The
MusiCares Person of the Year is an award presented annually by the
National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the same organization that distributes the
Grammy Awards, to commend musicians for their artistic achievement in the
music industry and dedication to
philanthropy. The award's name reflects the
non-profit health care organization known as
MusiCares, established by the academy "to provide health and medical assistance to needy musicians". Chosen by the MusiCares Foundation, award recipients are honored during "Grammy week" (a string of galas just prior to the annual Grammy Awards ceremony) with an "all-star" tribute concert that helps to raise money for the foundation.