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MusiCares has announced that the iconic Grateful Dead will be honored as the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year. This recognition coincides with the band’s 60th anniversary, celebrating original members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir for their significant contributions to music, dedicated philanthropic initiatives, and innovative efforts to build community through their performances and activism.
The gala will also feature tributes to co-founder the late Jerry Garcia. The 34th annual Persons of the Year benefit gala is scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, just two nights before the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Cryptodotcom Arena.
“MusiCares is proud to honor the Grateful Dead at the 2025 Persons of the Year Gala,” said Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “Their 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.”
In a joint statement, Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh, and Weir said, “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… We also want to recognize the community of Dead Heads for their unwavering support over the years — we wouldn’t be here without you.”
Since its launch in 1991, the Person of the Year gala has successfully raised funds to benefit MusiCares’ health and human services programs. The Grateful Dead now joins a distinguished group of recent honorees from MusiCares, which includes notable figures such as Jon Bon Jovi, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, and Joni Mitchell.
