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The Recording Academy announced today that mulit-Grammy winning singer and songwriter James Taylor will be honored as the 2006 MusiCares Person of the Year at a ceremony on February 6. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the evening will celebrate Taylor and his musical achievements as well as his philanthropic ones. The celebration will feature a concert including such performers as Jackson Browne, David Crosby, The Dixie Chicks, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Sting and Taylor himself.
The evening, which begins with a reception, will also include a silent auction to raise money for the foundation. The list of items being auctioned off include an Ebony Gibson JR-200 Acoustic Electric Guitar signed by Paul Simon; “France’s Finest — The Grand Tour of France” with Viking River Cruises; a Peter Max personal portrait and VIP meet-and-greet at Max’s New York studio; three days and two nights aboard the world-famous Onassis yacht “Christina O” for 10 guests; a ladies 18 kt. ruby and diamond ring by Johnathon Arndt Gallery of Jewels and Tesoro diamond cufflinks by Jason of Beverly Hills. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the MusicCares Financial Assistance Program, which is there for members of the music industry in times of financial, personal or medical need.
In response to the 2005 hurricanes, the MusiCares Foundation established a multi-million dollar Hurricane Relief Fund to assist music people affected by the disasters. They also started “Music Rising,” which is raising funds to replace the instruments lost by the musicians of the Gulf Coast. Assisting in this effort is Gibson Guitars and the Guitar Center. Producer Bob Ezrin and many other music industry giants joined the effort which is committed to the goal of raising $2 million for the campaign.
Neil Portnow, President of the MusiCares Foundation and The Recording Academy said,
MusiCares and The Recording Academy take great pride in honoring James Taylor as a musician and humanitarian who has made groundbreaking contributions to our culture and to the world at large. James exemplifies a unique creative spirit and his dedication to a range of philanthropic causes serves as an example and an inspiration to our entire music community.
The Foundation dinner, along with a memorabilia auction, will take place two days before the 48th Annual Grammy Awards air live on CBS.
