MusiCares® is thrilled to announce the Grateful Dead as its 2025 Persons of the Year. Celebrating six decades of musical innovation, philanthropic dedication, and boundless community spirit, the influential group will be honored at a star-studded tribute concert and dinner at the Los Angeles Convention Center on January 31.
As the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award 2007 recipients, the Grateful Dead have shaped music and culture for generations. Founding members Bobby Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart – joined by fellow Dead & Company members – will pay homage to the band’s enduring impact alongside a prestigious lineup of performers. They will also celebrate the legacy of their fellow 2025 Persons of the Year honorees and posthumous founding members, Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh.
An extraordinary roster of GRAMMY® Award-winning artists and nominees will take the stage to honor the Grateful Dead’s rich musical heritage, including:
- Zac Brown
- Stewart Copeland
- Mick Fleetwood
- Sammy Hagar (The Red Rocker)
- Bruce Hornsby
- Norah Jones
- Wynonna Judd
- Dave Matthews
- John Mayer
- Maren Morris
- Lukas Nelson
- Billy Strings
- The War On Drugs
- Vampire Weekend
- Dwight Yoakam
- Sierra Ferrell (GRAMMY® Award Nominee)
- Noah Kahan (GRAMMY® Award Nominee)
- Maggie Rose (GRAMMY® Award Nominee)
- My Morning Jacket (GRAMMY® Award Nominee)
- The War And Treaty (GRAMMY® Award Nominee)
The evening will be hosted by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television personality and devoted Deadhead Andy Cohen, with top touring comedian and podcaster Bert Kreischer joining as a presenter.
This year’s benefit gala takes on heightened significance as the music community rallies to support victims of the Greater Los Angeles wildfires, which have devastated the region. Funds raised during the event will ensure that music professionals have access to vital resources, including evacuation and relocation assistance, instrument replacement, home repairs, medical care, mental health services, and other essential living expenses.
“MusiCares has long been a beacon of hope during times of crisis,” said Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to honor the Grateful Dead’s incredible legacy while reflecting on the challenges facing our music community today. This event is a testament to how we can come together through music, support one another, and help rebuild lives.”
MusiCares has consistently provided critical assistance to music professionals during times of need, responding to crises such as Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, the Maui fires, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Beyond celebrating the unparalleled legacy of the Grateful Dead, this year’s event underscores the importance of coming together to uplift those who create the soundtrack of our lives, particularly in times of immense challenge.
“Music has the power to heal and comfort,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares. “This year’s gala honoring the Grateful Dead will not only provide a moment for our music community to unite after the devastating fires in Greater Los Angeles, but also raise essential funding for those in need. I look forward to standing with MusiCares and our guests for an impactful night.”
A portion of the proceeds from this event will also support transplant patients on behalf of Phil Lesh, honoring his commitment to this cause and the band’s broader philanthropic reach.
Event Details
- Date: January 31, 2025
- Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
- Highlights: Cocktail reception, dinner, and tribute concert
- Musical Director: Don Was
- House Band: Jeff Chimenti, Benmont Tench, Greg Leisz, Rick Mitarotonda, Grahame Lesh, Kendrick Scott, Terence Higgins
The 34th annual MusiCares Persons of the Year gala takes place just two days before the 67th GRAMMY® Awards telecast at Crypto.com Arena. This prestigious evening will celebrate the Grateful Dead’s enduring influence on music and culture since their formation in 1965.
Tables and Tickets
Tables and tickets are available at http://personoftheyear.musicares.org. For more information, please visit www.musicares.org or email personoftheyear@musicares.org.
Sponsors
This event would not be possible without support from our generous sponsors, including AEG, City National Bank, Francis Coppola Diamond Collection, Gnarly Head Wines, Klipsch Reference Premiere powered by Panasonic Automotive, Meta, Starbucks Coffee Company, StageWater, Wasserman Foundation, and Z. Alexander Brown Wine.
About MusiCares®
MusiCares helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world. Offering preventive, emergency, and recovery programs, MusiCares is a safety net for the music community. Our support includes financial, medical, and personal health assistance, as well as crisis management during natural disasters. To learn more, visit www.musicares.org.
