Credit: Neal PrestonTom Petty has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and next he’ll receive another prestigious honor, when he’s recognized as the MusiCares Person of the Year. The veteran rocker will be celebrated at a gala event in Los Angeles Friday, February 10, two days before the 59th annual Grammy Awards are held at L.A.’s STAPLES Center.
Petty will be recognized for his musical accomplishments — including his work with his band The Heartbreakers and as a solo artist — as well as his strong support for artists’ rights and his charitable endeavors, which often have focused on aiding the homeless community in the L.A. area.
“I am so very pleased to be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year,” says Petty in a statement. “I have so much respect for this organization, which really does care about the people in our industry. I myself know many people who MusiCares has aided in desperate situations.”
The 27th annual MusiCares Person of the Year gala will feature a star-studded tribute concert saluting Petty, along with a reception, dinner, silent auction and award presentation. The event will benefit the MusiCares Foundation, which provides medical, financial and personal assistance to musicians in need.
Neil Portnow, the president and CEO of The Recording Academy and MusiCares Foundation, says of Petty, “Tom burst into our musical consciousness and never let go. His brand of rock and roll benefits from a celebratory rebelliousness, infectious rhythms, and unforgettable lyrics that are incised in our imaginations. His artistic talents coupled with his quiet philanthropy make him a great MusiCares Person of the Year honoree.”
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