Grateful Dead has been named as the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the year.
The legendary Bay Area band, which celebrates its 60th anniversary next year — is being “recognized for their immense contributions to music, their tireless philanthropic efforts and their pioneering role in fostering communities through their concerts and activism,” according to a news release from MusiCares, which is run by the Recording Academy, the same organization that puts on the annual Grammy Awards.
Longtime band members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir will be honored during the 34th annual MusicCares Persons of the Year benefit gala, which will also include a posthumous tribute to Jerry Garcia. The Jan. 31 event at the Los Angeles Convention Center will unfold two nights before the 67th annual Grammy ceremony next door at Crypto.com Arena.
The Grateful Dead’s “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” says executive director Laura Segura. “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.”
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The Grateful Dead has a long history of philanthropy that includes Garcia’s involvement with the Rex Foundation, the Grateful Dead’s philanthropic arm, as well as Hart’s efforts in music therapy and brain health, Weir’s support for agencies addressing climate change and combating poverty, Kreutzmann on ocean conservation efforts and Lesh working with his own Unbroken Chain charitable foundation.
“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,” the band said in a prepared 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.”
The Grateful Dead follows in a long line of distinguished past recipients of the MusiCares Person(s) of the Year honor, including Joni Mitchell, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy and Jon Bon Jovi.