MusiCares will honor the Grateful Dead as its 2025 Persons of the Year in honor of the band's immense contributions to philanthropy and American music. Original members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir will be celebrated for their communal impact and philanthropic endeavors, including environmental conservation, mental health advocacy, and poverty alleviation. Their charitable affiliations include Lesh's Unbroken Chain Foundation and Jerry Garcia's collaboration with the Rex Foundation.
The recognition event is slated for January 31 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, two days before the Grammy Awards, and promises tributes to founding member Garcia, who passed away in 1995. "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," Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh, and Weir said in a joint statement. "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."
MusiCares executive director Laura Segura praised their influence, stating, "Their legacy transcends music, having built a community of fans and collaborators that embody the spirit of connection and support." This accolade follows a tradition of MusiCares—which helps music professionals who need financial, personal or medical assistance—recognizing artists' dual impact in music and humanitarian work. MusiCares has been handing out its Person of the Year award since 2018; Jon Bon Jovi won it in 2024. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)