Los Angeles, US, Feb 3 (EFE).- American rocker Jon Bon Jovi was honored as the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year on Friday night for his contribution to the music industry and philanthropic work.
The 33rd edition of the awards, presented by MusiCares, the philanthropic branch of the Grammy Awards, and given each year to a music star for their legacy and philanthropic work, was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
“The men and women who have received this honor before me are like a Mount Rushmore of the music biz,” said the artist, dressed in a black suit.
The gala was hosted by comedian Jim Gaffigan and featured performances by Melissa Etheridge, Shania Twain, Jason Isbell, Brandy Clark, Damiano David, Goo Goo Dolls, Jelly Roll and Marcus King.
Also present were Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen, whom Bon Jovi hailed as “my hero, my friend, my mentor.”
Earlier MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton and Smokey Robinson.
The non-profit organization MusiCares joined the Recording Academy, which presents the prestigious Grammy Awards, in 1993 to support different programs that safeguard the well-being of musicians, including through financial grants.
The Person of the Year gala is MusiCares’ main fundraising event.
Jon Bon Jovi, who was accompanied by his wife Dorothea Hurley and daughter Stephanie Rose Bongiovi, founded the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and the JBJ Soul Kitchens almost two decades ago to provide food, affordable housing and job training programs in the United States.
“Philanthropic work has been a cornerstone of my life and has always run in tandem to my music career and achievements,” the rock star had said when he learned that he had been named the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year.
A series of events organized by the Recording Academy have taken place in the run up to the 66th edition of the Grammy Awards, which are scheduled for to be held on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. EFE
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