Bruce Springsteen, Shania Twain, Sammy Hagar and more paid tribute to Jon Bon Jovi, named MusiCares’ Person of the Year.
Jon Bon Jovi was honored as MusiCare’s “Person of the Year” on Friday to kick off this year’s Grammy Weekend, joining other legendary artists such as Joni Mitchell, Lionel Richie and Dolly Parton who have been honored at this prestigious annual dinner for the past 30 years.
Surrounded at his table, for a good part of the evening, by two former winners of this award, Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi finally accepted the honor at the end of the evening. He thanked his two heroes, especially Springsteen for performing when his mother had died two days earlier.
“ I want to thank my hero, my friend, my mentor Bruce Springsteensaid Bon Jovi. Bruce’s mother died two days ago. When I heard the news, he was already on the plane on his way here. He wanted to be here tonight for MusiCares. And he wanted to be here tonight for me, and I’m forever grateful. »
He also thanked Paul McCartney: “ it’s fair to say that the reason most, if not all, of us are in this room tonight is you. Thank you so much for being Beatle Paul. »
Bon Jovi spoke about the importance of MusiCares’ work throughout his speech, as well as the importance of music in his life. “ Another thing I’ve learned is that every time I strum my guitar, I’m reminded that I have a best friend for life. This instrument will never let you down. It doesn’t matter if you’re 8 or 80, whether you’re playing in a bedroom or a local stadium. Tonight, and every night, I know how blessed I have been. There are millions of other musicians who have embarked on the same journey, but for one reason or another, their path has taken them in different directions. Some of them may have played professionally, others as a hobby, and still others may have needed help along the way. As musicians, we don’t have a safety net. Some may need basic help, and that’s where MusiCares comes in. I love what they do, not only financially, but also in terms of the services they offer. This is proof that music saves lives. »
As the evening began, the biggest question among audience members was whether Springsteen would be in attendance following the death of his mother. The Boss wasted no time putting those speculations to rest, as Bon Jovi quickly brought him in as the first guest of the night. The two artists performed “ Who Says You Can’t Go Home ” And ” Promised Land », before sitting down at their table to watch the rest of the performances.
Springsteen’s collaboration with his disciple was the most anticipated of an evening of nearly 20 performances spread over nearly three hours. Melissa Etheridge, Jason Isbell, Shania Twain, Sammy Hagar, Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson have all performed Bon Jovi hits.
After his late-night speech, Bon Jovi took the stage for one final song, with an ensemble of many of the evening’s other artists (sans Springsteen) covering ” Livin’ On a Prayer “.
MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, was founded in 1989 to support musicians in need of financial assistance, medical assistance and addiction treatment.
