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Neil Young, the brooding rocker with a heart of gold, is to be recognized for his charity work. The iconic Canadian has been chosen as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year, a title given by the MusiCares Foundation and the Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammys. The award, a recognition of artistic accomplishments as well as philanthropic endeavours, comes with a gala dinner and a concert just prior to next year's Grammys.

The 63-year-old Toronto native, who despite a dazzling career as an introspective singer-songwriter has never won a Grammy, becomes the first Canadian to receive the MusiCares honour. "Neil has set a standard of artistic integrity and iconoclastic creativity for more than four decades, and his achievements have been matched by his unwavering humanitarianism," Recording Academy president Neil Portnow said in a release.

One need only look at Young's upcoming schedule to appreciate his altruistic commitments. On Sept. 12, he appears at Sarah McLachlan's inaugural Summer Sessions at Ambleside benefit in West Vancouver. On Oct. 4, he takes part again in Farm Aid, which he co-founded in 1985. And on the weekend of Oct. 24, Young hosts an annual acoustic event called The Bridge School Benefit Concert, which raises money for a California school serving the needs of children with severe physical and speech impairments. Young has two sons born with cerebral palsy.

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