For the past two-and-a-half decades during the week before the Grammy Awards, one legacy artist has been named the MusiCares Person of the Year and paid tribute to in a star-studded event. Last year it was Lionel Richie, the year before was Bob Dylan, and it 2017 it'll be Tom Petty.
"Tom burst into our musical consciousness and never let go," MusicCares Foundation president Neil Portnow said in a press release. "His brand of rock and roll benefits from a celebratory rebelliousness, infectious rhythms, and unforgettable lyrics that are incised in our imaginations."
Petty himself added: "I am so very pleased to be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. I have so much respect for this organization, which really does care about the people in our industry. I myself know many people who MusiCares has aided in desperate situations. Again, let me say this is a true honor."
The MusicCares tribute to Tom Petty will take place on 2/10. Just a few weeks ago, the 40th anniversary of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers was celebrated at Petty Fest a two-day event in LA. And earlier this year, Petty was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
