Paul Mccartney Named Mucicare Person Of Te Year

The Los Angeles Times

Paul McCartney named 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year


September 13, 2011
7:31 am

There aren't too many honors that Sir Paul McCartney hasn't already received, but Tuesday morning he got a new one when it was announced that the 16-time Grammy winner has been named MusiCares' 2012 Person of the Year.


The annual award has been bestowed upon the former Beatle, according to a statement released Tuesday morning, "in recognition of his singular creative accomplishments as well as his charitable work, which has included an extraordinary range of philanthropic activities over the years."

MusicCares, which was established in 1989 by the Recording Academy, provides help to musicians and music professionals in times of hardship, and each year honors one music person whose work both onstage and in their philanthropic lives has made an impact. Last year Barbra Streisand was awarded the prize. This year's concert and award ceremony will occur on Feb. 12, two days before the 54th Grammy Awards.

"Paul McCartney exemplifies the phrase 'artist/philanthropist,' and his extraordinary career is certainly a testament to the multifaceted power of his creative genius," said Grammy President Neil Portnow. "The unique talent, dedication, and spontaneity he brings to his projects and live performances are unsurpassed, but are equaled by the impressive generosity and commitment he consistently devotes to a range of important charitable causes."

McCartney issued a statement accepting the honor. "I've been given a great gift — a life making music — and it's my privilege to try to make the world a better place by giving back," said McCartney. "For more than 20 years, MusiCares has helped so many music people in times of crisis — whether with emergency financial assistance or access to addiction recovery resources — and it is an honor to be recognized as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year."

 Randall Roberts
Photo: Paul McCartney performs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on July 31. Credit: David Banks / Associated Press