City of Hope Honors Primary Wave Music CEO Larry Mestel With Spirit of Life Award for Cancer Philanthropy
City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, has honored Larry Mestel, founder and chief executive officer of Primary Wave Music, with its prestigious Spirit of Life® Award. The recognition took place during the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) Gala on October 27 at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California, celebrating Mestel’s leadership in mobilizing the music and entertainment industry to support cancer research and patient care.
The annual gala marked the culmination of a yearlong philanthropic campaign led by Mestel to advance City of Hope’s mission of improving outcomes for people affected by cancer. Throughout 2026, artists, music executives, entertainment companies and industry partners joined the initiative to raise funds for the organization’s scientific and clinical programs, with a particular focus on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, other cellular immunotherapies, and breast cancer research and care.
The event highlighted the role of philanthropy and industry collaboration in advancing cancer research, bringing together prominent musicians and entertainment leaders for an evening of performances, fundraising and recognition. Legendary artists Stevie Nicks, Melissa Etheridge and Jackson Browne were among the performers, adding a musical dimension to the celebration and reinforcing the industry’s longstanding relationship with City of Hope.
TikTok, a leading platform for music discovery and cultural engagement, also participated as one of the gala’s sponsors. Its involvement marked the platform’s first participation in City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Gala through its relationship with Primary Wave Music, demonstrating how partnerships between entertainment companies and digital platforms can help expand the reach of charitable initiatives.
The campaign generated millions of dollars in support of City of Hope’s work, according to Mestel, providing additional resources for research programs and initiatives intended to improve treatment options and outcomes for patients living with cancer.
Larry Mestel Recognized for Leadership in Philanthropy
Mestel received the Spirit of Life Award in recognition of his professional accomplishments and commitment to charitable causes. City of Hope presents the award to industry leaders whose achievements and humanitarian contributions reflect the organization’s mission to improve and save lives.
Reflecting on the gala and the campaign, Mestel emphasized the impact of bringing people together around a shared purpose.
“Last night was proof that when a community unites around a common, and in many cases, shared purpose, what’s possible is beyond imagination,” said Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music.
He added that hearing firsthand accounts from physicians and patients throughout the campaign had made a lasting impression on him. Mestel described receiving the award as a humbling experience and highlighted the significance of raising millions of dollars to support City of Hope’s efforts against cancer.
The campaign demonstrated how established relationships across the music and entertainment industries can be directed toward supporting medical research. By engaging artists, executives, companies and fans, the initiative created multiple opportunities for participation beyond traditional fundraising events.
Mestel founded Primary Wave Music in 2006 and has since developed the company into one of the world’s leading independent music publishers and entertainment businesses. Its portfolio includes celebrated music catalogs associated with influential artists such as Bob Marley, Prince, Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, James Brown and The Notorious B.I.G.
Through its work managing music intellectual property and developing creative partnerships, Primary Wave Music has focused on preserving the legacies of major artists while introducing their work to new generations of listeners.
Mestel’s leadership of the Spirit of Life campaign extended this collaborative approach into philanthropy, using the appeal of music, exclusive experiences and collectible memorabilia to encourage charitable giving.
More Than Five Decades of Partnership Between City of Hope and the Music Industry
City of Hope has maintained a relationship with the music industry for more than 50 years, with industry leaders and artists supporting the organization’s cancer research and treatment programs through philanthropic campaigns and fundraising initiatives.
Robert Stone, chief executive officer and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair of City of Hope, highlighted the importance of this longstanding partnership and credited Mestel with continuing the industry’s tradition of supporting cancer research.
“For more than 50 years, the music industry has stood alongside City of Hope in our mission to change what’s possible for people facing cancer,” Stone said.
He noted that Mestel had inspired participation across the industry, bringing together stakeholders around the shared goal of improving outcomes for patients and their families.
Stone also emphasized the importance of translating scientific discoveries into meaningful advances in patient care. Through research, clinical development and treatment delivery, City of Hope seeks to bring innovative approaches to people who need new or more effective cancer therapies.
The organization’s partnership with the entertainment industry provides financial support for these efforts while increasing awareness of the challenges faced by patients and the importance of continued investment in medical research.
The Spirit of Life campaign builds on this legacy by engaging a broad network of artists, executives, sponsors and supporters. The initiative reflects a shared belief that collaboration between the entertainment community and medical research institutions can help accelerate scientific progress and expand opportunities for patients.
Innovative Fundraising Connects Music Fans With Cancer Research
Beyond the October 27 gala, Mestel’s yearlong campaign used a variety of fundraising activities to reach music fans and supporters worldwide.
Exclusive online auctions, sweepstakes and music-inspired fundraising opportunities allowed participants to contribute to City of Hope’s mission while gaining access to rare collectibles and unique experiences associated with well-known musicians.
Among the offerings were handwritten lyrics from celebrated songwriters, collectible music memorabilia and opportunities to participate in special experiences with artists. These initiatives created alternative ways for fans to engage with the campaign and support cancer research.
Alissa Pollack, president of Mediabase and Global Music Marketing at RCS Worldwide/iHeartMedia, and president of City of Hope’s MFEI board, said the campaign demonstrated the creative potential of the music industry when its members work toward a common goal.
“One of the things I love most about this industry is what happens when you bring a great idea to people who have the passion, creativity and generosity to make it something extraordinary,” Pollack said.
She explained that artists and partners were encouraged to contribute in ways that went beyond conventional fundraising, including opening their music catalogs, personal collections and experiences to create exclusive opportunities for supporters.
Pollack said the response highlighted the industry’s willingness to combine creativity and generosity in support of a cause. The campaign not only offered memorable experiences for fans but also helped generate support for City of Hope’s breast cancer research initiatives.
The approach illustrates how intellectual property, celebrity participation and fan engagement can be incorporated into charitable campaigns. By connecting supporters with music and artists they value, the initiative sought to make fundraising more accessible while creating opportunities to direct contributions toward medical research and patient care.
Supporting CAR T-Cell Therapy and Cellular Immunotherapy
A central focus of the 2026 Spirit of Life campaign is City of Hope’s work in cellular immunotherapy, including CAR T-cell therapy.
CAR T-cell therapy is an advanced form of cancer treatment that involves modifying a patient’s T cells, a type of immune cell, so they can better recognize and attack cancer cells. The process generally involves collecting T cells, engineering them to express a chimeric antigen receptor that recognizes a specific target, expanding the modified cells, and administering them to the patient.
The approach has become an important area of cancer research, particularly for certain blood cancers. Researchers continue to investigate ways to improve the effectiveness, safety and accessibility of cellular therapies and to extend their potential applications to additional patient populations.
City of Hope conducts research and delivers cancer treatments, including innovative cellular therapies. Support from the Spirit of Life campaign is intended to help advance the organization’s research and treatment initiatives, including work focused on developing more effective therapies and improving access for patients.
Financial contributions to cancer research can support a range of activities, including laboratory investigations, clinical trials, technology development and the evaluation of new treatment strategies. These efforts are essential to determining whether promising scientific discoveries can be translated into safe and effective clinical interventions.
The campaign also supports breast cancer research and care. Breast cancer remains an important area of oncology research, with ongoing efforts focused on improving early detection, understanding disease biology, developing targeted therapies and identifying approaches that can improve survival and quality of life.
Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope, emphasized the importance of combining scientific expertise with sustained community support.
“Progress against cancer requires both extraordinary science and an extraordinary community willing to invest in what comes next,” Bertell said.
She credited Mestel and the music industry with demonstrating how philanthropy can help accelerate promising discoveries, support innovative therapies and bring additional hope to patients and families.
While philanthropic funding does not guarantee that a particular research program will produce a successful treatment, it can provide important resources for investigators and institutions working to address unmet medical needs.
Melissa Etheridge Brings a Personal Connection to the Cause
The gala’s performances carried particular significance for Melissa Etheridge, the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and breast cancer survivor.
Her participation connected the evening’s celebration of music with the personal experiences of people affected by cancer. Etheridge’s perspective also underscored the importance of emotional support, community involvement and access to research and treatment for individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis.
“When you’ve faced cancer yourself, you understand just how much hope matters,” Etheridge said.
She described music as a powerful way to bring people together and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to support Mestel, City of Hope and the broader community working to make a difference for people facing cancer.
Her involvement reflected the campaign’s emphasis on bringing together people with different experiences and professional backgrounds around a common mission. Artists can contribute to these efforts not only through financial support but also by raising awareness and encouraging fans to participate in charitable initiatives.
The gala’s lineup also included Stevie Nicks and Jackson Browne, whose performances contributed to an evening that combined entertainment with fundraising and recognition of philanthropic leadership.
Live Auction Features Rare Memorabilia and Exclusive Experiences
A highlight of the gala was the live auction, which began with a surprise donation: a signed, limited-edition Mattel Belladonna Barbie doll associated with Stevie Nicks, contributed from her personal collection.
The auction also featured a signed guitar from Pete Townshend’s personal collection, a pickleball experience with Kenny Loggins, and a Hawaiian golf and dinner experience with Alice Cooper.
These offerings combined rare collectibles with opportunities for personal engagement with prominent musicians. Such items and experiences can attract interest from collectors and fans while helping charitable organizations raise funds for their programs.
The auction formed part of the broader campaign strategy, which relied on the music industry’s unique ability to connect artists with audiences through both creative works and personal experiences.
The evening concluded with a performance of “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks. Before performing, Nicks shared that four people close to her had received treatment at City of Hope facilities and encouraged attendees to support the organization.
Her remarks provided a personal illustration of the impact cancer treatment institutions can have on patients and their families. They also reinforced the event’s central message: sustained investment in research and care is important for people facing cancer, whether directly or through loved ones.
Entertainment Industry Leaders Continue a $180 Million Philanthropic Legacy
Evan Lamberg, president of Universal Music Publishing Group North America and chairman of City of Hope’s MFEI board, highlighted the significance of the campaign within the industry’s longer history of supporting the organization.
“For more than five decades, our industry has united around City of Hope’s mission, and each year we’re reminded of the tremendous impact we can make together,” Lamberg said.
He praised Mestel’s leadership, creativity and personal commitment, noting that the campaign had encouraged participation from across the music and entertainment sectors.
Lamberg also stated that the industry’s philanthropic legacy has generated more than $180 million in support of City of Hope. The 2026 campaign builds on this history by engaging new partners and using creative fundraising methods to expand participation.
The Spirit of Life Award has previously recognized several prominent entertainment industry figures, including Tom Corson, Jay Marciano, Lyor Cohen, Shelli and Irving Azoff, Clive Davis, Sir Lucian Grainge, Quincy Jones, Jon Platt and Sylvia Rhone.
Mestel now joins this distinguished group of honorees whose professional achievements and charitable contributions have supported City of Hope’s mission.
Advancing Cancer Research Through Continued Collaboration
The 2026 Spirit of Life Gala represented the culmination of a year of fundraising, industry engagement and public participation organized around a shared commitment to cancer research and care.
Through the leadership of Larry Mestel and the involvement of Primary Wave Music, artists, entertainment companies, sponsors and music fans contributed to an initiative supporting City of Hope’s work in cellular immunotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy and breast cancer research.
The campaign also demonstrated how creative partnerships and exclusive fan experiences can help broaden the reach of philanthropy while generating resources for medical research.
City of Hope expressed its gratitude to Mestel, Primary Wave Music, the MFEI board, participating artists, sponsors and industry partners for their contributions to the initiative.
As research organizations continue working to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, sustained philanthropic support remains an important component of advancing scientific discovery and expanding patient access to innovative care. The Spirit of Life campaign reflects the potential of a united entertainment community to contribute to that effort and help bring new treatment possibilities to patients and families affected by cancer.
About City of Hope
City of Hope’s mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses.
City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked among the nation’s top cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work.
City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, Orange County, California, campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope™. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Lawrence Mestel, Founder & CEO, Primary Wave Music
Lawrence Mestel, Founder & CEO of Primary Wave Music, has been working in the music and entertainment industry for over 30 years. In 2006, Mestel took his extensive experience working at multiple record labels and founded Primary Wave Music, a pioneer in acquiring legendary music catalogs and the largest independent music publishing company in the world.
Primary Wave has controlled over 100,000 songs from the catalogs of legendary artists such as Bob Marley, Prince, Stevie Nicks, James Brown, Axl Rose (Guns N’ Roses), The Notorious B.I.G., Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, The Doors, Smokey Robinson, Whitney Houston, Burt Bacharach, Bing Crosby, Luther Vandross, Andre 3000, Sun Records, and many more.
The songs represented by Primary Wave include over 1000 Top 10 singles, and over 400 #1 hits. Originally founded on music publishing, Mestel has strategically and successfully built the company into a full-service music and entertainment powerhouse offering in-house marketing, branding, digital marketing, publicity, sync & licensing, TV & Film development, and estate management.
Mestel was one of the producers behind the critically acclaimed Kurt Cobain documentary film, Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck and he was part of the team who produced the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance With Somebody distributed by Sony Pictures. Mestel and Primary Wave are also producers for the Allee Willis documentary, The World According to Allee Willis, and the Luther Vandross documentary, Luther: Never Too Much, and is producing the Bob Marley immersive experience at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
In 2019 Goldman Sachs honored Larry Mestel as one of the “100 most intriguing entrepreneurs” at the annual Goldman Sachs Builders & Inventors summit. From 2020 through 2023, Mestel landed on Billboard Magazine’s “Power List” being recognized for his leadership in the music industry. In 2024, Mestel was once again featured on the Billboard Power 100, making the magazine’s “Leaderboard” which recognized the top 40 leaders across the music industry.
He returned to the “Leaderboard” and Power List once again in 2025. He has also appeared on the Variety 500 three times and has been featured in top press outlets such as New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, New York Post, Forbes, Billboard Magazine, and HITS Magazine.
About City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Group
Inspired by the guiding humanitarian principles of City of Hope and motivated by the institution’s commitment to innovative medical research and compassionate patient care, a group of key industry executives founded City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry group in 1973. In its 50-plus-year history, the group has raised over $180 million for City of Hope and has honored some of the most important figures in the music and entertainment industry.
The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s most prestigious honor and is presented to an esteemed community of industry leaders around the world who have made a significant commitment to improving the lives of others through the advancement of research and clinical innovation and the delivery of personalized, compassionate care. Past honorees include Tom Corson, Jay Marciano, Lyor Cohen, Shelli and Irving Azoff, Edgar Bronfman Jr., Coran Capshaw, Eddy Cue, Clive Davis, Sir Lucian Grainge, Allen Grubman, Quincy Jones, Rob Light, Monte and Avery Lipman, Doug Morris, Mo Ostin, Bob Pittman, Jon Platt and Sylvia Rhone to name a few.