Members of the legendary rock band the Grateful Dead were named Wednesday the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year in recognition of the group’s impact on the industry and philanthropic efforts.
According to MusiCares — a nonprofit founded by the Recording Academy in 1989 to provide financial and health support services for those in the music community — the band members will be honored “for their immense contributions to music, their tireless philanthropic efforts and their pioneering role in fostering communities through their concerts and activism.”
Band members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir will be recognized during the 34th annual Persons of the Year benefit gala Jan. 31 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, two days before the annual Grammy Awards. The evening will also feature a tribute to the late Grateful Dead founder Jerry Garcia.
“MusiCares is proud to honor the Grateful Dead at the 2025 Persons of the Year Gala,” Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares, said in a statement. “Their legacy transcends music, having built a community of fans and collaborators that embody the spirit of connection and support, something that is deeply aligned with MusiCares’ mission. The band’s passion for the arts and philanthropy, along with their enduring commitment to social causes, has made a lasting impact that goes beyond the stage. It is a privilege to celebrate their contributions to both music and humanity.”
In announcing the Grateful Dead as this year’s honorees, MusiCares officials noted the philanthropic efforts of the various band members, noting 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.
The band issued a joint statement saying they were “deeply honored” to receive the MusiCares Persons of the Year award.
“This honor is truly a testament to the legacy of the music, which has always been bigger than us — it’s about the connection between us, the crew, and all those who’ve been on this long strange trip,” according to the group. “It’s not just about what we create, but about making sure the people behind it, behind us every night, the ones who quietly make it all happen, get the support they need to keep going, no matter what life throws at them. We’re grateful to stand with MusiCares and hope everyone continues to support this vital mission to ensure music thrives in perpetuity,”
The group members also said they wanted to “recognize the community of Dead Heads for their unwavering support over the years — we wouldn’t be here without you.”