Former Beatle Paul McCartney will be honored next February with the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year award for his musical and philanthropical contributions.
Founded in 1989 by the U.S. National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences – the organization responsible for the Grammy Awards – MusiCares provides assistance to musicians in need. Previous recipients of the Person of the Year award include Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, and Neil Diamond.
"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," McCartney said in a statement acknowledging the award.
"Paul McCartney exemplifies the phrase ‘artist/philanthropist,’ and his extraordinary career is certainly a testament to the multifaceted power of his creative genius," added MusiCares 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."
The 22nd annual awards gala will take place on February 10, 2012, just two days before the Grammy Awards ceremony.