Neil Diamond to receive major industry award

Neil Diamond will receive the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year Award at a ceremony and concert that is set to take place in Los Angeles during Grammy week.

The veteran singer, whose most recent album 'Home Before Dark' hit Number One on the US chart in May, is being recognised for "his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work," according to a statement issued by the Recording Academy.

Most recently, Diamond donated all the proceeds from sales of his merchandise at three concerts to hurricane relief efforts in Texas.

The fundraising event will take place February 6. Proceeds will go MusiCares, a music-industry charity that ensures that music people have a place to turn to in times of financial, medical and personal need.


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