Bon Jovi frontman to be celebrated for his musical contributions and philanthropic efforts
MusiCares has named Jon Bon Jovi as the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year. He is the honoree of the 33rd annual Person of the Year benefit gala. Proceeds from the event will provide essential support for MusiCares, the leading music charity providing music professionals with health and human services across a spectrum of needs. The tribute will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, February 2, 2024, two nights before the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
“MusiCares is thrilled to honor Jon Bon Jovi at the 2024 Person of the Year Gala,” states Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “His remarkable contributions to rock and roll have not only left an indelible mark on the music industry but also in the hearts of countless fans around the world. Furthermore, his long-standing commitment to serving food-insecure and unhoused individuals inspires us all. We’re looking forward to celebrating him and the many ways he has made a difference in this world.”
In addition to his extensive musical achievements, Jon Bon Jovi is recognized for his impactful philanthropic work. In 2006, he established the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, an organization dedicated to disrupting the cycle of hunger, poverty and homelessness. The organization’s objective is to recognize and maximize the human potential in those affected by hunger, poverty and homelessness by offering programs that provide food and affordable housing while supporting social services and job training programs. As a health and human service charity, MusiCares is proud to shine a light on Jon Bon Jovi’s impactful philanthropy and hopes to raise awareness for these important human rights issues.
“I’m truly humbled to be this year’s MusiCares honoree. MusiCares’ work with music professionals is vitally important in creating much needed support and wellness programs that cultivate a healthier and more vibrant community for us all.” states Jon Bon Jovi. “Philanthropic work has been a cornerstone of my life and has always run in tandem to my music career and achievements. Nearly two decades ago when I formed the JBJ Soul Foundation and JBJ Soul Kitchens, I saw firsthand and continue to see today the impact of charitable community-based work. I know this for sure: helping one’s community is helping one’s self.”
The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute ceremony is one of the most prestigious events held during Grammy Week. It includes a cocktail reception, followed by a dinner and tribute concert, featuring renowned musicians and other artists paying tribute to Jon Bon Jovi.
Since 1991, money raised from this gala goes toward MusiCares health and human services programs that assist the music community with physical and mental health, addiction recovery, preventive clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief.
Jon Bon Jovi joins an impressive list of recent MusiCares honorees including Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, and Dolly Parton.
Self-reliance, optimism, and community are key concepts that define Jon Bon Jovi’s music and charitable efforts. The frontman for the Grammy Award-winning band Bon Jovi has not only written and performed countless rock anthems, he has utilized his spotlight and raised millions of dollars to aid the working poor, the homeless, and the hungry. After selling more than 130 million albums and performing in over 50 countries for more than 40 million fans, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in recognition of their longevity and impact on popular music for the past three decades. Jon is also a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Jon is also the Chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing about positive change and helping those in need “one SOUL at a time.” The Foundation funds partnerships that address the issues of food and shelter. Since its inception in 2006, the JBJSF has provided over 700 units of affordable and supportive housing in 11 states. Adding to these efforts is the recently opened Walter Reed veterans housing facility which opened in October 2019, giving homes to 77 previously homeless veterans along with a stable of support services on site. In October 2011, Jon along with his wife Dorothea, opened the first JBJ Soul Kitchen nonprofit community restaurant in Red Bank, NJ. There, they created a pay-it-forward model, that serves an in-need and paying customer. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, they opened a second location in Toms River, NJ. These community restaurants have since served over 100,000 meals. In January 2020, the JBJ Soul Foundation opened a first-of-its-kind kitchen on the Newark campus of Rutgers University to serve college students challenged by food insecurity.
