Most cancers remedy and analysis heart, the Metropolis of Hope, held its annual Spirit of Life Gala in West Hollywood on Wednesday night, recognizing Warner Data co-chairman and COO Tom Corson, this yr’s Spirit of Life award recipient, who was honored with an introduction from Cher and a efficiency from Michael Bublé.
Corson joins record of high-profile music executives who’ve beforehand been given the Spirit of Life award together with Jay Marciano, Lyor Cohen, Lucian Grainge, Sylvia Rhone, Clive Davis and Irving Azoff amongst others. Mo Ostin, the late legendary music government who additionally served as chairman at Warner, was the first-ever recipient of the award again in 1973.
The Metropolis of Hope’s Music, Movie and Leisure Trade, which oversees the annual gala, mentioned Thursday that it expects to have raised about $6 million by the top of this yr. Final night time throughout a fundraiser after visitors ate their dinner, Corson and his spouse Susan (who herself is a most cancers survivor) pledged a $100,000 donation. Grainge pledged $50,000, and Warner Data CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck donated $25,000. Saban briefly interrupted the auctioneer’s name for donations to announce he was pledging $250,000 as properly.
The Spirit of Life Gala brings collectively a number of the music business’s strongest figures annually, with Lucian and Elliot Grainge, Haim Saban, UMPG CEO Jody Gerson, Apple Music head Oliver Schusser, CAA music government Rob Gentle and Warner Chappell CEO Man Moot all amongst this yr’s attendees. Additionally in attendance had been members of Warner Data’ Linkin Park, in addition to hit songwriters Jimmy Jam and Diane Warren.
Amongst those that spoke Wednesday night time had been UMPG North America president Evan Lamberg, who chairs the MFEI board, The Metropolis of Hope’s Dr. Saro Armenian and BET government Amber Mike, who gave a transferring speech recounting her expertise preventing most cancers.
Bay-Schuck, Corson’s co-head on the label, was among the many first audio system of the night and mentioned that he’s “come to think about Tom as a protector” because the two began working collectively at Warner Data again in 2018.
“There isn’t any higher honoree than Tom,” Bay-Schuck mentioned. “This tribute places a wonderful level on a outstanding profession spanning over 4 a long time that by all measures continues to be on the ascent as he continues to steer Warner Data into a fully thriving new period that exhibits no indicators of slowing down.”
Cher launched Corson for his speech later within the night, lauding the manager as an artist-advocate and recalling the help she’d acquired from him when she was recording her first Christmas album.
“I’ve discovered by my expertise that individuals which can be the heads of music corporations are both fits or music males,” Cher mentioned as she launched Corson Wednesday night. “Tom is a music man… I’m so honored tonight to current you this award tonight.”
In his speech, Corson spoke about touring the Metropolis of Hope’s principal campus in Duarte, seeing the work the group does and the aftercare they offer to their sufferers.
“I’m honored to simply accept the Spirit of Life Award, however much more honored to face with my Warner Data household,” Corson mentioned, additionally thanking the Warner Data artists who additionally stepped up with donations, together with live performance tickets and autographed memorabilia. He appeared to combat again tears throughout his speech as he thanked his household for his or her help. “Susan, Anna, Lewis, my daughter-in-law Allie, my little grandson Owen, I really like you, and I share this night time and this honor with you all.”
Corson completed the night time by bringing Bublé on stage, who carried out each originals like “Sway” and “It’s a Lovely Day” in addition to covers, together with a rendition of “Past the Sea,” which Bublé mentioned was Corson’s favourite tune of all time.
“Feeling supported and beloved, that’s my story with Tom. If I had it in my energy, I’d need this relationship for each artist,” Bublé mentioned. “I’d need each child who’s fortunate sufficient to signal to a document label to really feel that form of love and help, to have a real friendship with a person who loves music.”
