MusiCares to honor Paul McCartney next year

[September 14, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Paul McCartney will be honored as MusiCares person of the year during Grammy week next year.

The former Beatle will not only be honored for his music but also for his charitable side. Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow says McCartney "exemplifies the phrase 'artist/philanthropist.'"

The annual event celebrates a legend in the days before the Grammy Awards. Previous honorees include Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond. An array of music stars pay tribute by singing their songs, and the honoree sometimes performs as well.

MusiCares helps musicians who are struggling due to financial, medical or other reasons. McCartney says he's privileged to try and make the world a better place through charity and he's honored by the MusiCares tribute.

The announcement was made Tuesday.

The awards will be presented in Los Angeles.

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Online:

http://www.musicares.com/

http://www.paulmccartney.com/

[Associated Press]

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