Since forming from the revolutionary crosswinds of the Bay Area’s counterculture in 1965, the Grateful Dead have accrued a legacy of acclaim and achievement beyond comparison. Today, to celebrate the band’s imminent 60th anniversary, MusiCares honors the legendary jam forebearers as the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year.

In a benefit gala that ranks among the most prestigious events of GRAMMY Week, original members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir will be recognized for their musical and philanthropic achievements alike, while posthumous tributes to the late bandleader Jerry Garcia will create a reverent retelling of the band’s story and account of its abiding community influence. The 34th annual Persons of the Year ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Jan. 31, two days before the Grammy Awards, with proceeds to be directed to MusiCares’ vital and multifaceted health and human services programs.

In the release detailing MusiCares’ selection, the organization highlights not only the revolutionary blend of rock, folk, bluegrass, jazz, psych, blues and more that the band pioneered, but also the extensive philanthropic endeavors advanced by each member. Among the charitable ventures cited are Garcia’s work for the Rex Foundation, Hart’s advancements in music therapy, Weir’s climate justice advocacy, Kreutzmann’s conservation projects with Reef Relief and Lesh’s Unbroken Chain Foundation. These measures, and the thriving community that continues to follow the band, stand as a testament to the Dead’s mission to change hearts and minds through music.

“We also want to recognize the community of Dead Heads for their unwavering support over the years—we wouldn’t be here without you.