Jon Bon Jovi has been honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year for this year.
The Recording Academy’s philanthropic organization recognized the rock icon for his musical and philanthropic contributions on Friday. A tribute ceremony and concert took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center ahead of the upcoming Grammy Awards on Sunday.
Acknowledged as this year’s honoree, the Bon Jovi frontman was commended for establishing the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, addressing issues of hunger and homelessness. On the red carpet, before receiving the award, he shared a glimpse into his son Jake Bongiovi’s forthcoming wedding to Millie Bobby Brown.
In an exclusive statement, when queried about performing at the upcoming wedding of the engaged couple (Jake Bongiovi and Millie Bobby Brown, engaged in April 2023), Jon Bon Jovi affirmed, “Yes, definitely.”
Accepting the award on Friday night, the rocker emotionally honored his friend Bruce Springsteen. The two also performed a duet of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” with Jon Bon Jovi acknowledging the recent passing of the “Born to Run” singer’s mother.
“I want to thank my friend and my mentor Bruce Springsteen. Bruce and Pam’s mom passed two days ago,” Bon Jovi began. “When I first got the news, he was already on the airplane on his way here. I certainly would’ve understood if he’d said that he couldn’t make it, but he wanted to be here tonight for MusiCares. He wanted to be here tonight for me, and I’m forever grateful to you.”
Paying homage to another musical legend, Jon Bon Jovi extended gratitude to Sir Paul McCartney, a past recipient of the award. He expressed that the reason many were present in the room was because of McCartney and thanked him for being beautiful.
Expressing gratitude to MusiCares for the “honor” bestowed upon him, Jon Bon Jovi acknowledged the applause but felt compelled to thank others instead.
“Everything that I’ve accomplished, with or without the band, or in my philanthropic life, has had the support of my family, my friends, band mates, collaborators, and an army of willing, who’ve been ready to take my dreams and make them a reality,” he said. The singer went on to celebrate kids who took up instruments or singing, before adding: “Music moves us. It moves us when we’re happy, and it comforts us when we’re sad. It brings us together, and when we may not have much else in common, there is still that common thread that is the song.”
Continuing his speech, Jon Bon Jovi shared a touching anecdote about the meaningful experience of reclaiming his first electric guitar.
“I sold it in 1979 to a kid from the neighborhood for a hundred dollars. When he sold it back to me recently, he said, ‘It’s where it belonged, home.’ And when I took that guitar out of that cardboard case, it only had five strings on, and I still believe that the sweat marks were mine. I doubt that kid ever played it. The first thing I did was held it, cradled it really, and then I wrote a song on it,” he revealed.
Characterizing his guitar as “a best friend for life” and emphasizing its reliability, the legendary frontman described his music journey as “blessed.” He then commended MusiCares for aiding the music community, expressing gratitude for financial support and support for MusiCares.
Wrapping up, Bon Jovi celebrated the event’s performers, including Springsteen, Melissa Ethridge, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Pat Monahan, Shania Twain, and the Goo Goo Dolls. He concluded his speech with a heartfelt expression: “Here’s a page from my never-ending songbook in my book of dreams. Thank you.”
In addition to the stellar lineup of musical performers, notable attendees at the event included Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz, Gayle King, Katherine McPhee, Ted Danson, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Nearly two decades ago, the rocker founded the JBJ Soul Foundation as a non-profit dedicated to providing assistance, social services, and job training opportunities for individuals facing homelessness and hunger.
In addition to the JBJ Soul Foundation, the rock legend established the non-profit community restaurant, JBJ Soul Kitchen, in his native New Jersey. The restaurant serves patrons who either pay by donation or are in need of a free meal.
Announced in October, the “Livin’ On a Prayer” artist was named the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year. Executive Director Laura Segura expressed excitement, highlighting his significant contributions to rock and roll and his enduring commitment to serving the food-insecure and unhoused. The organization looked forward to celebrating his impactful contributions.
As a one-time Grammy winner and an 11-time nominee, Jon Bon Jovi joins a distinguished list of past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees. In 2023, the title was bestowed upon Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson. Previous recipients include iconic artists such as Aerosmith, Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, and Joni Mitchell, among others.