” – invite people into their space at 1:00 pm ET.

Sech – who recently released a remix of his track “Relacion” featuring Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Rosalia and Farruko – will perform at 3:00 pm ET.

Here’s the full schedule, and check back after the sets to revisit the performances:

Tuesday (Sept. 8) ASH — 1 p.m. ET; Sech — 3 p.m. ET

Wednesday (Sept. 9) Rebelution — 1 p.m. ET

Thursday (Sept. 10) Jeremy Zucker — 1 p.m. ET

The Billboard Live At-Home concert series launched at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. The series has been raising funds for non-profits chosen by the artists who have participated. So far, the At-Home concerts have benefited MusiCares, Feeding America, Meals on Wheels and many more.

Claudia Brant Returning to Sony/ATV Music Publishing

Posted on July 18, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Claudia Brant’s music will have a broader audience…

The 51-year-old Argentine singer-songwriter has signed a global publishing administration agreement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

Brant, whose credits include Luis Fonsi’s “No me doy por vencido” and Ricky Martin’s “Lo mejor de mi vida eres tu,” is one of a few prominent female songwriters in Latin music.

She returns to Sony/ATV after a stint at Universal Music Publishing Group.

“With over two thousand songs recorded, multiple awards, and 30 years of my life dedicated to songwriting, it’s clear to me now that Sony/ATV is where I belong,” said Brant in a statement. “It is my honor to be a part of this publishing powerhouse where songwriters are not only heard and understood but respected and taken care of. I am looking forward to getting back to work with my friend Jorge Mejia, whose hard work and dedication has greatly impacted my career. Moreover, I am thrilled to find new opportunities for my music under the guidance of the amazing Jon Platt and his team, both in the United States as well as internationally. I’m so glad to finally be back home.”

Brant has songwriting credits with many of Latin music’s biggest stars and beyond, including Camila Cabello, Fifth Harmony, Reik, Il Volo and CNCO.

She was also inducted into the Latin Songwriter’s Hall of Famein 2016 and is a National Trustee board member for The Recording Academy. She won a Grammy award for Best Latin Pop Album in 2019.

Her deal with Sony/ATV encompasses her prior catalog with the publisher.

Most recently, she created “Canción de Autor Oficial,” a non-profit whose aim is to promote songwriters’ craft and rights. The organization teamed up with MusiCares for a live event concert series to raise money for the COVID-19 relief fund.

Jorge Mejia, Sony/ATV president and CEO for Latin America and US Latin said in a statement: “I have known and worked with Claudia for years, and I couldn’t admire her more for the uncommon dedication, commitment, and respect she brings to her craft. She is the consummate songwriter (not to mention mother, artist, songwriter advocate, the list goes on). Sony/ATV is lucky to be able to welcome her back home.”

Ozuna Among 2,321 People Invited to Join the Recording Academy

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Ozunahas received a special invitation…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican reggaetonand Latin trap singer is among the 2,321 people who’ve been invited to join the Recording Academy.

This year’s “freshman class,” as the academy calls it, is 48% female (compared to 49% in last year’s freshman class invites), 21% African American/African descent (compared to 26%), 8% Hispanic (compared to 7%), 3% Asian American/Pacific Islander/Asian (same as last year) and 51% people who are age 39 or younger (same as last year).

Some of those invited didn’t disclose their demographic details. On gender, 3% did not disclose. On ethnicity, 13% didn’t disclose. On age, a whopping 25% didn’t disclose.

Women account for 26% of the academy’s overall membership, not just the freshman class (same as last year). People from traditionally-underrepresented communities account for 25%, up a point from last year’s 24%. People who are age 39 or younger account for 25%, down from 29% last year.

According to the academy, 79% of this year’s freshman class is being invited as potential voting members, the other 21% as (non-voting) professional members.

Laura Segura, the executive director of MusiCares, said last year that it’ll become harder and harder for the Recording

Academy to find qualified new members to invite unless the music industry extends more opportunities to women and people of color.

“We will face challenges with future new member classes if not enough women and people of color are being hired, mentored and have access to opportunities to lead and excel,” she said.

The Academy also created a 90-minute video, “Your Academy: Welcoming the 2020 New Member Class,” in which both current members, like John Legend and Yolanda Adams, and 2020 invitees, including Ozuna, discuss membership.

The discussion, held on Zoom on June 24, was moderated by Justin Joseph, Grammy.com editor-in-chief. The roundtable debuted today on GRAMMY.com.

In order to participate in the process for the upcoming Grammy Awards, prospective new members have to accept their invitations by September 15.

The 63rd Grammy Awards are scheduled to take place on January 31, 2021, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

More information on the Recording Academy’s membership process and requirements can be found here. Full details surrounding the new class can be found here.

Sheila E to Take Part in Ringo Starr’s 80th Virtual Charity Concert, “Ringo’s Big Birthday Show”

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Sheila E is celebrating a music legend…

Ringo Starr is throwing a virtual charity concert to celebrate his 80thbirthday on Tuesday, July 7, with the 62-year-old half-Mexican American percussionist, singer, author and actress set to take part.

“Ringo’s Big Birthday Show” will hit YouTube at 8:00 pm EST that night.

The show will include a mix of at-home performances and unearthed concert footage from Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark, Jr., Sheila E, Ben Harper, and others.

“I love birthdays,” says Starr. “This year is going to be a little different. There’s no big get-together, there’s no brunch for 100. But we’re putting this show together – an hour of music and chat. It’s quite a big birthday.”

The show will also include the debut of a new, guest-laden version of Starr’s 2017 song “Give More Love,” with Jackson Browne,Jeff Bridges, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and others.

Starr will also debut a series of tribute performances on his YouTube channel, from artists including Steve Earle, Peter Frampton and Judy Collins.

In addition, Starr is asking fans to “say, think, or post #peaceandlove at noon their local time on July 7th.”

The YouTube broadcast will benefit four charities: Black Lives Matter Global Network, The David Lynch Foundation, MusiCares and WaterAid.

Sheila E’s last album, Iconic: Message 4 America, was released in August 2017. She released the single “No Line,” featuring Snoop Dog, last year.

Brewster to Compete on the Next Installment of “Masterchef Celebrity Showdown”

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Jordana Brewster is ready to put her best apron forward for charity…

The lineup for the next installment of Masterchef Celebrity Showdown has been announced, with the 36-year-old Brazilian-Panamanian actress among those joining the two-hour charity event set to air January 2 at 8:00 pm on Fox.

Brewster, one of the stars of the The Fast and the Furious film franchise, joins a roster that includes Kal Penn, Anthony Anderson and former NFL stars Ronde Barber and Tiki Barber.

The special will also feature the first ever battle royale between Masterchef judges Gordon Ramsay and Christina Tosi, with Ramsay teaming up with Anderson to face off against Tosi and Brewster.

Here are the match-ups for the next Masterchef Celebrity Showdown:

Empire stars Trai Byers and Grace Gealey Byers representing Saving Our Daughters, vs. Nene and Gregg Leakes representing Broadway Cares.

Cheryl Hines cooking for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida, vs. Penn cooking for United Nations Relief and Works Agency.

Ronde and Tiki representing Kulture City, vs. Joel Madden and Benji Madden representing MusiCares.

Anderson and Ramsay representing Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, vs. Brewster and Tosi competing for No Kid Hungry.

Juanes to Perform at Bruce Springstreen Tribute Concert

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Juanes will be channeling The Boss next month…

The 40-year-old Colombian singer will perform at a special concert in Los Angeles in honor of Bruce Springsteen on February 8, according to the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Springsteen, the winner of 20 Grammy Awards, the first in 1985 for “Dancing in the Dark,” will be recognized for his impressive career and philanthropic activities.

The New Jersey native will be the person of the year at the MusiCares charitable concert, the funds collected from which each year are funneled to beneficial causes.

Juanes, who has sold 15 million albums worldwide, shared the stage last year with The Boss at a tribute in Texas to Woody Guthrie, an influential folk singer who particularly identified with social causes.

Also performing at the Springsteen tribute will be Sting, Elton John, Eddie Vedder, Neil Young, Tom Morello and Tim McGraw, Mumford & Sons and Alabama Shakes, among other artists.

Juanes, who has won several Latino Grammys and is also known for his humanitarian work through his Mi Sangre Foundation, will continue his Loud & Unplugged tour in 2013.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: MusiCares