City of Hope
City of Hope will present Jay Marciano, chairman and CEO of AEG Presents, with its prestigious Spirit of Life Award at a Oct. 22 gala headlined by legendary singer and songwriter Elton John.
City of Hope is one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and a leading research center for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. The Spirit of Life Gala, organized by the City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) volunteer and fundraising group’s, will take place at the historic Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Marciano is the 51st executive to be honored during the annual affair, recognizing individuals for their longtime philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. Besides managing some of the largest tours in history — Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” and Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” — Marciano is focused on galvanizing the industry to accelerate cancer research at City of Hope so that more people around the world may benefit from its findings.
In addition to the performance by John, attendees will experience a curated menu by chef Evan Funke, a master of the old-world techniques of handmade pasta, and an unprecedented act by magician and mentalist David Blaine — both experiences promise to round out an evening of magic. Comedian, actor, musician and writer Fred Armisen will emcee the event.
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“I am honored to be receiving The Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope and to be able to contribute to raising awareness and funds to speed its important work of eradicating cancer and improving lives for so many,” Marciano said in a statement. “I am also humbled and grateful that Elton John, a true superstar in every regard, has agreed to lend his immeasurable talents to this event with a performance that’s sure to inspire support for a cause that unfortunately touches so many lives.”
John’s historic, final tour saw the musical icon play 330 shows worldwide to over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. The U.S. leg of the tour concluded with three sell-out shows at Dodger Stadium. The concert was livestreamed on Disney+ in every territory the channel broadcasts in, a global first. He later headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, the final UK show before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concluded in July 2023, marking the end of more than 50 years on the road. Now, the stage has been set for another very special performance at the Spirit of Life Gala.
“Jay is more than a colleague; he is a dear friend,” John said. “It is my pleasure to lend my support to him as he receives the Spirit of Life honor, especially given City of Hope’s dignity-giving supportive care for people who face cancer, along with its unmatched research for other life-threatening illnesses. Their important work has led to advancements in the field that have fortunately enabled so many people to live beautiful, long lives. Everyone should have that opportunity, and I’m honored to play a part in City of Hope’s work towards that goal.”
Founded more than a century ago to serve people who had trouble accessing high-quality, effective cancer treatment, City of Hope combines inclusive, compassionate care with big dreams realized through breakthrough scientific research.
“Our longstanding supporters in the entertainment industry are helping us deliver on our most important goal: saving lives,” said Robert Stone, CEO of City of Hope and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair. “Thank you, Jay, and our partners for helping us ensure that people with cancer, regardless of race, socioeconomic status or geography, have equitable access to the most advanced cancer treatments available.”
In its 50-plus year history, MFEI raised over $150 million to benefit City of Hope research and care programs.
“The music industry has the power to unite millions of people for a cause, and when that cause is cancer research, the impact can be transformative,” said Kristin J. Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope. “Jay’s support will amplify awareness, raise crucial funds, and inspire hope for millions of cancer patients and their families. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about saving lives through the power of philanthropy,” Bertell continued.
“City of Hope’s MFEI Board cannot thank Jay Marciano, and his entire team, enough for all they are doing to help fight these horrible diseases,” said Evan Lamberg, president of Universal Music Publishing Group. “There is not a single person I meet that has not, in some way directly or indirectly, been affected by cancer. City of Hope continues its battle against cancer around the clock and looks to continue to make the quality of people’s lives better.”
MFEI’s Spirit of Life Gala will conclude a year-long fundraising initiative which will also include auctions and a dinner series to benefit City of Hope. Tickets and sponsorship information can be found here.
AEG Presents chairman and CEO Jay Marciano will be honored with the City of Hope’s 2024 Spirit of Life Award, the cancer research and treatment organization has announced.
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“It’s deeply meaningful to be honored for this recognition,” says Marciano, a regular entry in Billboard’s Power 100 list. “Our industry’s work contributes to bringing the brightest minds in the world to make breakthrough medical discoveries — discoveries that give back the gift of time to people.”
The award is the charitable organization’s most prestigious honor and is presented those industry leaders who have made notable contributions to their community and profession.
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Previous recipients from the music industry include Lyor Cohen, Shelli and Irving Azoff, Edgar Bronfman Jr., Coran Capshaw, Eddy Cue, Clive Davis, Sir Lucian Grainge, Sylvia Rhone and more.
“I am honored to join this admirable group of Spirit of Life recipients,” Marciano adds, “and look forward to continuing the tradition of leaning on music, film and the arts to raise awareness of and funding for City of Hope’s important work against cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.”
City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry fundraising group will present Marciano with the award during a gala dinner this fall in Los Angeles.
A leader in the live entertainment business, Marciano began presenting shows in his 20s, before taking on senior leadership roles at Universal Concerts, AEG Europe and Madison Square Garden Entertainment, then returning to the AEG fold in 2011.
With Marciano at the helm, AEG Presents has promoted tours from many of the music industry’s biggest artists, including stadium juggernauts Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, and overseen a festival portfolio upwards of 30 brands from Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival to Stagecoach, Electric Forest, British Summertime Hyde Park and more.
Marciano has also overseen the company’s global growth with the opening of several international offices and an expansion into Australia, Singapore, Japan and France.
In its 50-plus-year history, City of Hope’s MFEI group has raised over $150 million for good causes, specifically cancer research. Marciano has a reputation “as an industry leader who is eager to accelerate City of Hope’s mission and focus on making breakthrough discoveries that move us closer to putting an end to cancer,” said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope. “We look forward to partnering with him and the larger music community to develop new cures, save patient lives and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to secure their highest level of health.”
The announcement launches City of Hope’s year-long fundraising initiatives that include the Taste of Hope in NYC in April, Future Hope Poker Tournament and Songs of Hope.
To contribute or learn more visit jaymarcianospiritoflife.com and cityofhope.org.
“Lyor Cohen changed my life,” said rapper and Drink Champs host N.O.R.E., speaking to the packed open-air space at Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (Oct. 18).
He was one of many to express appreciation for Cohen throughout the evening, during which industry titans (such as Lucian Grainge, Sylvia Rhone, Jon Platt, Julie Greenwald and more) mingled with hip-hop royalty (such as Jay-Z, Swizz Beatz, Ludacris, Diddy and others). After all, the genre’s 50th anniversary just to happens to coincide with the 50th anniversary of City of Hope‘s philanthropic partnership with the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) — making Cohen, considering his contributions to and impact on hip-hop, as well as his generous spirit and advocacy for accessible and affordable care for all, an ideal recipient of the City of Hope 2023 Spirit of Life Award.
And though his honor was revealed back in March, the event itself came at an unexpectedly fitting time, as it seemed the entire music industry was waiting to hear from Cohen (the son of Israeli immigrants) on current events unfolding in Israel and Gaza. It seemed that he, too, had been waiting for this moment and platform to share them.
“With all that’s going on in the world, Lyor, you powered though,” said Evan Lamberg, City of Hope’s MFEI board president. Lamberg also called Cohen – current global head of music at YouTube and Google – “indomitable,” noting his 93-year-old mother was in attendance, among many other members of Cohen’s family.
But before Cohen himself could speak, there was the business of fundraising. Diddy kicked things off, becoming the first to donate at the entry point of $100,000. Dozens followed, ultimately raising over $4.3 million. (Over the course of its 50-year partnership with City of Hope, the MFEI has raised a total of $150 million to cure and prevent cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.)
Next up was the long-awaited performance, for which the crowd was spoiled with a never-ending parade of hip-hop and R&B greats as DJ Cassidy brought his Pass the Mic Live! franchise to the stage (much of which Jay-Z, seated at the Sony Music table next to Platt, bobbed along to). After Cassidy dedicated the set to Cohen (“an icon behind the scenes”), what followed was a 30-plus-minute jaw-dropping show during which the mic was passed nearly 20 times to artists and groups including: Slick Rick, Kurtis Blow, Big Daddy Kane, MC Serch, Nice ‘N Smooth, EPMD, Redman, Onyx, Warren G, Domino, Musiq Soulchild, Dru Hill, Ja Rule, T.I. with Swizz Beatz and Public Enemy, who ended with an all-star rendition of “Fight the Power.”
Just before 9:45 (45 minutes after the event’s scheduled end time), Cohen’s congratulatory video started to play, featuring everyone from Busta Rhymes and Slim to Kevin Liles and Julie Greenwald. Chuck D then returned to the stage to introduce Cohen, delivering a particularly memorable opening line: “[Run-]D.M.C. says hip-hop succeeds where religions and governments fail – and that’s ironic at this particular time right now.”
It’s a sentiment that set the tone for Cohen to deliver his own anticipated speech, which began with the sound of a computer glitching as the lights switched off (“Lights!” exclaimed Chuck, to which Lyor motioned all was well… it was all part of the plan). Cohen opted to open with an excerpt of the famous “final speech” delivered by Charlie Chaplin in the 1940 film The Great Dictator, in which he ultimately calls for unity.
“We came here to help eradicate cancer, but wouldn’t it be great if we could also eradicate hate?” said Cohen once the lights came back on. He spoke of the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack at a music festival in Israel, saying it will never be forgotten and calling for the immediate return of those who were kidnapped and are still being held hostage. “I’m so sorry to hijack this special event to express my feelings as a human,” he said, “just as I express them when injustices happen to anyone targeted because of their race or religion or sexual identity… My heart goes out to all the Palestinian people in the region that have had to endure unnecessary loss of life. I pray for peace – won’t you join me?”
He proceeded to express gratitude for his family, many of whom were in attendance and many of whom, as he said, couldn’t make it “because they are burying Israeli children.” He then thanked the room for “a lifetime of tolerance and kindness and unwavering belief in the mission,” calling out Greenwald (“for always trying to make everyone better with love”), Liles (“you’re a selfless warrior”), Russell Simmons (“thank you for this wonderful life that I live”) and the “great music and great artists that I’ve had the honor of serving.”
Lastly, Cohen addressed “the additional controversy,” saying “I’m so sick and tired of people thinking that celebrity and fame trumps great music and artistry. We’re in a funky monkey moment but don’t get it twisted, quality will always prevail.”
LL Cool J then closed out the night (alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff and Adam Blackstone) with a medley of hits including “Mama Said Knock You Out.” Before stepping off stage, he addressed Cohen directly: “We went through a lot… and it all ended up really great.”
And as the crowd started to shuffle out, he shared one final message – and it perfectly underscored the ethos of the entire night: “Erase the Hate.”
Next week’s Spirit of Life Gala honoring Lyor Cohen, global head of music at YouTube and Google, will feature a one-time-only edition of DJ Cassidy’s celebrated Pass The Mic Live! The segment will showcase more than a dozen hip-hop and R&B artists, including Public Enemy, Big Daddy Kane, Dru Hill, EPMD, Ja Rule, Memphis Bleek, Swizz Beatz and T.I., all of whom have played a part in Cohen’s 40-year legacy spanning Rush Management, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Warner Music Group, 300 Entertainment and beyond.
The sold-out gala is taking place Oct. 18 at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, Calif. It’s a fundraiser for City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States and a leading research center for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses.
DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic series quickly transformed from viral sensation to primetime TV series on BET. Now a live tour, DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live! recently sold out Radio City Music Hall in New York with a one-time-only concert featuring 25 icons of hip-hop’s golden era.
“As a 10-year-old deejay and hip-hop kid growing up in New York City, I idolized Lyor Cohen long before he ever knew my name,” DJ Cassidy said in a statement. “Then, as his Def Jam intern in my high school years, a hero became a mentor. I am truly honored to bring ‘Pass The Mic Live!’ to City Of Hope and celebrate Lyor’s commitment to making the best health care available to hip-hop fans and performers by uniting a once-in-a-lifetime lineup of iconic artists who have influenced his massive musical legacy and hip-hop’s global influence as a whole.”
Chuck D of Public Enemy added: “Lyor Cohen is a pioneer, and myself and Public Enemy have been beneficiaries of his visionary audacity. Hip Hop’s ride through the music industry has been turbulent, but together with Lyor we’ve grown with it and gone through it and organized what was necessary. Working with Lyor makes you pay attention to everything. And he’ll tell you that.”
City of Hope is celebrating 50 years of partnership with the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) fundraising group. Over this period, industry executives and influencers have raised nearly $150 million to benefit City of Hope’s mission to transform the future of cancer care.
“Our industry cares so very much about overcoming health inequities for underrepresented groups who continue to get left behind,” said Evan Lamberg, MFEI board president and president of Universal Music Publishing Group. “City of Hope is conscientiously leading efforts to improve health equity. In teaming up with our music, film & entertainment industry, we can take action to remove obstacles so that everyone can get the care they need and deserve.”
On a trip to visit his mother in Israel last year, Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s global head of music, asked her one of those big life questions that’s impossible to answer with anything but a big answer.
“She has 16 grandchildren and four sons, she’s 92 years old, and she is moving around this world by herself and still enjoying her grandchildren, healthy,” said Cohen. “And I said to her, ‘You’re a very, very lucky person.’ And she said, ‘Yes, I know that.’ And I said, ‘So, why are you so lucky?’
Without hesitation, she replied, “The more you give, the more you receive.”
At 63, with three kids and an illustrious career in music, Cohen said it’s this giving spirit that inspired him to accept this year’s Spirit of Life award from City of Hope, one of the country’s leading cancer treatment and research centers.
“We’re in the giving business and so we’re grateful to be here and to have the privilege,” said Cohen. “It’s a privilege to do it, but you have to get out of your normal grind to recognize that.”
Dr. Joseph Alvarnas speaks to a group on a tour of City of Hope on April 17, 2023.
Ryan Hartford
The honor, bestowed by City of Hope’s music, film and entertainment industry (MFEI) fundraising group, is reserved for entertainment industry titans and has helped the MFEI group raise $150 million since launching in 1973. Now in its 50th year, recent recipients in music include Republic Records founders/chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman (2022), Epic Records chairperson/CEO Sylvia Rhone (2019) and Sony Music Publishing chairman/CEO Jon Platt (2018). As such, the events around them are regularly a who’s-who of industry heavyweights and well-wishers leading up to the gala dinner where the award is presented, which this year will take place Oct. 18 at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.
In April, before the monthslong rollout of events including the All In For Hope Poker Tournament in May and the Music Trivia Bowl in July began, Cohen and seven of his staff members woke up early to drive over 100 miles from the Coachella Valley in rush hour traffic for a tour of the City of Hope campus in Duarte, Calif., just outside Los Angeles. It was the morning after the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival’s first weekend, where Cohen’s team oversaw what was likely the largest festival livestream event ever, broadcasting to more than 45 million people worldwide, according to the company. Many of them noted they hadn’t even had a cup of coffee yet.
Cohen, the tallest of the bunch, dressed in all black with a scarf around his neck, led the group, which also included Universal Music Publishing Group, North America president Evan Lamberg, entertainment lawyer Dina LaPolt, Culture Collective founder/CEO Jonathan Azu and Spirit Music Group chairman David Renzer — all of whom are on the City of Hope MFEI Board — as they followed City of Hope staff around the expansive 100-plus acre grounds.
There, they spoke with doctors and scientists to better understand the organization’s research efforts and care services. One of the key advantages City of Hope has in the field, several staff members explained, is that the proximity of scientists, treatment staff and manufacturing facilities, all of which are on-site, allows cross-collaboration that brings their research — seeking cures for cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases — directly to patients without delay. Throughout, Cohen listened closely and expressed an intent to focus on how to address health disparities for Black people in the United States to create more equitable access to healthcare and establish greater trust in the system.
“I’ve made a living on Black music,” he said, “and what I’m particularly interested in is figuring out how the Black community could demystify getting early treatment and understanding about cancer and how they get the opportunity to help educate and eradicate cancer in these communities.”
Dr. Debbie Thurmond speaks on a tour of City of Hope on April 17, 2023.
Ryan Hartford
Cohen launched his career in the 1980s New York hip-hop scene as a road manager for Russell Simmons‘ Rush Productions before going on to manage the label. He later headed up Def Jam and then Warner Music Group before co-launching 300 Entertainment and, in 2016, joining YouTube. He had a hand in the careers of Public Enemy, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, De La Soul, Eric B. & Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest, Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule and Ludacris. He acknowledges this is an opportunity to support the people and culture that built his success.
Supporting economically disadvantaged and racially diverse communities facing barriers that limit their ability to find and sustain specialized care was the focus of City of Hope’s Closing the Care Gap event on Aug. 29 and has been at the center of the organization’s MFEI fundraising since 2018. According to City of Hope, only 20% of cancer patients in the United States are treated at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers, which can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. It’s something the City of Hope treatment and research center is addressing through community partnerships, government policy, expansion and diversifying its own workforce.
“My big takeaway is that there are so many people that have committed a lifetime to helping others that are selfless, that are so enthusiastic about solving some of these big problems,” Cohen said after the tour. “I saw and met many of the doctors here that loved the fact that they were in an organization that’s biased to speed of getting things done, and breaking the code and making things happen. I felt like this is a joyful place to work and a joyful place to solve these problems.”
Jordan Schepps, Jonathan Azu, Ali Rivera, David Renzer, Waleed Diab, Dina LaPolt, Stephen Bryan, Vivien Lewit, Jake O’Leary, Lyor Cohen, Evan Lamberg, Zach Horowitz, and Loren Fishbein on a tour of City of Hope on April 17, 2023.
Ryan Hartford
City of Hope held its third annual Closing the Care Gap event Monday evening (Aug. 28) in association with its Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) fundraising group. Focusing on the progress that’s being made while overcoming the challenges that still exist in bringing quality health care to underserved communities, the event was hosted by YouTube and Google global head of music Lyor Cohen and Epic Records chairperson/CEO Sylvia Rhone. Cohen is also MFEI’s 2023 Spirit of Life honoree. He’ll accept the award at City of Hope’s annual gala on Oct. 18.
Held at the Los Angeles home of real estate agent and TV personality Josh Flagg, Closing the Care Gap began with a welcome from Evan Lamberg, president of North America for Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). Among the healthcare experts, entertainment industry professionals and prominent music industry executives on hand were City of Hope’s Dr. John D. Carpenter and Kristin Bertell, 300 Entertainment CEO Kevin Liles, UMPG CEO Jody Gerson, CAA head of music and past Spirit of Life honoree Rob Light, former BET CEO Debra Lee, Republic Records executive vp Danielle Price Sanders, 50/50 Music Group Management CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers and songwriter Justin Tranter.
Kristin Bertell, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Jonathan Azu, Sylvia Rhone, Lyor Cohen, Danielle Price Sanderson, John D. Carpten, Gail Mitchell and Evan Lamberg attend City of Hope’s 3rd Annual Closing the Care Gap Event on August 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Lester Cohen/Getty Images for City of Hope
In addressing the audience, Cohen said, “The more you give, the more you receive. And today we are all in the business of giving — of our time, our influence, our connections and experiences. It’s our responsibility to do the work to close the care gap. We need to provide access to early detection with routine screenings and better treatment and, of course, resources and education that help increase health equity.”
Rhone, MFEI’s 2019 Spirit of Life honoree, introduced Cohen to the audience. “I’m grateful to have the privilege to help solve these challenges with our industry and give everyone fighting cancer the hope they deserve,” she said.
According to statistics shared by City of Hope, only 20% of cancer patients in the United States are treated at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers like City of Hope. In the meantime, economically disadvantaged and racially diverse communities face systemic barriers that limit their ability to find and sustain specialized, lifesaving care.
Dr. John Carpten, director of City of Hope’s National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and director of the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope as well as the organization’s chief scientific officer and the Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director’s Distinguished Chair, further amplified the equity issue. “Too many people needlessly suffer due to lack of access to the latest medical innovations and systemic barriers that prevent them from getting the best cancer care,” he said. “At City of Hope, we are working to carry out solutions that increase the likelihood that every person living with cancer — regardless of race or region — can get the best care.”
Jacqueline Saturn, Sylvia Rhone, Dina LaPolt and Jody Gerson attend City of Hope’s 3rd Annual Closing the Care Gap Event on August 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Lester Cohen/Getty Images for City of Hope
Culture Collective CEO and MFEI board member Jonathan Azu added a personal note by sharing his journey after being diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 44. Growing up in a family of medical professionals, he had access to resources and health care that many don’t.
“My outcome is going to be a lot better because of the prostate cancer screening and active surveillance I was able to receive,” Azu said. “There’s nothing I’m more passionate about than breaking the barriers that prevent those who look like me from getting access to screenings and treatment that could save their lives.”
Bertell, City of Hope’s chief philanthropy officer, closed the evening by noting, “You are part of the movement. Your philanthropic partnership supports us in removing obstacles to care for everyone. We cannot cure cancer if we don’t cure it for all.”
Closing the Care Gap is part of a year-long fundraising initiative by City of Hope that will conclude with MFEI’s Spirit of Life Gala honoring Cohen. The gala will celebrate 50 years of philanthropic partnership with MFEI on Oct. 18 at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.
YouTube global head of music Lyor Cohen is being honored with the City of Hope’s 2023 Spirit of Life Award, the cancer research and treatment organization announced Wednesday (March 29). The award will be presented at a gala dinner Oct. 18 at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.
“City of Hope is proud to honor the notable contributions of Lyor Cohen and celebrate 50 years of philanthropic partnership with the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry group,” said Robert Stone, City of Hope CEO and Helen & Morgan Chu CEO distinguished chair, in a statment. “This collection of industry leaders has made extraordinary contributions to our mission and continues to enhance our ability to deliver tomorrow’s breakthrough innovations today. We look forward to partnering with Lyor and the larger music community in the years ahead to develop new cures and save patient lives.”
Cohen started his career as a road manager for Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys before moving on to executive leadership roles at companies including Def Jam, Warner Music Group and 300 Entertainment, which he co-founded in 2012. Cohen joined YouTube as global head of music in 2016. He sits on the board of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the National Independent Venue Association and is an acting director for the New York-based charity SCAN-Harbor.
“If you have the opportunity to give a gift back to the industry you love, with an organization like City of Hope, whose doctors and scientists’ passion for helping others is so extraordinary, it’s a no-brainer,” said Cohen. “My career has been shaped by a contrarian point of view. Open to making mistakes, making big bets, unpopular decisions and being comfortable with change; that is how culture shifts and how breakthroughs happen. To me, these are many of the same qualities that make City of Hope’s mission to transform the future of cancer care across all communities so impactful. I am honored to join this admirable group of Spirit of Life recipients and look forward to continuing the tradition of leaning on music to bring us together.”
Wednesday’s announcement kicks off a year-long fundraising initiative for City of Hope that includes such events as the Taste of Hope wine dinner and auction on May 17 in New York City, the Music Trivia Bowl on July 20 in Los Angeles and the annual Songs of Hope event.
Evan Lamberg, president of Universal Music Publishing Group North America and president of City of Hope’s Music, Film & Entertainment Industry board, added that the board is “thrilled” to honor Cohen: “In addition to Lyor powering American Hip Hop as a cultural and musical phenomenon, I have known him to have a big heart and passion when it comes to helping others. This is certainly a prime example of that as he now takes an incredible step in helping City of Hope fight cancer, diabetes and HIV.”
Previous recipients of the Spirit of Life Award include Republic Records co-founders Monte and Avery Lipman, Universal Music Group chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge, Epic Records chairman/CEO Sylvia Rhone and former Greenberg Traurig attorney Joel Katz.
While accepting the Spirit of Life award at the City of Hope’s star-studded 2022 gala alongside his longtime business partner and even longer-time brother Monte on Thursday evening, Avery Lipman couldn’t let the moment pass without nodding to the siblings’ breakthrough act.
“After a few close calls with Chapter 11, our first big break came…with a band called the Bloodhound Gang,” said the Republic Records co-founder, eliciting a clap from what sounded like a single person in the crowd. “Yeah, I usually get that reaction,” he cracked. “Liked by few, hated by most, but what can I say.”
It was a cheeky moment that preceded a moving declaration from Monte, who co-founded Republic with his younger brother from their kitchen table in 1995. After listing all the roles he’s known for filling — music executive, husband and father — he continued, “But what you don’t know about me, [is] I’m also a cancer survivor.”
“What started out as a routine trip to the doctor eight years ago escalated into a full-blown medical emergency that changed my life forever,” Monte recounted. “For those of you in this category, you understand the crippling fear and anxiety you experience during those dark moments. I’ve always been sympathetic and responsive to cancer-fighting initiatives, but until you go through the fire yourself, you don’t really understand the gravitas of the emotional distress which becomes all-consuming. You can’t eat, you can’t sleep and you can barely breathe.”
While the gala, held on the grounds of the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, was an opportunity for music luminaries to mix and mingle, the evening kept a heavy focus on the City of Hope’s life-saving work as a world-class cancer care facility. In addition to soliciting and receiving donations of up to $100,000 — including from the Lipmans themselves — the event featured live testimonials from a number of City of Hope patients who recounted their experiences and successful cancer treatments at the world-renowned facility.
Also offering a testimonial on Thursday evening was Republic signee Billy Porter, who played emcee for the evening, exuberantly making his way through the crowd of well-heeled attendees to solicit personal anecdotes about the Lipmans from longtime colleagues including Michele Anthony, Wendy Goldstein and Jody Gerson. In addition to cancer research and treatment, Porter noted that City of Hope is also devoted to two diseases he has personally been diagnosed with: diabetes and HIV. “Unfortunately these diseases are something that touch us all, but together I know we can make a difference,” he said from the stage.
Of course, every City of Hope gala is ultimately a celebration, and entertainment for the evening was provided by Republic artists including Porter — who performed the single “Audacity” from his forthcoming album — as well as Jack Johnson and new signee Sekou, who performed a stunning rendition of late Republic Records star Amy Winehouse‘s “Back to Black.” Capping the evening was a surprise performance by the Jonas Brothers, who performed two songs: their 2021 Marshmello collaboration “Leave Before You Love Me” and 2019 Hot 100 No. 1 single “Sucker.”
Jonas Brothers perform onstage during the MFEI Spirit of Life Honoring Monte and Avery Lipman on October 27, 2022 in Los Angeles.
Lester Cohen/GI for City of Hope
While Republic’s biggest star, Taylor Swift — currently enjoying massive sales for her latest album Midnights — was not in attendance, she did take part in a pre-taped sketch that saw her pit the Lipman brothers against one another in a Succession-style skit. “I think Monte’s holding you back,” Swift tells Avery over the phone as someone off-camera pours champagne into her glass. “He’s like sort of a house cat and you’re more of a snow leopard type, you know what I mean?”
The night did boast several Republic stars IRL, including John Legend, The Weeknd and recent signee Yung Gravy, who told Billboard that part of the reason he signed with Republic was because the Lipmans “don’t feel like a boss…they feel like friends.”
Speaking of bosses, the evening featured a head-spinning lineup of top music executives. In addition to the Lipmans’ Republic Records and UMG colleagues — also including UMG CFO and executive vp Boyd Muir, Capitol Music Group chair and CEO Michelle Jubelirer, Republic Records CCO Dave Rocco and UMPG president Evan Lamberg, who made the evening’s opening remarks — other bigwigs in attendance included Sony Music Publishing CEO Jon Platt, former Recording Academy chairman and CEO Neil Portnow, iHeartMedia entertainment president John Sykes LaPolt Law founder Dina LaPolt, CAA Music head Rob Light and Epic Records CEO and 2019 Spirit of Life honoree Sylvia Rhone.
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