Neil Diamond is being honored as the 2009 MusiCares Person of the Year at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 6. The ceremony is part of the festivities leading up to the 51st Annual Grammy Awards.

Artists honoring Diamond include the Foo Fighters, Jennifer Hudson, Coldplay, Jonas Brothers, Adele, Urge Overkill, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.Extra: Watch the MusiCares Person of the Year and Grammy Gold (February 5, 2009)

Created in 1989, the MusiCares Foundation provides medical, financial and medical assistance to musicians in need. The MusiCares Person of the Year award recognizes those who have made significant achievements in music as well as philanthropic work.

Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include Tony Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon, Sting, James Taylor, Brian Wilson and Stevie Wonder.Boston Music Spotlight: Neil Diamond to be honored as MusiCares Person of the Year (February 5, 2009)

1. Genres: Rock, pop, folk and country
2. Years active: 1958 - Present
3. Labels: Bang, Uni, MCA, Columbia
4. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984
5. Set up a charity for victims of Hurricane Ike

• YouTube Video: Neil Diamond "Sweet Caroline" (Time: 3:43)