Morgan Enos

Berry Gordy And Smokey Robinson To Be Honored At The 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year Gala

For the first time ever, the esteemed gala will honor two leading lights of music — while celebrating the indomitable legacy of Motown.

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MusiCares has revealed its honorees for its venerated gala ahead of the 2023 GRAMMYs — with a soulful twist.

The philanthropic arm of the Recording Academy has named Motown founder, GRAMMY nominee, Recording Academy President's Merit Award honoree, and recipient of the GRAMMY Museum's Architect of Sound Vision Award, Berry Gordy, as one of their Persons Of The Year.

Which brings us to another big change this year — this will be MusiCares' first *Persons* Of The Year Gala. And who better to honor alongside the songwriter, producer and founder of Motown Records than his best friend, and first writer and artist? Yes, the one and only, GRAMMY-winning musical giant Smokey Robinson.

Proceeds from the gala honoring Gordy and Robinson will provide essential support for MusiCares, the leading music charity providing music professionals health and human services across a spectrum of needs. The tribute will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Fri, Feb. 3, 2023, two nights before the 2023 GRAMMYs.

"MusiCares is thrilled to be honoring Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson at the 2023 Persons of the Year gala, which will be the first time we are honoring two legends together," Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares, said in a statement. "With Mr. Gordy as the creator of the Motown Sound, and Mr. Robinson as his first writer and artist, their music, along with the many others who joined Motown, reached out across a racially divided country to transform popular music, creating a musical legacy like no other."

The MusiCares Persons of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week. It includes a reception and silent auction, offering an exclusive selection of one-of-a-kind items for bidding guests, followed by a dinner and tribute concert, featuring renowned musicians and other artists paying tribute to Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson.

"Wow! How honored I am to be named the MusiCares Persons of the Year, and together with my best friend of over 65 years, the great Smokey Robinson. How special is that!" Gordy said in a statement. "I am grateful to be included in MusiCares' remarkable history of music icons. The work they do is so critical to the well-being of our music community, and I look forward to a most exciting evening." 

Adds Smokey Robinson: "I have supported MusiCares for many years and know what great work they do for our creative community who need our help. Recently, when no one could tour, they were a lifeline to those in the touring industry for monetary help and mental health services. I am honored that they have chosen me and my best friend and Motown founder Berry Gordy to share this beautiful honor and celebrate with you all together."

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. The safety of our honorees, guests, performers, and staff is our first priority. The event will follow all necessary COVID-19 precautions, safety guidelines and requirements set forth by health officials.

Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson join a prestigious list of recent MusiCares honorees including 2022 honoree Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, and Aerosmith.

The event will again be produced by live event broadcast outfit Lewis &amp; Clark, made up of Joe Lewis and R.A. Clark. Fellow Detroit native Greg Phillinganes will join the special evening as Musical Director.

Tables are available for purchase at [http://personoftheyear.musicares.org/](http://personoftheyear.musicares.org/). For more information about MusiCares Persons of the Year, please visit [www.musicares.org](http://www.musicares.org/) or email [personoftheyear@musicares.org](mailto:personoftheyear@musicares.org).

[Here's What's Happening At MusiCares This Month: October 2022](https://www.musicares.org/news/whats-happening-at-musicares-october-2022-austin-city-limits-sky-festival-chicago-elegibility)

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MusiCares POTY: Berry Gordy & Smokey Robinson

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Anna Culbertson

Humans Of Hip Hop D.C. Co-Creation Launch Recap: Tuma Basa, Deetranada, Kokayi, Steph Lova & Joe Clair On The Impact of Gun Violence & Trauma

Artists, executives and creators from the DMV area gathered in Washington, D.C. to foster an important and meaningful discussion for "A Pulse On Mental Health," the second event in MusiCares' new Humans Of Hip Hop initiative.

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On Nov. 15, MusiCares hosted the second Humans of Hip Hop co-creation launch in Washington, D.C. with "A Pulse On Mental Health," a conversation on the impact of gun violence &amp; trauma on the DMV hip-hop community.

Moderated by YouTube's Director of Black Music &amp; Culture Tuma Basa, the panelists included  hip-hop luminaries Deetranada, Kokayi, Steph Lova, and Joe Clair, all of whom hold roots throughout the entirety of the DMV area. Creating an open and honest dialogue, panelists and attendees alike discussed the necessity for a conversation on mental health.

Below, take a look at some of the most important and powerful takeaways from each of the panelists.

*All photos by Brian Stukes/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.*

### "The hip-hop world has not taken advantage of the opportunities of MusiCares." — Tuma Basa

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Tuma Basa at Humans of Hip Hop DC Panel

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Tuma Basa is a cultural observer of media stigmatization on mental health. Working in the hip-hop community, he has been able to generate conversation around breaking this stigma.  Now, he is bringing this conversation to the DMV.

### "Teach the next generation, they are looking up to us. We can't talk about healing unless we talk about the issue at hand." — Deetranada

Deetranada at Humans of Hip Hop DC Panel

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Focusing on the future, a central theme surrounding the conversation was an imperative need to destigmatize mental health amongst younger generations.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Deetranada's life has been continually affected by gun violence.  At only 22 years old, she recognizes the importance of mental health care for not only her generation, but generations to come. There can be no conversation around healing unless mental health is addressed firsthand. Deetranada emphasized honesty and realness when talking about her struggles. 

### **"I love people, and I love my people, and I don't want to see us continue down the same road we have been going down." — Kokayi**

Kokayi at Humans of Hip Hop DC Panel

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Kokayi is, "live and direct from D.C.," and believes in the power of conversation and honesty when it comes to facing mental health struggles head on. A renowned vocalist, Kokayi is a grammy nominated artist, producer, and educator. Using his platform, he has started a conversation around his personal experiences struggling with mental health. After his children were born, he noted a newfound need to really speak on mental health.

Being a parent, Kokayi emphasized the need for younger generations to advocate on behalf of their mental health struggles. There are unresolved feelings of hostility and grief in older generations, and those must be resolved to shift the mindset into the future.

### "Too often the urban community, our community, has seen \[mental health\] as a weakness." — Steph Lova

Steph Lova at Humans of Hip Hop DC

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Steph Lova has been affected gravely by gun violence, having lost her brother at the hand of it at only 27 years old. After the loss of her brother, she looked to therapy, but ultimately it wasn't her path. Instead, she opened the door for alternative ways to deal with her mental health struggles. She found guidance in speaking to her elders, meditation and alternative practices.

Lova emphasized her struggles with PTSD after the loss of her brother, and said she found peace in giving herself the needed time to truly heal, "Don't put a time limit on your grief."  Through her work in media and radio, Lova is able to speak to younger generations about the importance of an open mental health dialogue. Being a mother, she finds that meeting people halfway is truly the first step in opening a powerful conversation.

### "I don't mind seeking out therapy, I don't mind seeking out help, I will have a conversation with whoever if we are talking about mental health and I would love to share it with the brothers and sisters." — Joe Clair

Joe Clair at Humans of Hip Hop DC

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Joe Clair — also known as "Joe Cleezy" — is a powerhouse radio and television personality born and raised out of Sea Pleasant, Maryland. Conversations surrounding mental health are nothing new to Clair, as his parents started sending him to therapy at 19. This is a decision that Clair ultimately says would be monumental to the direction of his future.

Clair spoke about the stigma around mental health in his community, advocating on behalf of consistent change and guidance to truly shift the mindset in the hip-hop community. Clair believes that music can reshape this stigma, a core belief of the MusiCares initiative.

[5 Ways MusiCares Supports Mental Health And Wellness Year-Round](https://www.musicares.org/news/mental-health-awareness-month-programs-support-groups-resources-free-yoga-wellness)

Humans Of Hip Hop DC Co-Creation Launch Recap

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(L-R) Joe Clair, Kokayi, Tia Bennett, Deetranada, Steph Lova, Tuma Basa

Photo: Brian Stukes/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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Breana Phelps

Staff Spotlight: Development Coordinator Kat Handler On The "Stunning Moments Of Inspiration" MusiCares Can Foster

As she enters her second year with MusiCares’ Development Team, Kat Handler details the aspects of her role that helps her feel "immense gratitude" every day.

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Kat Handler is the Development Coordinator on MusiCares' Development Team. She plays an integral role in funding MusiCares' mission, developing fundraising plans, maintaining donor relationships, and securing new donors and partners.

Kat has been with the MusiCares team for a year. While her background isn't in music, Kat's expertise is in fine art — a path with many parallels to MusiCares' mission, and one of the many reasons she remains inspired every day.

Below, learn more about Kat's role and her experience developing meaningful relationships at MusiCares.

**What does your job entail?**

As the Development Coordinator, I assist with MusiCares' fundraising efforts and special events, oversee guest services for MusiCares' Person of the Year gala, work with external beneficiary partners, and work with our Development team to provide fundraising support.

**What led you to a career in Development at MusiCares?**

I have a background in fine art sales and archiving, digital restoration, and book editing at Century Guild Museum of Art, and I was the lead restoration artist for a film that screened as an Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023.

A good friend at MusiCares suggested the Development Coordinator role to me, and I felt a very deep connection to the mission and a strong desire to join the team.

The opportunity to spend time observing works by masters like Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and many exceptional contemporary figures drastically deepened my respect for artists, and through helping people build collections of original works they love, I found the joy of facilitating those experiences and connections for others. This balance of art and stewardship ties in beautifully with MusiCares' mission of helping the humans behind the music, and assisting our donors who help make this work, and music peoples' continued creation, possible.

**What inspires you the most about working at MusiCares on the Development team?**

The opportunity to meet so many authentic people who want to support the community MusiCares serves is remarkable. Some of the most stunning moments of inspiration happen when someone reaches out to organize support for MusiCares, because they or somebody they care about has received help from our Health and Human Services team.

**Do you have any advice for individuals just starting out their career in development?**

The ability to listen and empathize with others is a universally helpful tool. Shifting the focus from what I'm looking for to determining what another person needs or values has allowed me to develop much more rewarding relationships.

**What keeps you motivated at work?**

When someone says they've been sober for any period of time and ask how they can give their time or resources to help someone in need. Or when our Health and Human Services team shares a testimonial from one of our clients — these are moments I just have to pause and sit in immense gratitude.

**What are you most proud of in the last year at MusiCares? What are you looking forward to?**

I'm immensely proud of my colleagues' meaningful work and how quickly our Health and Human Services teams take action once a need is identified, especially the disaster relief provided to the Lahaina music community \[in Maui, Hawaii\].

I look forward to seeing how the [Humans of Hip Hop program](https://www.musicares.org/news/humans-of-hip-hop-program-vivid-seats-partnership-services-resources) will expand MusiCares' services to better serve the hip-hop community.

If you are a music professional (sound engineer, your bus driver, label representative, trumpet player, producer, music video makeup artist, etc.) and need MusiCares' assistance, please contact MusiCares at MusiCaresRelief@musicares.org or 800.687.4227, and visit our [Get Help page](https://www.musicares.org/get-help) for more information about receiving help.

You can also access MusiCares' [free online support groups](https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/TbHcC82xQyuj31WnfnkF1Y?domain=musicares.org) and [free resource guide](https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/E3rHC9ry0zcmnQAouE5KyJ?domain=musicares.org), which are available to all music people.

[Staff Spotlight: Human Services Client Manager Robert Taylor Jr. On Using His Experiences To "Elevate The Voices Of The Music Community"](https://www.musicares.org/news/robert-taylor-jr-human-services-client-manager-singer-artist-staff-spotlight)

Staff Spotlight: Development Team's Kat Handler

Staff Spotlight: Development Coordinator Kat Handler On The "Stunning Moments Of Inspiration" MusiCares Fosters

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Jaden Johnson

Humans Of Hip Hop Atlanta Co-Creation Launch Recap: Killer Mike, Young Dro, David Banner, And Shanti Das Discuss Music & Mental Health

The first installment of MusiCares' new Humans of Hip Hop initiative, artists and music industry executives shared their own testimonies of why it's so important to be vocal and seek help — especially in an industry so fast-paced and competitive.

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On Oct. 23, MusiCares' [Humans of Hip Hop co-creation launches](https://www.musicares.org/news/humans-of-hip-hop-program-vivid-seats-partnership-services-resources) kicked-off in Atlanta with "Healing a Culture," a dialogue on how hip hop can tackle the stigma around mental health and address cultural imbalances in the community.

Four panelists spanning across the music industry opened up about their mental health struggles while also navigating through their artistry and careers. Creating a space for vulnerability and unabashed candor, attendees not only were able to see a new side to these well-respected figures within the music industry, but were also able to realize they are not alone in their own battles.

Moderated by Amazon Music executive Phylicia Fant, the Humans of Hip Hop panel featured the likes of Killer Mike, Young Dro, David Banner, and Shanti Das. The panel began with words from city councilman, Michael Bond, reflecting on his time at Morehouse College and sharing the story of a former peer tragically taking his own life.

Once each esteemed panelist was introduced, an open dialogue surrounding community, trauma and seeking help began.

*All photos by Carol Lee Rose/Getty Images.*

### "Mental health is not a bad word." — Shanti Das

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Shanti Das at H3 Atlanta

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A major theme throughout the full panel was unpacking the stigmatization of mental health within the Black community. The first step of many of each panelist's journey was realizing there was no shame in struggling with mental health or letting other people know.

As the founder of the non-profit Silence the Shame, Das wanted to give others access to resources to get help and allow space for admittance in one's own pain. By sharing her own battles with suicidal thoughts and depression — and how it eventually led to her departure from the music industry — Das hopes to fully breakdown the barriers keeping people from seeking out better for themselves.

### "Just because we are able to do things at a high level doesn't make it healthy." — David Banner

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David Banner at H3 Atlanta

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The often fast-paced and cutthroat environment of the music industry can breed burnout for creatives across the board. With the rapidly ever-evolving landscape of the industry, the pressure to keep performing at a high-level grows out of fears of being left behind. Banner emphasized the need to pace himself before being spread thin.

As he pointed out, being able to allocate time for oneself beyond the prospects of career acceleration is essential in sustainably growing a career that will last. This statement allowed Banner to admit to himself that the chase for achievement and success came out of the need for distraction. He detailed the time he was asked the question, "What are you running from?," which led him to sit in his emotions and unpack his truth.

### "MusiCares is the only resource supporting the rehabilitation of hip-hop artists dealing with substance abuse." — Young Dro

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Young Dro at H3 Atlanta

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Young Dro shared his testimony with MusiCares helping him through his battle with substance abuse. He discussed his rehabilitation process, detailing his new chapter of sobriety and the realization that he doesn't need substances to still keep creating art.

His testimony moved into a further dialogue of how often substance abuse is promoted within the music industry. Drugs and alcohol are not only always around in a lot of these spaces, but it is also encouraged by their peers and personas created within the music. This makes programs like the ones provided by MusiCares essential in an industry where substance abuse is such a common plight.

### "Who are your friends, who are the people you know, what do they need, what do you need?" — Killer Mike

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Killer Mike at H3 Atlanta

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Killer Mike introduced the idea of being "hyper local," making a point of participating in local politics and community organization as well as also showing up for one's own personal community. He highlighted the importance of remaining grounded in a reliable support system and also being that same support system back.

Living in a hyper individualistic society can create self-imposed isolation that deprives both the individual and those around them that might need support. Killer Mike brings the ever popular ideal of being "one call away" to the foreground and expects that mindset back from his loved ones.

Laying the groundwork for greater conversations that for too long have been shied away from, these four panelists brought complete transparency to the stage to show what lies behind an often glamorized business.

[Provider Spotlight: Licensed Marriage Family Therapist Shawn LaRé Brinkley On Redefining Allyship &amp; Why Musicians Need Support](https://www.musicares.org/news/shawn-lare-brinkley-therapist-living-loved-healing-mental-health-awareness-month-provider-spotlight)

Humans Of Hip Hop Atlanta Co-Creation Launch Recap

Hero: H3 Atlanta Recap

L-R: Kennard Garrett, David Banner, Young Dro, Phylicia Fant, Shanti Das, Killer Mike, Justin "Henny" Henderson, Tia Bennett

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Taylor Weatherby

Jon Bon Jovi To Be Honored At The 2024 MusiCares Person Of The Year Gala

Jon Bon Jovi will be honored at the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala, taking place Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, during GRAMMY Week.

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MusiCares has named Jon Bon Jovi as the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year. The GRAMMY-winning frontman and founding member of American rock band Bon Jovi is the honoree of the 33rd annual Person of the Year benefit gala, which will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, two nights before the [2024 GRAMMYs](https://www.grammy.com/news/how-and-when-to-watch-2024-grammys). Proceeds from the event will provide essential support for MusiCares, the leading music charity providing health and human services to music professionals across a spectrum of needs. 

In addition to his extensive musical achievements, Jon Bon Jovi is recognized for his impactful philanthropic work. In 2006, he established the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, an organization dedicated to disrupting the cycle of hunger, poverty and homelessness. The organization's objective is to recognize and maximize the human potential in those affected by hunger, poverty and homelessness by offering programs that provide food and affordable housing while supporting social services and job training programs. As a health and human service charity, MusiCares is proud to shine a light on Jon Bon Jovi's impactful philanthropy and hopes to raise awareness for these important human rights issues.

"I'm truly humbled to be this year's MusiCares honoree,” Jon Bon Jovi said in a statement. “MusiCares' work with music professionals is vitally important in creating much-needed support and wellness programs that cultivate a healthier and more vibrant community for us all. Philanthropic work has been a cornerstone of my life and has always run in tandem to my music career and achievements. Nearly two decades ago when I formed the JBJ Soul Foundation and JBJ Soul Kitchens, I saw firsthand and continue to see today the impact of charitable, community-based work. I know this for sure: Helping one's community is helping one's self."

"MusiCares is thrilled to honor Jon Bon Jovi at the 2024 Person of the Year Gala," Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares, said in a statement. "His remarkable contributions to rock and roll have not only left an indelible mark on the music industry, but also in the hearts of countless fans around the world. Furthermore, his long-standing commitment to serving food-insecure and unhoused individuals inspires us all. We're looking forward to celebrating him and the many ways he has made a difference in this world."

The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during GRAMMY Week every year. It includes a cocktail reception followed by a dinner and tribute concert featuring renowned musicians and other artists paying tribute to the gala’s honoree.

Since 1991, money raised from the MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala goes toward MusiCares’ health and human services programs that assist the music community with physical and mental health, addiction recovery, preventive clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief.  

Jon Bon Jovi now joins an impressive list of recent MusiCares honorees including [Berry Gordy](https://www.grammy.com/artists/berry-gordy/2727) and [Smokey Robinson](https://www.grammy.com/artists/smokey-robinson/7944), [Joni Mitchell](https://www.grammy.com/artists/joni-mitchell/11174), [Fleetwood Mac](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/fleetwood-mac/7759), and [Dolly Parton](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/dolly-parton/17205).

The event will again be produced by live event broadcast outfit Lewis &amp; Clark, made up of Joe Lewis and R.A. Clark. Rob Mathes will join the special evening as Musical Director.

The event would not be possible without support from our sponsors, including AEG, ELS STUDIO 3D Premium Audio and Wasserman Foundation.

Nearly five decades into his illustrious career, Jon Bon Jovi is still reveling in a blaze of glory — and his latest honor as the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year reflects all the ways he's given back to the music community.

**[Tables and tickets are available for purchase now.](http://personoftheyear.musicares.org/)** 

For more information about or sponsorship opportunities for the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala, email [personoftheyear@musicares.org](mailto:personoftheyear@musicares.org).

**[Learn more about the annual MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala.](https://www.musicares.org/person-year)**

[How MusiCares' Annual Person Of The Year Benefit Honors Music's Icons &amp; Supports The Music Community In Need](https://www.musicares.org/news/how-2022-person-year-joni-mitchell-benefits-music-community-fundraising-recap)

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