NASHVILLE, TENN (Feb. 17, 2005) — Grammy week is all about the music and celebrating the achievements of many musicians and artists. However, during the 2005 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute event only one talented artist is honored.
The 2005 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute dinner took place on Feb 11. The event occurred during Grammy week and kicked off music's biggest weekend with a special tribute to one of music's finest,
Brian Wilson. Wilson, one of the original Beach Boys and a Yamaha artist, received a warm tribute and congratulations from other artists like Richie Sambora, Neil Young, Billy Preston, and the tribute's host, Jon Lovitz.
Wilson, best known for his days writing and singing for the Beach Boys, is also a Grammy-nominated composer, humanitarian and philanthropist. Some of his rock classics include, "Don't Worry Baby," "California Girls," and "Good Vibrations." Wilson's work and support for cancer research through his late brother's Carl Wilson Foundation for Cancer Research and his performances to benefit the Bridge School and Adopt-A-Minefield also made him a prime candidate for the MusiCares Person of the Year.
Many performances topped off the tribute dinner. Recording artists like the Barenaked Ladies, Earth, Wind & Fire,
Jamie Cullum, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Wonder,
John Legend and Michelle Branch performed onstage during the event. The dinner also sponsored a silent auction featuring collectibles from music, sports, artwork and luxury items. Some of the more prominent auction items were several items signed by musicians Bono, Cher, Melissa Etheridge,
Sarah McLachlan and Wilson. Patti Labelle also auctioned off a private cooking lesson with her as the cook. Lucky bidders were also given the chance to win a meeting with Dr. Phil, and a VIP Maroon 5 concert experience.
All of the proceeds from the dinner, concert and silent auction support the MusiCares Financial Assistance Program, which aids musicians during periods of financial, medical and personal need.
For more information on Yamaha Corporation of America's Artist Affairs division, please contact Tiffany Napper at
tnapper@yamaha.com or 615-599-0800. Yamaha's ever-growing list of artists can be viewed by going to
www.yamahaartists.com.
