Neil Young To Be Honoured At Grammys

08/11/09 5:29pm

by Bianca Marcus (CHARTattack)

Neil Young is a recipient of the Order Of Manitoba, was inducted into the Canadian Musical Hall Of Fame, and is a two-time inductee into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

He has been nominated for an Oscar, inducted into Canada's Walk Of Fame, and has received two honorary doctorates from two different universities.

But the 63 year old Canadian legend has never been recognized at the Grammy Awards.

That's about to change. The Toronto-born songwriter will finally get his just desserts at the gala dinner and on Jan. 29, two days before the 2010 Grammys, when he will be honoured as the 2010 MusiCares Person Of The Year.

The award is given by the MusiCares Foundation and the Recording Academy — which organizes the Grammys — and aims to recognize individuals for their artistic accomplishments and philanthropic efforts.

"It is an honour to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Neil Young at our 20th annual MusiCares Person of the Year tribute," said Recording Academy president Neil Portnow in a press release. "Neil has set a standard of artistic integrity and iconoclastic creativity for more than four decades, and his achievements have been matched by his unwavering humanitarianism."

"He is a shining example of how music people offer their creative gifts to the world, and how they also give back through their commitments to charitable endeavours."

Young co-founded Farm Aid with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp in 1985. It was originally a benefit concert organized to raise money for family farmers in the U.S., but has since grown into an organization that works to raise awareness of the importance of farmers.

Young also hosts the Bridge School Benefit Concerts, yearly events designed to benefit a California school for children with disabilities.

Young will be the first Canadian to receive the title of Person Of The Year. Past winners include Bono, Elton John, Quincy Jones and Aretha Franklin. Neil Diamond was this year's recipient.

The 2010 Grammy Awards will take place on Jan. 31 in Los Angeles.