In a monumental celebration of their enduring legacy, the Grateful Dead have been named the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year. This recognition, which coincides with the iconic rock band’s 60th anniversary, highlights their profound impact on music, philanthropy, and community-building. The original members of the band—Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir—will be honored for their unparalleled contributions to the music world, while also being celebrated for their decades-long commitment to social causes, including environmental conservation, mental health, music education, and more.
The gala, set to take place on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will serve as a centerpiece of GRAMMY Week 2025, just two nights before the GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This annual event is one of the most anticipated celebrations of music and philanthropy, and it promises to pay tribute to the Grateful Dead’s monumental influence both on and off the stage.
“MusiCares is proud to honor the Grateful Dead at the 2025 Persons of the Year Gala,” said Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “Their 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. 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.”
A Legacy of Musical Innovation and Humanitarian Efforts
Formed in 1965, the Grateful Dead revolutionized the music industry with their genre-defying blend of rock, folk, jazz, and avant-garde influences. Their groundbreaking approach to live performances, characterized by improvisation and extensive jams, attracted a devoted global following. The band’s musical experiments and communal approach to performing set them apart, ensuring their place in history as one of the most influential American bands of all time.
Beyond their musical success, the Grateful Dead’s commitment to philanthropy has been a driving force in their legacy. Each member of the band has championed various causes over the years, ranging from environmental preservation to mental health advocacy. Jerry Garcia, who passed away in 1995, played a key role in founding the Rex Foundation, an organization that supports the arts, education, and social causes. Mickey Hart’s advocacy for music therapy and brain health, Bill Kreutzmann’s passion for ocean conservation, Phil Lesh’s work with the Unbroken Chain Foundation, and Bobby Weir’s ongoing fight against climate change and poverty all underscore the band’s devotion to creating positive change.
“Music speaks to each of us, offering what we need to face life’s challenges, enhancing our joys, and helping us ease our sorrows. It’s about connection,” said Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh, and Weir in a joint statement. “We are deeply honored to be recognized as MusiCares Persons of the Year. This honor reflects the legacy of the music, which is bigger than us—about the connection between the music, the crew, and the Deadheads who have supported us throughout our journey.”
An Evening of Tribute and Reflection
The MusiCares Person of the Year Gala will be a night of celebration, with a cocktail reception, followed by a dinner and a tribute concert. Renowned musicians and artists will gather to perform songs from the Grateful Dead’s extensive catalog and reflect on the band’s immense cultural and musical influence. The evening will also include posthumous tributes to Jerry Garcia, who remains a central figure in the band’s legacy.
Since its inception in 1991, the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala has raised millions of dollars for the nonprofit’s health and human services programs, which provide critical resources for music professionals, including health care, addiction recovery services, disaster relief, and support during unforeseen personal emergencies. The Grateful Dead’s selection as honorees follows in the footsteps of previous honorees such as Jon Bon Jovi, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and Joni Mitchell.
“We want to recognize the community of Deadheads who have been with us every step of the way. We wouldn’t be here without you,” the band members added, highlighting the integral role their fans have played in their journey.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
The 2025 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala will be produced by Lewis & Clark, a live event broadcast outfit helmed by Joe Lewis and R.A. Clark, with Don Was joining as Musical Director. This special evening will continue the long-standing tradition of celebrating the intersection of music and philanthropy, and the Grateful Dead’s place within that tradition.
As the band enters their 60th year, they remain an embodiment of the power of music to inspire, heal, and connect. Their upcoming MusiCares tribute will be not only a celebration of their lasting influence but also a reaffirmation of their belief that music is a force for good in the world—something that transcends individual success and fosters community and support for those who need it most.
