Stevie Wonder, John Legend and others to honor Lionel Richie at MusiCares gala
Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Usher and Lenny Kravitz are among the artists who will say “Hello†to Lionel Richie when they pay tribute to the pop and soul star in song at the MusiCares benefit gala in February.
Richie, who will be honored as the 2016 Person of the Year, will also receive tributes from the Roots, Zac Brown and Demi Lovato, the MusiCares Foundation announced on Tuesday.
Pharrell Williams, Luke Bryan and Lady Antebellum were previously announced as performers for the concert, set for Feb. 13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
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The annual concert -- now in its 26th year -- helps raise funds for musicians’ financial, medical and personal needs.
The MusiCares Person of the Year award recognizes creative accomplishments and charitable work from a prolific artist. Singer/songwriter Richie is being honored for his commitment to supporting causes such as AIDS, human rights, famine, poverty, human trafficking and women’s issues.
Past honorees include Tony Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Carole King, Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.
“Each year our MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honors an extraordinary artist and humanitarian who lends their considerable time and talents to raising the funds necessary to continue to meet the ever-increasing need for our programs and services,†MusiCares chief Neil Portnow said in a statement. “And it is truly a privilege to be paying tribute to Lionel, whose musical gifts and philanthropy have touched millions of people around the world.â€
The all-star concert will precede the 58th annual Grammy Awards, which air live Feb. 15 from Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
For more music news, follow me on Twitter: @gerrickkennedy
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