FOO FIGHTERS, KID ROCK, CORNELL, COLDPLAY HELP MUSICARES SALUTE NEIL DIAMOND

One of America’s best songwriters, the legendary Neil Diamond was honored as the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year at a special event celebrating a lifetime of amazing songs, as well as his philanthropic work, which most recently has included contributions to the hurricane relief efforts in Texas for areas ravaged by Hurricane Ike. The event, which took place on Feb 6th in Los Angeles, featured performances by The Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Kid Rock, Adele, Chris Cornell, Jennifer Hudson, Josh Groban, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill to name just a few. After listening to numerous tributes from a diverse range of genres Neil Diamond performed a special set and it’s no wonder the event is now in it’s 19th successful year raising funds for MusiCares which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Artisan News caught up with Neil Diamond to get his thoughts on being named MusiCares person of the year and to find out if he had any favorite performances after checking out sound check.

“It’s the best feeling in the world. I didn’t expect it. I don’t think I deserve it but they want to give it to me and I’m going to accept it and I’m going to enjoy every moment of tonight. I think they’re all favorites. Just the fact that they came down, spending their time to raise money for this very worth while cause. The music people have extra big hearts and this is one way that they show it. I’m very proud to just be a part of this thing.”

Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of The Foo Fighters talked about the song writing genius of Neil Diamond and how they’re both big fans of his amazing career.

“(Grohl) Fifty years of writing hit songs. A musician can only be so lucky and talented. The guy’s a genius. He’s a bad ass and he will break your hand when he shakes it.” “(Hawkins) Yeah kind of in the back of your Mom’s car on the way to soccer practice kind of fan you know. But we have a couple of the records. We listen to “Love You Live” a couple of times on vinyl.”

Chris Cornell also talked about getting to sing one of his favorite songs by Neil Diamonid at the gala event.

“‘Kentucky Woman’ tonight. It’s probably one of my favorites. I don’t really play favorites but it’s one of my favorites for sure. You’re not going to ask me to sing it? Because everyone else has asked me to sing it and I haven’t.”

Just a few of the performances included the Jonas Brothers “Forever In Blue Jeans,” Jennifer Hudson “Holly Holy,” Kid Rock “Thank The Lord For The Nighttime,” Adele “Cracklin’ Rosie,” Urge Overkill “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon,” Coldplay “I’m A Believer,” Tim McGraw “Hello Again,” Foo Fighters “Delerious Love” and Josh Groban “Play Me.” Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute provide essential support for MusiCares, who offer programs and services to members of the music community including emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses including rent, utilities and car payments; medical expenses including doctor, dentist and hospital bills; psychotherapy; and treatment for HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, hepatitis C and other critical illnesses.