Jon Bon Jovi is being recognized for his contributions to music and philanthropy!
On Thursday, the Bon Jovi founder, 61, was revealed as the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year. The rock star will be honored by the Recording Academy’s philanthropic organization at their Feb. 2 benefit, held two days before the 66th annual Grammy Awards.
The organization, which helps provide health and human services to members of the music industry, will recognize the music legend’s humanitarian efforts with a ceremony and tribute concert.
The “Livin’ On a Prayer” singer, who founded the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to alleviate hunger and homelessness, shared a statement in a press release about the honor. “I’m truly humbled to be this year’s MusiCares honoree. MusiCares’ work with music professionals is vitally important in creating much needed support and wellness programs that cultivate a healthier and more vibrant community for us all.”
He continued, “Philanthropic work has been a cornerstone of my life and has always run in tandem to my music career and achievements. Nearly two decades ago when I formed the JBJ Soul Foundation and JBJ Soul Kitchens, I saw firsthand and continue to see today the impact of charitable community-based work. I know this for sure: helping one’s community is helping one’s self.”
Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson were MusiCares’ 2023 Persons of the Year. Jon joins the pair, as well as a legendary list of past honorees, including Aerosmith, Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac and Joni Mitchell.
The Person of the Year honor is the singer/guitarist’s latest recognition from the Recording Academy. In the past, he has received 11 total Grammy nominations. The star and his band took home the best country collaboration with vocals for their collaboration with Jennifer Nettles, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” in 2007.
Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares, also shared a statement expressing the organization’s excitement in honoring Jon in 2024. “His remarkable contributions to rock and roll have not only left an indelible mark on the music industry, but also in the hearts of countless fans around the world,” Segura states. “Furthermore, his long-standing commitment to serving food-insecure and unhoused individuals inspires us all. We’re looking forward to celebrating him and the many ways he has made a difference in this world.”
The 2024 MusiCares Persons of the Year ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center during Grammys week on Feb 2., ahead of the Feb. 4 award ceremony. The event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, ceremony and benefit concert of to-be-announced artists paying tribute to the rocker.
