MusiCares, an organization dedicated to providing support to music industry professionals in need of financial, personal, or medical assistance, has announced that the Grateful Dead will be celebrated as its 2025 Persons of the Year.
On Wednesday, MusiCares shared that the original band members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir are set to be recognized for their charitable work, their exceptional capacity to create communities through concerts, and their significant effects on American music as they mark their 60th anniversary.
Throughout their storied career, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have championed a multitude of causes, including environmental preservation, mental health awareness, music education, and social justice initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty. Their efforts encompass projects like Lesh’s Unbroken Chain Foundation and Garcia’s work with the Rex Foundation.
The Grateful Dead will receive this prestigious honor during the 34th annual Persons of the Year benefit gala scheduled for January 31 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, just two nights before the Grammy Awards at the nearby Crypto.com Arena. The gala will also pay homage to Jerry Garcia, one of the band’s founding members and a prominent figure, who passed away from a heart attack in 1995. Following his death, the Grateful Dead disbanded but later reformed through various spin-off projects.
Commenting on the recognition, Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh, and Weir stated, “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. It’s not just about what we create but about ensuring the people behind it, those quietly making it happen each night, receive the support they need to persevere, regardless of life’s challenges.”
The band famously originated in the Bay Area in 1965, crafting an innovative blend of their improvisational, jam band style that encompasses acid rock, psychedelia, folk, jazz, Americana, and even Bakersfield country. They cultivated a unique subculture through their extensive touring, fostering a dedicated fan base known as Dead Heads and solidifying their status as one of the most sought-after live performances.
In 2007, they were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy. Earlier this year in February, the Grateful Dead set a new record for the most Top 40 albums appearing on the Billboard 200, outpacing legends Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra with a total of 59 entries. Remarkably, 41 of these Top 40 hits have been released since 2012, attributed to the growing popularity of David Lemieux’s compilation of archival albums.
In December, the band will also join the ranks of the 47th class of Kennedy Center Honorees. MusiCares executive director Laura Segura expressed in a statement, “Their legacy transcends music, having built a community of fans and collaborators that embody the spirit of connection and support. The band’s passion for the arts and philanthropy and their ongoing commitment to social causes have made a lasting impact that extends beyond the stage.”
Last year, Jon Bon Jovi was lauded for his musical and philanthropic contributions as MusiCares Person of the Year for 2024, while Fleetwood Mac became the first group to receive the award in its inaugural year, 2018.