Music On A Mission Returns For 2022: Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Fantastic Negrito, Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums & More To Perform

After a successful inaugural event in 2021, the Music On A Mission virtual concert returns this year. Presented by Gibson on Wednesday, March 30, the livestream event will also feature a never-before-seen MusiCares performance from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

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***Editor’s Note:** The initial announcement for Music On A Mission 2022 on March 21 included Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums as a performer; he can no longer participate in the event. Additionally, GRAMMY-winning rock group Cage The Elephant will now be performing. This article was updated on March 22 and March 25, respectively, to reflect the updated lineup.*

GRAMMY Award-winning artists Brandi Carlile, Cage The Elephant, Fantastic Negrito, Jason Isbell, Jesse &amp; Joy, k.d. lang, and Shawn Colvin, Latin GRAMMY Award winners Dante Spinetta and Gian Marco, GRAMMY Award nominee Amythyst Kiah, along with Emily Wolfe, morgxn, and Zach Person will join the performance lineup at the **[MusiCares: Music on a Mission Presented by Gibson](https://boxoffice.mandolin.com/products/musicares-music-on-a-mission-general-admission)** on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET. The evening will also feature a never-before-seen MusiCares performance from GRAMMY Award-winning artist Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

The virtual concert will celebrate both the power of music and **[Joni Mitchell as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree](https://www.musicares.org/news/person-of-the-year-2022-performers-announced-beck-brandi-carlile-cyndi-lauper-st-vincent-jon-batiste-black-pumas-mickey-guyton-joni-mitchell)**, with every dollar of ticket purchases distributed to those in need in the music community.

Music on a Mission will air on **[Mandolin](https://mandolin.com/watch/33d819dc-955e-4455-89bd-591b44b0b563)**, the premier concert livestream platform for artists, venues and fans.

For Music on a Mission, MusiCares has partnered with Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand headquartered in Nashville, TN, that has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians across the globe, and emerged as the most relevant, played and loved guitar brand around the world. MusiCares and Gibson are excited to bring back Music on a Mission for music fans worldwide to enjoy **[GRAMMY Week](https://www.grammy.com/news/recording-academy-announces-official-schedule-grammy-week-2022-grammys-64th-annual-awards-musics-biggest-night)** and be a part of helping musicians in need because music gives so much to the world.

The virtual broadcast and fundraising event will include never-before-seen performances from today’s biggest stars and impassioned testimonials from members of the music community who have been helped by MusiCares.

"Music on a Mission started as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we were blown away by the support from the music community, industry professionals and of course music fans," MusiCares’ Executive Director  Laura Segura said. "We're so thankful that Gibson recognizes the importance of this event to both fans and professional musicians and that they’ve signed on to help us make Music on a Mission a reality again this year."

"MusiCares does so much for our music community, the critical care and aid they provide is needed now more than ever in recent years,"  Elizabeth Heidt, VP of Global Cultural Influence at Gibson Brands, adds. "As a key partner of Gibson Gives, it is not only our honor, but also our duty to help bring Music on a Mission back, and to continue to raise awareness and funds for MusiCares."

Music on a Mission was **[first held in March 2021](https://www.musicares.org/news/musicares-music-mission-2021-grammy-week-john-legend-her-bts-lady-gaga)** to respond to the thousands of live event professionals, tour crews, songwriters, producers, engineers, performers, and support staff left unemployed as the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the music community. Upwards of 17,000 people bought tickets, with over 850,000 supporter pageviews, raising over $2 million, which was distributed directly back into the hands of those in need in the music industry.

Tickets for Music on a Mission Presented by Gibson are on sale now for $25 **[here](https://bit.ly/MusiconaMission)**.

**[Performers Announced For 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year Benefit Gala: Beck, Brandi Carlile, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Porter, Jon Batiste, Pentatonix &amp; More Confirmed](https://www.musicares.org/news/person-of-the-year-2022-performers-announced-beck-brandi-carlile-cyndi-lauper-st-vincent-jon-batiste-black-pumas-mickey-guyton-joni-mitchell)**

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Music On A Mission 2022: Full Performer Lineup

Music On A Mission Returns For 2022: Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Fantastic Negrito, K.D. Lang, Cage The Elephant, & More To Perform

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Here’s What To Expect At The 2023 Persons Of The Year Gala

Ahead of the Feb. 3 event, get a feel for the excitement that will take place at the 2023 Persons of the Year gala — including an epic tribute concert and some unforgettable surprises.

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This Friday, Feb. 3, marks the return of MusiCares' Annual GRAMMY Week Gala — better known as Person of the Year —  to the Los Angeles Convention Center, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event to take a near three-year hiatus from the venue. Although guests can rest assured many of the event's classic features (a star-studded concert, a catered dinner, a silent auction) remain the same, no two Person of the Year events are exactly alike.

This year is going to be especially unique, as MusiCares has not one but two honorees. The Persons of the Year gala will honor Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and will feature a stacked lineup of performers to pay tribute to the Motown legends, among many other exciting moments.

To make sure you're cruisin' seamlessly into this year's celebration, here's what to expect at the 2023 Persons of the Year event!

### An All-Night Dance Party

The Motown catalog is one of the most epic in music history, rife with upbeat hits that make it simply impossible to not get up and move. In fact, the concert portion of this year's event features over five songs that have hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100!

Plus, this year's house band is led by the best of the best, the acclaimed Greg Phillinganes, who has worked with an endless list of talent including Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, and more.

Make sure you wear your dancing shoes — because you're sure to be dancing in the streets!

### GRAMMY Award Winners and Best New Artist Nominees

With [over 20 performers set to take the stage](https://www.musicares.org/news/2023-persons-of-the-year-performers-grammys-tribute-concert-motown-smokey-robinson-berry-gordy-stevie-wonder-lionel-richie-brandi-carlile), this year's concert is jam-packed with GRAMMY nominees and winners of years past — Sheryl Crow, John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Mumford &amp; Sons and the Temptations, to name a few.

But the show will also feature three artists who are up for Best New Artist at the 2023 GRAMMYs: 23-year-old jazz vocalist Samara Joy, bluegrass singer and multi-instrumentalist Molly Tuttle, and contemporary jazz duo DOMi &amp; JD Beck. All three are performing for the very first time on the Persons of the Year stage, and all three are up for Best New Artist at this year's GRAMMY Awards.

Whether GRAMMY alumni or first-timers, the artistry is sure to blow you away.

### One-Of-A-Kind Auction Items

MusiCares' gala wouldn't be complete without a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences. Proceeds from the auction help to support MusiCares' vital health and human services that support music people who have fallen on hard times.

This year's auction includes amazing travel packages, gallery pieces, signed guitars, and a virtual wine tasting with 2023 Persons of the Year Honoree Smokey Robinson himself! Bidding is open now at[ this link](https://one.bidpal.net/) and will close at approximately 8:15 pm PT on February 3rd, 2023. If you are a winner, you will be able to pick up your item at Auction check out after the tribute concert. 

### A Motown Reunion

MusiCares knows there ain't nothing like the real thing — which is why we've gathered your favorite Motown artists to come and pay tribute to the incomparable Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson.

Get excited for musical giants to take the stage, including the Temptations, the Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Four Tops, and more! Performing their timeless hits, these Motown legends will reunite to create a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience.

### The Unexpected!

Finally, we encourage all guests to expect the unexpected, because we've got some exciting surprises in store for Friday evening. While we can't say much, we heard it through the grapevine that these surprises will surely make for one unforgettable night.

*For more information on MusiCares Persons of the Year, visit our event guide and FAQ at* [https://one.bidpal.net/personoftheyear/custom/custom3](https://one.bidpal.net/personoftheyear/custom/custom3).

[Listen: 40 Songs To Honor Berry Gordy &amp; Smokey Robinson, The 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year](https://www.musicares.org/news/person-year-2023-motown-playlist-essential-songs-berry-gordy-smokey-robinson-2023-grammys-65th-grammy-awards)

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What To Expect At 2023 Persons Of The Year Gala

Hero: What To Expect At POTY 2023

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Morgan Enos

MusiCares Person of the Year: Motown Playlist - SHELL ARTICLE

For a primer or refresher on the storied partnership between Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson on Motown Records, here are 40 songs that bear both of their fingerprints.

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The joint legacies of Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson can seem almost incalculable. After all, their imprints on American music and culture are so profound as to be irreversible.

Gordy founded the titanic Detroit label Motown Records back in 1959. And just as crucial to its legacy is Robinson, Gordy's first signee — as well as his creative and business partner, and best friend of more than 65 years.

For all its enormity, it *is* possible to contain the essence of this partnership in 40 songs — ones Robinson sang for Motown, or wrote for another Motown artist. In one way or another, each of the tracks below bears the stamp of each American innovator.

Before Gordy and Robinson's legacies will be celebrated at the 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year gala on Feb. 3, brush up on some of the most iconic and pivotal Motown tracks.

Below, listen to a 40-track playlist that highlights just a handful of the contributions Gordy and Robinson have made to music, from "Shop Around" to "My Girl" to "Who's Lovin' You" and beyond.

Gordy/Robinson Playlist: Amazon Music Embed

Gordy/Robinson Playlist Readmore

[5 Ways Berry Gordy And Smokey Robinson's Philanthropic Efforts Supported The Music Community &amp; The World](https://www.musicares.org/news/smokey-robinson-berry-gordy-persons-of-the-year-2023-grammys-honorees-motown-support-music-community-charity-philanthropy)

Berry Gordy & Robinson In 40 Songs: Listen

Listen: 40 Songs To Honor Berry Gordy & Smokey Robinson, The 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year

Hero: MusiCares Person of the Year: Motown Playlist

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The 2023 Musicares Persons Of The Year Tribute Honoring Berry Gordy And Smokey Robinson

An incredible lineup of GRAMMY-winning artists will perform at the tribute concert on Feb. 3, two days before the 2023 GRAMMYs. See the full lineup, including Mumford & Sons, Lionel Richie, The Isley Brothers, Michael McDonald and more.

BODY 1 - MusiCares 2023 POTY Tribute Concert

A litany of the world's most talented music industry artists will perform at the 32nd annual [MusiCares Persons of the Year](https://www.musicares.org/news/person-of-the-year-2023-honorees-berry-gordy-smokey-robinson-motown-gala-grammys) benefit gala honoring Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson on Feb. 3, 2023 —  two days before the [2023 GRAMMY Awards](https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammys-full-where-can-i-when-how-to-watch-what-channel-online-livestream) on Sunday, Feb. 5.

The Recording Academy has announced the following GRAMMY Award nominated and winning artists will all perform in tribute at this year's MusiCares concert: Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Lalah Hathaway, The Isley Brothers, Samara Joy, John Legend, Michael Mcdonald, Jimmie Allen, Pj Morton, Valerie Simpson, Mumford &amp; Sons, Lionel Richie, The Temptations, Trombone Shorty, Molly Tuttle, and Sebastián Yatra, and Chloe x Halle. Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Dionne Warwick and the Four Tops, will also perform, as well as singer/songwriter Rita Wilson. Fellow Detroit native, Greg Phillinganes, will join the special evening as Musical Director. 

This year's MusiCares tribute will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center and includes a reception and silent auction, followed by a dinner and the concert. Performers will pay tribute to the individual Motown musical legacies created by Gordy and Robinson, as well as the music they created together during their decades-long friendship. 

"I am so excited to share the always wonderful MusiCares event with my best friend Smokey Robinson and I can't wait to hear these wonderful artists celebrate the Motown music," says Berry Gordy, founder of Motown. 

"I'm so excited for this year’s MusiCares lineup. These artists are my friends and I not only love them, but I'm honored that they will be performing my music, along with hits from the Motown catalogue," added Smokey Robinson.

The event will provide essential support for MusiCares, the leading music charity providing music professionals health and human services across a spectrum of needs, a [philanthropic ambition](https://www.grammy.com/news/smokey-robinson-berry-gordy-persons-of-the-year-2023-grammys-honorees-motown-support-music-community-charity-philanthropy) shared by legends and honorees, Gordy and Robinson.

"We're bringing together such a unique lineup of artists not only to pay tribute to Mr. Gordy, Mr. Robinson and Motown, but also to raise awareness of the critical health and social service needs within the music community," said Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. "The funds raised from Persons of the Year will allow MusiCares to continue to provide vital services throughout the year to the music community and continue to serve those who make the songs and events we all love possible."

Since 1991, money raised from this gala has gone toward MusiCares programs and services that assist the music community, including physical and mental health, addiction recovery, preventative clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief. This year's event has been made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including AEG, ELS STUDIO 3D Premium Audio, Meta, United Airlines, Wasserman Foundation, and product donations from GREY GOOSE Vodka, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and FIJI Water.

"We are thrilled to see such an incredible array of talented performers coming together to honor Smokey and Berry, two legends who have helped define modern music," said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. "This celebration spotlights MusiCares' ongoing commitment to serve all music people and we look forward to an unforgettable night."

Gordy and Robinson join a prestigious list of recent MusiCares honorees including Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, and Aerosmith. 

[5 Ways Berry Gordy And Smokey Robinson's Philanthropic Efforts Supported The Music Community &amp; The World](https://www.musicares.org/news/smokey-robinson-berry-gordy-persons-of-the-year-2023-grammys-honorees-motown-support-music-community-charity-philanthropy)

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Performers For 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year

Sheryl Crow, The Temptations, John Legend & More To Perform At The 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year Tribute Honoring Berry Gordy And Smokey Robinson

Hero: 2023 Musicares POTY Tribute Concert

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5 Ways Berry Gordy And Smokey Robinson’s Philanthropic Efforts  Supported The Music Community & The World

Berry Gordy and his first Motown signee, Smokey Robinson, are the 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year. Here's how they have uplifted the music community and beyond.

BODY 1 - MusicCares POTY Berry Gordy & Smokey Robinson

Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson may have burrowed into the hearts of Americans as creative partners responsible for  a litany of Motown hits, but that's not the full story.

For decades, both the Motown founder and the Miracles star have been philanthropic heavyweights — in the service of the music community directly, and the global community at large. 

As the MusicCares Persons Of The Year for 2023, the Recording Academy — the world's leading society of music professionals — honors  Gordy and Robinson’s humanitarian work in support of the music community and beyond. 

Read on for five ways Gordy and Robinson have made significant efforts that benefited the music community and the world at large.

## **They Support Arts &amp; Music Programs In Schools**

Detroit is where Gordy and Robinson were born and reared, so their efforts to give back to Motor City only make sense.

In 2006, Gordy offered an [after-school program](https://smokeyrobinson.com/music-legend-smokey-robinson-makes-a-generous-donation-to-a-south-la-school/) for budding musicians on behalf of the Motown Center. 

"I'm happy with the job [Tanya](https://top40-charts.com/artist.php?aid=9819) \[Heidelberg-Yopp of Motown Center\] and her team are doing with this exciting program," Gordy said at the time. "I'm glad to see young people growing in a positive direction." 

This education-first purview extends out west with Robinson’s efforts. In 2022, Robinson made a [generous donation](https://smokeyrobinson.com/music-legend-smokey-robinson-makes-a-generous-donation-to-a-south-la-school/) to a school in South Los Angeles.

"I am so so happy these kids still have access to music and they still have programs where they can play music," Robinson said in a statement. 

"When I was in elementary school, I was in a band and played the saxophone," he added with amusement, "and we didn't sound nearly as good as these kids."

## **They Help Young People In Performing Arts**

Founded by songwriter and Motown alumna, Janie Bradford, the Heroes And Legends (HAL) Scholarship Foundation aims to aid at-risk youth by putting them on track to participate in performing arts. Gordy and Robinson are counted as key contributors to this mission.

The HAL Scholarship Foundation publicly recognized both of their efforts at the final installment of the [HAL Awards](https://www.yahoo.com/now/motown-alumni-reunite-final-heroes-162953476.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMfZX1z92Njpxt6jNO_xdWI_RB8AJY0rzdfjMGpkhwMJ31qjh-dSk23xZvKnCeyO2ew5oQZOxiDf7hatCJyP9GCyz5UmU6fJIfUKBl4uKPNb64gTFEt4XGvadQJ4N36VSFlpw0pV850CopPPxjaYAvY5Lh2lZ_nKiCYCoCib5_l4) in 2022. 

Gordy appeared at the star-studded gala — along with a litany of [Motown alumni](https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/motown-alumni-gather-for-the-heroes-and-legends-awards/) — for this crucial cause.

## **They Invest In Detroit Via The Motown Museum**

In 2019, Gordy [donated $4 million](https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2019/09/04/berry-gordy-donates-millions-motown-museum-expansion/2204383001/) to the Motown Museum — not only a boon to this epicenter for musical expression, but an investment in Detroit as one of America's great music cities. 

The $50 million, 50,000-square-foot complex stands on the Hitsville, U.S.A. site on West Grand Boulevard, home of Motown's original headquarters.

An expansion concluded in 2022, marked with a grand reopening. At the event, Robinson delivered a touching speech.

"There are kids who haven't been born yet, whose parents haven't been born yet, who will know about Motown," the [Miracles star said](https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2022/08/09/motown-museum-expansion-smokey-robinson-temptations/10270239002/).

## **They Advocate For The MusiCares MAP Fund**

The MusiCares MAP fund served to provide members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation.

In 2016, the MusiCares MAP Fund [threw a tribute concert](https://smokeyrobinson.com/musicares-map-fund-to-honor-smokey-robinson/) in honor of Robinson, featuring GRAMMY-nominated artists El DeBarge and Kem, and GRAMMY winners Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Cee Lo Green.

In a statement, the Recording Academy's then-president and CEO, Neil Portnow, noted that Robinson is a "passionate advocate for the MusiCares MAP Fund." Gordy [served](https://eurweb.com/2016/musicares-map-fund-concert-honors-smokey-robinson/) as the Honorary Tribute Chair for the event.

## **They Uplift Global Health &amp; Dignity**

Gordy and Robinson's philanthropy extends beyond the music industry to benefit communities globally. — 

In 2021, Gordy made a generous donation to the Saint John's Health Center Foundation, which funds the Berry Gordy Clinical Research Laboratory at Providence Saint John's Health Center.

"I want the discoveries made at the lab to have an impact on the Black community and all communities in need," Gordy [said in a statement](https://saintjohnsfoundation.org/story/health-thats-what-i-want/). "Disease affects all of us. Motown made music for all of us. Health care should be the same way."

Another universal human need is water. Robinson has been an outspoken advocate for ameliorating water-borne diseases for more than a decade. 

In 2012, the singer launched a social media site called Smoke Alarm to raise awareness about important issues utilizing his professional and celebrity connections. The issue of clean drinking water was their [first order of business](https://www.enn.com/articles/45021-smokey-robinson-launches-smoke-alarm-site-to-fight-water-borne-diseases).

Whether giving the world tantalizing tunes, safe water or good health, Gordy and Robinson are undeniable lights in the universe, and forces for good. And *that's* why they're the 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year.

[10 Ways MusiCares Supported The Music Community In 2022](https://www.musicares.org/news/programs-support-2022-summary-recap-initiatives-music-community-tuned-partnership-mental-health-treatment)

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