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GRAMMYs

Fitz And The Tantrums

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Fitz And The Tantrums To Play Concert For Recovery fitz-and-tantrums-and-kesha-perform-2019-musicares-concert-recovery

Fitz And The Tantrums And Kesha To Perform At 2019 MusiCares Concert For Recovery

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Presented by Amazon Music, the benefit to support MusiCares' addiction recovery programs will feature comedian and actor Joel McHale as Host at the Novo at L.A. Live on May 16
Rachel Brodsky
MusiCares
Mar 27, 2019 - 6:14 am

Fitz And The Tantrums and GRAMMY-nominated artist Kesha will join the performance lineup at the 2019 MusiCares Concert For Recovery on May 16.

The concert will honor multi-GRAMMY winner Macklemore and will be hosted by actor and comedian Joel McHale. The evening will also present a tribute to Mac Miller, and will close with a special performance by Macklemore. Additional performers will be announced shortly. 

The event, presented by Amazon Music, will benefit MusiCares, which has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for five consecutive years. Macklemore will receive the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award in recognition of his significant support for MusiCares and his commitment to helping others in the addiction recovery process.

MusiCares Concert For Recovery Honoring Macklemore

MusiCares ensures music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need, and provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery resources and programs.
        
Over the course of the last fiscal year, MusiCares provided more than $6.5 million dollars to approximately 8,600 members of the music industry—the largest number of dollars distributed and clients served in a single year in the charity's history. Established in 1989 by the Recording Academy, MusiCares offers health and human services and programs to members of the music community, including emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, and car payments; medical expenses, including doctor, dentist and hospital bills; and treatment for HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hepatitis C, and other critical illnesses.

MusiCares offers nationwide educational workshops covering a variety of subjects, including financial, legal, medical, and substance abuse issues, and programs in collaboration with health care professionals that provide services such as flu shots, hearing tests, and medical/dental screenings.

MusiCares provides access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community.

Staffed by qualified chemical dependency and intervention specialists, MusiCares offers Safe Harbor Room support, sponsored in part by the Bohemian Foundation, to provide a network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows and other major music events. MusiCares holds weekly addiction support groups for people to discuss how to best cope with the issues surrounding the recovery process. 

Contact Wynnie Wynn for ticket information at wynnie.wynn@musicares.org or 310.581.8659, or visit the ticket form here. General Admission Balcony Seats priced at $49/$39/$29 per person are available exclusively through AXS via www.axs.com.

Macklemore To Be Honored At 2019 MusiCares Concert For Recovery

GRAMMYs

Macklemore

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MusiCares Concert For Recovery Honors Macklemore musicares-honors-macklemore-2019-concert-recovery

MusiCares Honors Macklemore At The 2019 Concert for Recovery

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The night also featured stirring performances from Kesha, Fitz And The Tantrums, Royce Da 5'9, and Mary Lambert
Ashley Lyle
MusiCares
May 17, 2019 - 6:01 am

Last night (May 16), The Recording Academy held its 2019 MusiCares Concert For Recovery presented by Amazon Music at The Novo in L.A. Live in downtown, Los Angeles, CA. The event, hosted by Joel McHale, included a star-studded slate with performances by Kesha, Fitz And The Tantrums, Royce Da 5'9, and Mary Lambert. Guests filled the room to see a lively and emotional show as well as authentic and transparent expression around being a recovering addict. The evening concert honored Macklemore for his contributions to MusiCares as well as his continued work in helping others with their addiction recovery processes. 

Mary Lambert kicked off the night performing an unreleased song off of her upcoming project. Donning a long, sparkly black gown, the crooner sang poignantly themes of love and life. In another part of the show, Royce da 5'9 followed with an energetic set of lyrical and dynamic vocals, rapping songs like "Shake This" and "Caterpillar" to a satisfied crowd. 

GRAMMYs

Vince Staples at the MusiCares® Concert For Recovery presented by Amazon Music, which honored Macklemore at The Novo at L.A. Live on May 16, 2019 in Los Angeles.

Vince Staples Pays Tribute To Mac Miller

Taking a moment of silence and space to move into the part of the night where the late rapper Mac Miller was given a proper tribute. To kick off this segment, rapper Vince Staples gave a speech about what Miller meant to him and how bright his light truly shined. "He offered me something that he offered a lot of people in music which is sanctuary, opportunity, optimism."

He added by saying, "things that he probably was missing himself but he used music to filter through it or used music to create with other artists whether it was recording at the studio, whether it was taking us on tour even when it wasn't beneficial for him financially." A video montage of Miller in his childhood as well as his prominence as an artist displayed on the screen as the audience reflected on the life that was. 

2019 MusiCares Concert For Recovery Highlights

At the conclusion of the video montage, Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow took the stage to announce a new partnership MusiCares had entered. "MusiCares offers a wide range of programs and services for members of the music community," he remarked while running through the statistics of the growth and breadth of people impacted by MusiCares.

In addition, he announced the Mac Miller Legacy Fund. Housed within the Pittsburgh Community Foundation who made a donation on behalf of the Miller family, the fund will open its application process to prospects who meet general MusiCares eligibility. The Mac Miller Legacy Fund will be an option on the dropdown menu of the MusiCares website's donation page starting Friday, May 17.

GRAMMYs

Macklemore and Kesha at the MusiCares® Concert For Recovery presented by Amazon Music, which honored Macklemore at The Novo at L.A. Live on May 16, 2019 in Los Angeles.

Rob Lowe Comments On His Recovery

A nice surprise of the night was actor Rob Lowe emerging from backstage as a surprise guest to give Macklemore the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award. Speaking on his own recovery, he noted, "I'm in recovery. Happy, proud, grateful alcoholic." He added by saying, "I got my 29th chip" referencing the number of years he's been sober.

Moving on to speak about Macklemore, he referenced the rapper's kindness and humanity saying, "To me, what he's emblematic of is that we're all brothers and sisters and family." 

Taking the stage, Macklemore detailed a fateful day in 2008 when he decided to take the necessary steps to become sober. "I was introduced to my disease. One that I had lived with ever since I took my first drink at age 14," he said before reflecting on the difficulty in realizing his alcohol use was not healthy or just social but a significant vice in his life. 

After his speech, Macklemore gave a stirring performance bringing out Mary Lambert to perform "Same Love," Kesha to perform "Good Old Days" as well as rapping powerful songs like "Starting Over" and "Otherside." Closing out his set with "Can't Hold Us," it was evident from the money raised as well as energy and respect lifted, the night was a success. 

Mary Lambert & Royce 5'9 Added To Lineup For Concert For Recovery Honoring Macklemore

GRAMMYs

Macklemore

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MusiCares Concert For Recovery To Honor Macklemore macklemore-be-honored-2019-musicares-concert-recovery

Macklemore To Be Honored At 2019 MusiCares Concert For Recovery

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Presented by Amazon Music, the benefit to support MusiCares' addiction recovery programs will feature Joel McHale as host at the Novo at L.A. Live on May 16
Rachel Brodsky
MusiCares
Mar 13, 2019 - 6:29 am

MusiCares, an affiliated charity of the Recording Academy, announced today that the 2019 MusiCares Concert For Recovery will honor multi-GRAMMY winner Macklemore on Thursday, May 16 at The Novo at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

Macklemore will receive the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award in recognition of his significant dedication to and support of MusiCares and his commitment to helping others in the addiction recovery process. The Concert For Recovery will feature Joel McHale as the host. The evening will also present a tribute to Mac Miller, and will close with a special performance by Macklemore. Additional performers will be announced shortly.

Get Tickets

The event, presented by Amazon Music, will benefit MusiCares, which has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for five consecutive years. MusiCares ensures music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need, and provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery resources and programs.

"Macklemore's artistic gifts are clearly recognized, as evidenced by the celebration of his music by fans all around the world," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares. "In addition to his musical contributions, we're honoring him for what he has done since the beginning of his career—shine a light on his own struggles with addiction as a beacon of hope for those who suffer. It is a powerful testament to his talent and his generosity of spirit."

MusiCares Concert For Recovery Honoring Macklemore

“I’ve been a part of this organization for more than 15 years, and I’ve seen it grow to sustain more and more members of the music community who struggle with substance abuse," said MusiCares Senior Director of Events Wynnie Wynn. "I’ve made lasting friendships with music people and shared their joy in their sobriety, and I’ve also cried tears for those we’ve lost. Our Health and Human Services team works tirelessly to support our clients on their journey to recovery, and for me, it’s a privilege to do this work every day and contribute my part to MusiCares.”

"Addiction is a disease that can affect anyone, and it takes resources and support to heal. For me, recovery is a daily priority; without my sobriety everything I care about is at risk," said Macklemore. "I’m honored to support MusiCares in providing members of the music community who are suffering from addiction with the crucial services and resources they need."

A lifelong Seattle resident, Macklemore has always believed in using his platform, resources, and creative pursuits to have an impact on social justice issues. Along with Ryan Lewis, Macklemore launched the Residency program in 2015, which has since become one of the preeminent opportunities for young aspiring artists in the region. For his support of marriage equality and human rights, Macklemore was honored with the ACLU of Washington's Civil Libertarian Award in October of 2014.

Drawing on his personal battles with drugs and alcohol, Macklemore has consistently used his art and platform to raise awareness around issues of addiction and recovery. In 2016, he executive produced and was featured alongside former President Barack Obama in a MTV documentary called Prescription for Change, a film about America's opioid epidemic and solutions to address the issue. He's seen nationally and internationally as one of the most outspoken advocates for recovery and issues of addiction, while partnering with a number of organizations dedicated to the issue, including Facing Addiction, Recovery Café, Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, Youth Care, and Above the Noise.

Contact Wynnie Wynn for ticket information at wynnie.wynn@musicares.org or 310.581.8659, or visit the ticket form here. General Admission Balcony Seats priced at $49/$39/$29 per person are available exclusively through AXS via www.axs.com.

Mental health patient

Photo: Florian Gaertner/Photothek via Getty Images

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Suicide Prevention: Options For Help & Support suicide-prevention-understanding-facts-and-finding-support

Suicide Prevention: Understanding The Facts And Finding Support

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Talking about depression and learning about the warning signs of various mental health issues can make all the difference in saving someone's life
Nate Hertweck
MusiCares
May 24, 2018 - 1:52 pm

We may never know why some of our generations' brightest creative minds choose to take their own lives, but we do know that suicidal thoughts affect a wide range of people, not just those dealing with the pressures of stardom. For the sake of anyone who has succumbed to the most insurmountable mental anguish, we must look at suicide as what it is: a preventable outcome of a treatable illness.

Dave Navarro's Powerful Message Of Hope

Mental health issues leading to suicidal thoughts can be very complex to understand from both internal and external perspectives. After all, the mind is such a personal territory. But even in the shadow of darkness suicide casts on our culture, we can make a difference by shining a light on tangible resources to overcome depression and suicidality.

First, it is important to understand the types of mental illnesses that can potentially lead to suicide deaths.

"Some of the most commons mental health diagnosis associated with suicide deaths are mood disorders like depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse disorders," says Becky Stoll, LCSW, vice president of crisis & disaster management at Centerstone, a MusiCares partner. "Another common issue associated with suicide is having chronic physical pain." 

Unfortunately, suicide is a global issue. A 2015 study showed suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. alone, the third leading cause of death for people aged 10–14 and the second leading cause of death for people aged 15–24. In the state of Tennessee alone, one person between the ages of 10–24 is lost to suicide every four days, according to statistics provided by Scott Ridgway, executive director of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. The Tennessee Department of Health's Office of Health Statistics reported there were 1,110 recorded suicide deaths in Tennessee in 2016, a 4 percent increase from the prior year.

These numbers are, and should be, shocking. We've seen some of our music heroes' names in the news — Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington, Avicii — and these statistics prove the problem reaches far beyond the headlines.

While there is no universal solution for mental health issues, there are many options for finding support. It all starts with talking.

"The more we talk about it, everyone can do something. If you have had a mental health problem, talk about it," says clinical psychologist Dr. Joanne Barron. "Help take the stigma away from it."

Speaking of talking, there is a big misconception that people who speak about contemplating suicide are only seeking attention, which is not at all accurate.

"In fact, we know people who end up dying by suicide have often spoken about it with others and given other warning signs," says Stoll. " If someone you know feels comfortable enough to broach the subject of their suicidal thoughts with you then you must take them seriously."

As far as warning signs, being able to spot one could make the difference in saving someone's life.

"Knowing the warning signs of suicidal behavior is key to helping those around us get the assistance they need," says Stoll. "These include talking about wanting to die or not be around anymore — sometimes this can be vague so it is important to ask clarifying questions — making plans for how to kill one's self, securing the means to carry out this plan, giving away possessions, expressing feelings of being a burden to others, withdrawing and being isolative, and expressing hopelessness."     

But where can one turn? Where can they start? One option is to confide in friends or family members to ask for help and support. For many people suffering from depression, this first step can be the hardest, but it can also be the most beneficial.

"Some of the loneliest times in my life have been in rooms full of thousands of people because not one of them knew what was going on inside me," says guitarist Dave Navarro. "Rarely do we pick up the phone at 3 a.m. after a gig and ask for help. … The real challenge is letting people know that it is a great strength to reach out for support,"

Of course, not everyone has a support system in his or her life to turn to. Another valuable option for seeking support can be found in a recent popular song. The GRAMMY-nominated "1-800-273-8255" was released in 2017 by rapper Logic. Featuring Khalid and Alessia Cara, the song addresses head on the struggles of depression and the importance of reaching out for support, which was not an easy topic for Logic to broach in his writing because he himself has suffered from anxiety and depression.

Logic's Suicide Prevention With "1-800-273-8255"

"I was so scared for so long to say that because society has lead me to believe that my anxiety is stupid and shouldn't be talked about, or that suicide, 'Who cares, who's weak enough to kill themselves?' Which is the most terrible, disgusting, ugly thing somebody can say," says Logic. "That's why I decided to write about these topics."

Logic's efforts with "1-800-273-8255" to raise awareness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline worked. After performing the song on MTV's VMAs, call traffic increased by 50 percent.

"None of us are alone," said GRAMMY-nominated artist Kesha, who introduced the performance. "It takes great courage to show the vulnerable side of being human and we all have that vulnerable side. Whatever you are going through, however dark it may seem, there is an undeniable truth and strength in the fact that you are not alone."

Kesha's words ring true.

"There are very effective treatments today for mental health disorders," says Stoll. "If someone is feeling suicidal they can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline from anywhere in the country. Someone is always there to assist. They can also text the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741."

Finally, music people in need of support can turn to MusiCares. Whether dealing with substance abuse, addiction recovery, financial hardship, or mental health issues, MusiCares is here to help. From online resources such as this recent list of tips for free or low-cost mental health care to over-the-phone support, MusiCares is a safety net for musicians, providing mental health assistance and referrals.

If you are part of the music community and you require assistance for a mental health-related issue, contact MusiCares toll-free at 1.800.687.4227 (West), 1.877.626.2748 (South) or 1.877.303.6962 (East).

Learn More About MusiCares, The Recording Academy's Health And Human Services Charity

Clive Davis (R) and John Legend (L)

Clive Davis (R) and John Legend (L)

 

Photo Courtesy of Clive Davis

 
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2021 Pre-GRAMMY Virtual Gala Recap 2021-pre-grammy-virtual-gala-clive-davis-pandemic

2021 Pre-GRAMMY Virtual Gala: How The Annual Clive Davis Extravaganza Adapted To The Pandemic

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With its high-profile guests shushing their pets and grappling with technology, this year's virtual Pre-GRAMMY Gala created a sense of intimate beauty and captured the shared feeling of community online
Morgan Enos
MusiCares
Feb 2, 2021 - 10:03 am

Picture this pantheon: Bruce Springsteen, Carole King, John Legend, Rod Stewart, Jamie Foxx and Barry Gibb, all gathered to pay homage to music's finest executive, Clive Davis. Dynamo performances from the Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, and more punctuate the gala, while everyone from Dionne Warwick to Martha Stewart watches from the sidelines.

Er, one second—that's "iPhone Dionne Warwick" and "Martha's iPhone XS Max T-Mobile." Wait, is that a Pomeranian-themed calendar behind Warwick? Did Martha Stewart just drop said iPhone in her purse without deactivating the camera first? Holy cats—does she have a marble ceiling?

Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it goes without saying that assembling a multitude of celebrities for a Beverly Hills bash remains impossible. So, this year, Clive Davis' annual, high-profile Pre-GRAMMY Gala went virtual.

Clive Davis and Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys (L) and Clive Davis (R) | Photo Courtesy of Clive Davis

The 2021 Pre-GRAMMY Virtual Gala took place Saturday (Jan. 30), the night before the Academy initially planned to throw the 63rd GRAMMY Awards. They have rescheduled the ceremony to Sunday, March 14, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Virtual Gala, benefitting MusiCares, was the first of two events. The second will occur Saturday, March 13, the night before this year's GRAMMY show, and will benefit the GRAMMY Museum.

Clive Davis' annual Pre-GRAMMY bash is one of the starriest nights of the year, an opportunity to rub elbows with music industry giants and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi alike. But 2021 was no ordinary year, and this was no average gala. Swapping bespoke suits and elaborate dresses for pajamas and leisure suits, the famous guests gave viewers a personal, sometimes awkward, look into their homes and lives. Where it lost the spectacle of someone like Travis Scott bringing a crowd to its knees, this year's virtual event created a sense of intimate beauty and captured the shared feeling of community online.

Taking full advantage of the virtual experience, Davis structured the Virtual Gala around archival footage of what he believes to be the most outstanding performances of all time. (The night featured clips of Frank Sinatra, Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston and others.)

Throughout, Davis acted as a tour guide through past live and televised performances from rock, folk and soul artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. A baby-faced Bob Dylan strums his signature song, "Blowin' in the Wind." The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, brings Barack and Michelle Obama to near-tears at the Kennedy Center in 2015 with "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." (The tune's co-writer, Carole King, can hardly contain herself in the crowd.)

"This performance speaks to why I want to do this event tonight," Davis said of the Franklin performance. "Even through your computer screen, if you don't have goosebumps, you should check carefully for a pulse."

Davis later calls Houston's 1994 set, a medley of "I Loves You Porgy," "I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and "I Have Nothing," "the greatest television performance for any artist."

And while Davis' annual Pre-GRAMMY Gala is typically a place where artists shine, the virtual audience was the main attraction this year. Anyone with an internet connection can watch old rock 'n' roll footage; it's a different, surreal experience to watch Joni Mitchell, George Benson and Herbie Hancock as they watch it. Ditto Carl Bernstein, who helped break the Watergate scandal, and "CNN Tonight" anchor Don Lemon.

If there's one silver lining of the Zoom era, it's that we can be a fly in the wall in celebrities' homes. As such, the Gala's format delivered the lion's share of its fun. Martha Stewart picked at the charcuterie in her kitchen, where her enviable pan collection hung from the ceiling. One of the most magnificent harmonic thinkers of the 20th and 21st centuries, Hancock smiled in front of a series of laser-beam screensavers. "Will you shut up?" Rod Stewart chided his yapping dog with a smile during his interview. "I'm talking to Clive Davis!"

Clive Davis and Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen (L) and Clive Davis (R) | Photo Courtesy of Clive Davis

Despite the fact we're still housebound, the online Gala’s tenor was one of brighter days ahead. "Perhaps the most uplifting and optimistic song you've ever written is 'Land of Hope and Dreams,'" Davis told Springsteen at one point, citing his late-'90s cut released on Wrecking Ball (2012).

"Are you despondent about the nation's future and the American promise? Or are you as hopeful as you were when you wrote about those 'big wheels rolling through fields where sunlight streams'?" he asked.

"The American dream itself is [an] aspiration," Springsteen replied from the Colts Neck, New Jersey, studio where he and the E Street Band recently slugged out their 2020 album, Letter to You. "The distance between American reality and the American Dream, we are always trying to close, whether you're an artist or a politician … I remain hopeful even in the midst of the great difficulties we are going through at this moment that the nation can reunite and find its better angels and move forward, you know? I have to believe that."
 

Clive Davis and Barry Gibb

Barry Gibb (L) and Clive Davis (R) | Photo Courtesy of Clive Davis

For celebrities and everyday folks alike, the past year has taken a toll on all of us. As such, an extra glint of humility shone through these interviews.

"I've never taken anything for granted, and you've never taken anything for granted," Davis told Barry Gibb. (The latter is having a banner 2020 and 2021 with the HBO doc on the Bee Gees, How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, and his duets album with Americana artists, Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1.) "To see this album debut at the top of the charts is thrilling for me as a fan, and it's got to be thrilling for you as the architect."

"It's shocking; there's no question about that," Gibb replied. "It's the first No. 1 in 40 years, and that's something extremely special that I can't put into words … It was all like a dream, and the whole thing came like a vision, including the title."

As expected for a whopping five-hour event, some of the celebs tapped out early, leaving their bewildered pets blinking at the camera. Joni Mitchell, however, was a trooper, observing the telecast stoically while her creamsicle-colored cat pranced around for attention.

Seeing Mitchell happy, healthy and hilarious is bittersweet. In 2015, she suffered an aneurysm; in 2020, she still struggled to walk because of it. Yet at the end of the night, there she was, pajama-clad, munching popcorn and cracking jokes. Throughout the broadcast, Mitchell regally sipped white wine with both hands. (Here's to your next 77 years, Joni.)

While this year's Pre-GRAMMY Gala may have missed the usual hobnobbing and rapport, that bug revealed itself to be a feature. Of course, as always, the point was the music, but housebound legends and their assemblage of furry friends stole the show for once. With vaccines rolling out worldwide, music will be back to business as usual in no time."

And just like every year, this year's (virtual) Pre-GRAMMY Gala was unique and unrepeatable—and it hit different as a result.

2021 GRAMMYs: Complete Nominees List

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Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.