The T.J. Martell Foundation hosted its annual New York Honors Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street. The memorable evening marked the Foundation’s milestone 50th anniversary, raising more than $2.2 million.

The evening debuted the inaugural Circle of Legends award, a new honor recognizing the leaders who have championed the Foundation’s mission. The 2025 Circle of Legends honorees included (some posthumously):  Michele Anthony, Clarence Avant (deceased), Irving Azoff, Lenny Beer, Mitchell Benson, Steve Boom, Scott Borchetta, Will Botwin, Jim Caparro, Gary Casson, Warren Christensen, Tom Corson, Shanti Das, Archie Davis, Clive Davis, Seth England, Rakiyah Marshall England, John Esposito, Charlie Feldman, Jason Flom, Tom Freston, Joe Galante, Daniel Glass, David Glew, David Glinert (deceased), Floyd Glinert (deceased), Charles Goldstuck, Berry Gordy, Jeff Harleston, Clint Higham, Dr. James Holland (deceased), Jimmy Jam, Joel A. Katz (deceased) Michael Kushner, Dennis Lavinthal, Aaron W. Levy, Terry Lewis, Avery Lipman, Monte Lipman, Carianne Marshall, Tony Martell (deceased), Harvey Mason Jr., Judy McGrath, Tommy Mottola, Mike O’Neill, Dino Paredes, Bea Perez, Michael J. Pollack, Frances W. Preston (deceased), Diarmuid Quinn, Michael Reinert, Marc Reiter, Scott Rodger, Paul B. Shore (deceased), Julie Swidler, John Sykes, Afo Verde, Marsha Vlasic, Ron Wilcox and Chaka Zulu.

“The Circle of Legends celebrates the visionaries whose leadership built this Foundation and carried it forward,” said Steve Gawley, T.J. Martell Foundation Board Chairman and EVP, Republic Collective. “Their dedication has created a legacy of progress — uniting our industry and inspiring hope for generations to come.”

The event was hosted by Gawley , in collaboration with the Foundation’s Executive Committee. Gawley spoke proudly of his work this past year as the Chairman of the Foundation, highlighting its 50th anniversary and critical mission ahead, and how the music industry leaders coming together can help change the world not just with their music but with science, as private funding for cancer research has never been more important.

“For 50 years, the music industry’s generosity has fueled lifesaving cancer research,” said Lynn-Anne Huck, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation. “Honoring our Circle of Legends reminds us that together, we can turn music’s promise into tomorrow’s cures.”

SONY Music Entertainment’s Executive VP of Business Affairs/general Counsel Julie Swidler, 2024 New York Honors Lifetime Music industry Award recipient and Big Loud Partner/CEO Seth England, President of Frontline Recordings for BMG Americas, Jon Loba and Disturbing the Peace Record’s Chaka Zulu also gave remarks.

To end the night, Rising British artist Sekou took the stage, followed by Jelly Roll.

“I was thinking, I’m more nervous than normal. And I was like, well, I know why. I’m in New York City. I’m at the T.J. Martell gala,” Jelly Roll shared from stage. “It’s a big deal. It’s like, I’m obviously more nervous than normal. And I was like, let me think about other times I’ve been this nervous to perform. I said, probably the most nervous I’ve ever been, and this is a really unique comparison that only y’all will get, but was when I performed very recently at the Vatican for the Pope. And the first time, and this is a comparison only y’all will get. And the first time I got invited to do the Clive Davis Pre-Grammy party. Clive Davis and the Pope. So quite a parallel that can only happen at an event like this, I reckon.”

Spotify has partnered with Sony on a deal that will encompass both the recorded music and publishing sides of Sony’s business, according to Billboard. Spotify states the “new direct licensing arrangement in the U.S.” will result in higher royalties for songwriters. The deal follows previously made agreements with Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and Kobalt.

“Our partnership with Sony is built on a shared drive to shape the future of music. Together, we’re accelerating the pace of innovation to create powerful new opportunities and increasing revenue for artists and songwriters,” Daniel Ek, Spotify’s Founder and CEO tells Billboard. “These agreements aren’t just a milestone; they’re a catalyst for building a more dynamic and prosperous music ecosystem for everyone.”

Last spring, Spotify started paying a reduced royalty rate to songwriters and publishers in the U.S. by creating product bundles within its subscription options, resulting in what the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) says was a loss of $230 million in royalties in the first year.

“Sony Music Group and Spotify have long been mutually committed to advancing music streaming and growing the marketplace for all,” adds Rob Stringer, Chairman of Sony Music Group. “This is further reflected in our new agreements where we’re working to develop futuristic approaches that ensure our artists and songwriters remain appropriately compensated for their work, and audiences are getting a high-quality experience that’s ever evolving.”

“These deals with Sony Music Group are built to better support artists and songwriters by unlocking new formats and forging deeper connections with fans,” says Alex Norström, Co-President and Chief Business Officer at Spotify. “This alignment creates space for new opportunities and long-term growth for everyone involved.”