Tom Petty To Be Honored As 2017 MusiCares Person Of The Year

Three-time Grammy winner Tom Petty has been named the 2017 MusiCares Person Of The Year. Petty will be honored at a gala dinner and concert in Los Angeles on February 10, 2017. Proceeds from the event benefit MusiCares, which ensures those in the music industry have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

“Tom burst into our musical consciousness and never let go,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and MusiCares. “His brand of rock and roll benefits from a celebratory rebelliousness, infectious rhythms and unforgettable lyrics that are incised in our imaginations. His artistic talents coupled with his quiet philanthropy make him a great MusiCares Person of the Year honoree, and we are very fortunate to have the support of our Board, past honorees and the musical community around this special event.”

“I am so very pleased to be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. I have so much respect for this organization, which really does care about the people in our industry,” said Petty. “I myself know many people who MusiCares has aided in desperate situations. Again, let me say this is a true honor.”

“Tom Petty is an icon whose incomparable artistry has provided inspiration to fans and musicians all over the world,” said Alexandra Patsavas, Chair of the MusiCares Foundation Board. “To honor him with this tribute is so fitting, and we certainly look forward to an exciting and extraordinary evening.”

Petty joins a list of previous honorees that includes Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Neil Young and James Taylor, among others.