In celebration of the legendary band’s 60th anniversary, The Grateful Dead will be honored as the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year at the organization’s benefit gala during Grammy Week.

Original members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir will be recognized for their immense contributions to music, philanthropic efforts and their pioneering role in advancing communities through their concerts and activism. The special evening will also posthumously honor Jerry Garcia, one of the band’s founding members. The 34th annual Persons of the Year benefit gala will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, January 31, two nights before the 67th annual Grammy Awards.

“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, as they built a community of fans and collaborators who embody the spirit of connection and support, something that deeply aligns with MusiCares’ mission. The band’s passion for the arts and philanthropy, along with their continued commitment to social causes, has made a lasting impact that extends beyond the stage. It is a privilege to celebrate their contributions to both music and humanity.”

Founded in 1965, The Grateful Dead is one of the most influential bands in American history, known for their signature blend of rock, folk, jazz and avant-garde music.

In 2007, the band was honored with the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their unparalleled contributions to the music industry. The band’s members have also made significant contributions to philanthropic causes. Garcia, Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh and Weir have all supported efforts ranging from environmental conservation and mental health to music education and social justice.

Initiatives such as Garcia’s involvement with the Rex Foundation, Hart’s work in music therapy and brain health, Weir’s advocacy for addressing climate change and combating poverty, Kreutzmann’s ocean conservation efforts and Lesh’s Unbroken Chain Foundation underscore the band’s commitment to also to make a difference offstage. .

“It’s simple: we all need music. It speaks to each of us and provides what we need to cope with what life offers: it increases our joy, helps us spread it and makes our sadness easier to bear. We cannot imagine a world without it. As our old friend Jerry used to say, ‘You get some, you give some back,’ a hugely effective way to share those benefits,” band members Hart, Kreutzmann, Lesh and Weir said in a statement.

“While we can’t prove that the Muse – the force behind what we do – is working to build a support system for the show, over sixty years of music has taught us that it takes a lot of dedicated people to bring it all to life . . Each person behind the scenes has honed their skills to meet the many needs of the show. Without them, it wouldn’t be what the Muse intends, and each of them is essential because they pour their heart and soul into it.

“We would also like to recognize the Dead Heads community for their continued support over the years; without you we wouldn’t be here.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized as MusiCares Persons of the Year. This honor is truly a testament to the legacy of music, which has always been bigger than us; it’s about the connection between us, the crew and everyone who has been on this long, strange journey. It’s not just about what we create, but about making sure that the people behind it, behind us every night, the ones who quietly make it all happen, have the support they need to keep going, no matter what life throws at them has to offer. We are grateful to support MusiCares and hope everyone continues to support this vital mission to ensure music can thrive forever.”

MusiCares is the charitable arm of the Recording Academy that has provided millions of dollars in healthcare, financial and rehabilitation resources to music people in times of need.

Since its inception in 1991, the Person of the Year Gala has raised funds to support MusiCares’ health and human services programs, which provide physical and mental health care, addiction recovery, preventive clinics, contingency personal emergencies and disaster relief to music professionals. The Grateful Dead joins an impressive list of recent MusiCares honorees, including Jon Bon Jovi, Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and Joni Mitchell.