Jon Bon Jovi Named MusiCares Person of the Year

© REUTERS/BANG SHOWBIZ

Jon Bon Jovi Named MusiCares Person of the Year

Jon Bon Jovi, iconic rock figure and frontman of Bon Jovi, has been named the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year.

The “It’s My Life” singer will be honored at the 33rd annual Person of the Year benefit gala on February 2nd at the Los Angeles Convention Center, raising money for the leading music charity, which provides essential health and human services to professionals in the industry.

The artist was chosen for his "remarkable contributions" to rock and roll, as well as his work for people experiencing homelessness and those in poverty through his philanthropic endeavors.

Laura Segura, the Executive Director of MusiCares, expressed her enthusiasm about honoring Bon Jovi, stating, "MusiCares is thrilled to honor Jon Bon Jovi at the 2024 Person of the Year Gala. 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. 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."

Beyond the rock anthems that have defined his musical journey, Bon Jovi is equally recognized for his impactful philanthropy. In 2006, he established the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, a testament to his unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of hunger, poverty, and homelessness. This foundation, dedicated to recognizing and maximizing the potential of those affected by societal challenges, aligns seamlessly with MusiCares' mission to provide vital support to music professionals facing diverse needs.

"I'm truly humbled to be this year's MusiCares honoree," the 61-year-old rocker shared. "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."

Bon Jovi emphasized the symbiotic relationship between his philanthropic work and his musical journey, stating, "Philanthropic work has been a cornerstone of my life and has always run in tandem with 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 oneself."

With this honor, Bon Jovi joins an illustrious list of MusiCares honorees, including music legends like Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, and Dolly Parton.

The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony, which takes place two days before the Grammy Awards, promises an evening of glamor and goodwill. The gala includes a cocktail reception, a dinner, and a tribute concert featuring renowned musicians and artists paying homage to Bon Jovi.

Since 1991, the proceeds from this gala have contributed to MusiCares' health and human services programs, addressing the physical and mental health, addiction recovery, preventive clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief needs of the music community.

(Source: BANG Showbiz via Reuters Connect)