Tom Petty named 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- American rocker Tom Petty is to be honored as the 2017 MusiCares Person of the Year in Los Angeles this winter.

The three-time Grammy winner is to be recognized at a gala on Feb. 10, two nights prior to the 59th edition of the Grammy Awards.

"Tom burst into our musical consciousness and never let go," Neil Portnow, president and chief executive officer of The Recording Academy and MusiCares, said in a statement Wednesday. "His brand of rock 'n' roll benefits from a celebratory rebelliousness, infectious rhythms and unforgettable lyrics that are incised in our imaginations. His artistic talents coupled with his quiet philanthropy make him a great MusiCares Person of the Year honoree, and we are very fortunate to have the support of our board, past honorees and the musical community around this special event."

"I am so very pleased to be honored as the MusiCares Person of the Year. I have so much respect for this organization, which really does care about the people in our industry," added Petty. "I myself know many people who MusiCares has aided in desperate situations. Again, let me say this is a true honor."