Springsteen Rocks with Jon Bon Jovi at Pre-Grammys Tribute

Honoree Jon Bon Jovi waves onstage during the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala in Los Angeles, California, US, February 2, 2024. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Honoree Jon Bon Jovi waves onstage during the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala in Los Angeles, California, US, February 2, 2024. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
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Springsteen Rocks with Jon Bon Jovi at Pre-Grammys Tribute

Honoree Jon Bon Jovi waves onstage during the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala in Los Angeles, California, US, February 2, 2024. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
Honoree Jon Bon Jovi waves onstage during the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala in Los Angeles, California, US, February 2, 2024. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Bruce Springsteen and other music stars paid tribute to rocker Jon Bon Jovi on Friday at an annual pre-Grammys fundraiser, putting their spin on hits such as "Blaze of Glory" from the singer's extensive rock catalog.
Bon Jovi founded a band of the same name in 1983 in New Jersey and helped define the guitar-heavy rock of the 1980s. The 61-year-old was chosen as this year's Person of the Year by MusiCares, a charitable arm of the Recording Academy that raises funds to help musicians with health care and other needs.
Springsteen, also from New Jersey, joined Bon Jovi on stage in downtown Los Angeles for a duet of "Who Says You Can't Go Home?" Both played guitar and sang. In the audience, former Beatle Paul McCartney stood and clapped his hands above his head.
Springteen's mother, Adele Springsteen, died on Wednesday at age 98. Bon Jovi said he would have understood if Springsteen, who he called a friend and mentor, had canceled his appearance.
"But he wanted to be here tonight for MusiCares, and he wanted to be here tonight for me, and I'm forever grateful," Bon Jovi said, according to reuters.
Bon Jovi also talked about the importance of music in his life. "Every time I strum my guitar, I'm reminded that I have a best friend for life. That instrument will never let you down," he said.
During a three-hour tribute, fellow '80s rocker Sammy Hagar belted "You Give Love a Bad Name," folk-rock musician Melissa Etheridge sang "Blaze of Glory" and singer-songwriter Jason Isbell performed "Wanted Dead or Alive."
Other performers included country singer Jelly Roll and husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty, two acts competing for best new artist at Sunday's Grammys.
Bon Jovi applauded the performances and laughed at jabs from host Jim Gaffigan about the singer's big hair and over-the-top clothing of the 1980s. Gaffigan joked that Bon Jovi and his band looked like "a gang of aerobics instructors" at the time.
The night ended with the all-star lineup gathering on stage with Bon Jovi for rock anthem "Livin' On a Prayer."
Past MusiCares honorees have included Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Tony Bennett, Billy Joel and Fleetwood Mac.



Taylor Swift Donates $5 Million Toward Hurricane Relief Efforts

FILE - Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras Tour June 21, 2024, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)
FILE - Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras Tour June 21, 2024, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)
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Taylor Swift Donates $5 Million Toward Hurricane Relief Efforts

FILE - Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras Tour June 21, 2024, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)
FILE - Taylor Swift performs at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras Tour June 21, 2024, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP, File)

Taylor Swift has donated $5 million to Feeding America to support relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, The Associated Press reported.
The nonprofit announced the pop star's donation Wednesday with a “Thank You” graphic resembling a friendship bracelet, a favorite accessory that Swift's fans trade at her concerts.
Feeding America is “incredibly grateful” for the donation, CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said in a statement.
“This contribution will help communities rebuild and recover, providing essential food, clean water, and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms," the statement continued. “Together, we can make a real impact in supporting families as they navigate the challenges ahead.”
The organization also encouraged fans and supporters to “join Taylor” in contributing to relief efforts.
Swift's longtime friends, actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, also donated $1 million to Feeding America to support the hurricane relief efforts. Babineaux-Fontenot said in a statement that the couple's “longtime support of Feeding America in times of crisis” has helped provide basic needs for several past natural disasters.
Swift has a long history of donating to nonprofits in the wake of natural disasters or tragic events, including a tornado that hit Tennessee in 2020 and a shooting in February 2024 at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade.
Her philanthropic relationship with food banks became a quiet hallmark of her record-breaking Eras Tour, with the singer donating the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of meals to different food banks across cities she played in.