Annual Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Campaign Expected to Raise Nearly $6 Million for Cancer Research, Survivorship and Integrative Oncology Programs in 2025

City of Hope^®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and among the nation’s top-ranked cancer centers, honored Tom Corson, Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records, with its prestigious Spirit of Life^® Award at a gala held Oct. 15 at the Pacific Design Center.

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Tom Corson, Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records and 2025 Spirit of Life® Honoree, with Aaron Bay-Schuck, Co-Chairman and CEO of Warner Records, GRAMMY Award-winning superstar entertainer Michael Bublé, and cultural icon Cher at City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Spirit of Life Gala.

The Spirit of Life Gala is the centerpiece of the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry’s annual philanthropic campaign, which is expected to raise nearly $6 million before year’s end in support of City of Hope’s mission. Funds from this year’s campaign are fueling leading-edge research and expanding survivorship programs for adolescents and young adults, alongside integrative oncology therapies — including music therapy — that help patients reclaim their quality of life.

The star-studded evening featured a heartfelt program with tributes from industry leaders, inspiring reflections on the power of philanthropy, and a dazzling performance by GRAMMY Award-winning superstar entertainer Michael Bublé, introduced by Corson himself. The night also included a special appearance by Cher, who took the stage to present Corson with the Spirit of Life Award, marking an unforgettable highlight of the evening. The gala drew an array of industry luminaries, with special appearances from artists including members of Linkin Park and Diane Warren, underscoring the music community’s deep commitment to City of Hope.

“Music has the power to connect, inspire and heal, and tonight proved how deeply this industry cares for the lives behind the mission,” said Corson. “I’m honored to accept the Spirit of Life Award, but even more honored to stand with my Warner Records family and this extraordinary community as we help City of Hope accelerate discoveries and restore quality of life for patients everywhere.”

In addition to the gala, Corson’s campaign included a series of exclusive auctions that raised critical funds, and for the first time, Warner Records employees will unite as a team to participate in City of Hope’s Walk for Hope on Nov. 2, joining thousands of supporters across the country in the fight to outpace cancer.

Throughout the evening, attendees were moved by reflections from Amber Mike, a respected member of the entertainment industry, who shared her perspective on the deep connection between the arts and healing. Guests also heard from Dr. Saro Armenian, Barron Hilton Chair of Pediatrics and the Director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer (AYA) and Survivorship Programs at City of Hope, highlighting how research and philanthropy are transforming survivorship care for young adults facing cancer.

“City of Hope’s mission has always been to bring the best of science and humanity together to save lives,” said Robert Stone, chief executive officer and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair of City of Hope. “Through research, clinical innovation and compassionate care, we’re working to ensure that every patient has access to the most advanced treatments—and the hope that comes with them. The music industry’s partnership, and leaders like Tom Corson, help make that possible by turning their creativity and generosity into real impact for people facing cancer.”

“Philanthropy powers discovery,” said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer, City of Hope. “With the support of Tom Corson and this industry, we are accelerating research that leads to new therapies and cures, while also expanding integrative care programs that ensure patients don’t just survive cancer — they thrive beyond it.”

“For over 50 years, the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry board has raised its voice for patients and families,” said Evan Lamberg, president, Universal Music Publishing Group North America and MFEI board chairman. “Tom Corson’s leadership continues that legacy, and together we’ve raised more than $160 million across decades to support City of Hope’s life-saving work.”

Alissa Pollack, EVP of Global Music Marketing at iHeartMedia and MFEI board president, added: “When this industry unites — whether it’s on a stage, in a studio, or in a room like this — the impact is extraordinary. Tonight was a powerful reminder that the same energy that moves audiences through music can change lives through philanthropy.”

Closing the evening, Bublé performed an intimate set that brought the crowd to its feet. “It was an honor to lend my voice tonight to celebrate Tom and the mission of City of Hope,” Bublé shared. “Hope is the most powerful song we can sing together.”

City of Hope extends its gratitude to the sponsors, donors and industry partners who made the evening possible. Fundraising for the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry campaign will continue through the end of 2025, offering even more opportunities to join this life-saving movement.

PHOTOS (Photo credit: Getty Images for City of Hope)

VIDEO (Video credit: Alan Larsen Films for City of Hope)

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 U.S., 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 top 5 in the nation for cancer care 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, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, 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 Tom Corson, Co-Chairman & COO, Warner Records

Tom Corson is the Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records, overseeing all aspects of the record label’s operations. He joined the company in January 2018, and has since led the label to even greater prominence, reaching #3 in market share, earning nine “Best New Artist” Grammy nominations and chart-topping success with such new and established artists as Dua Lipa, Zach Bryan, Michael Bublé, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, Rufus Du Sol, Linkin Park, Cher, Dasha, Red Hot Chili Peppers, JISOO, Josh Groban, Gary Clark Jr., Green Day, The Black Keys, Saweetie, NLE Choppa, Omar Apollo and more.

Tom came to Warner Records from RCA Music Group, where he spent nearly 18 years of his career and most recently served as President & COO. Having also overseen operations for J and Arista, Tom played a leading role in talent development at RCA, helping to guide the careers of Alicia Keys, A$AP Rocky, Pitbull, Bleachers, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Foo Fighters, G-Eazy, Justin Timberlake, Khalid, Kings of Leon, Kygo, Pentatonix, P!nk, Miley Cyrus, Sia, SZA, Usher, and many others.

Tom began his career in the music industry as a college intern at IRS Records. Upon graduating from UCLA with a B.A. in Business/Economics, he joined the label as Director of West Coast Sales, working with artists such as R.E.M. and The Go-Go’s. Tom moved to A&M Records in 1985, advancing to Vice President of Marketing where he assisted in developing a variety of artists, including Soundgarden, Simple Minds, Sting and UB40. In 1990, Corson was named Senior Vice President of Marketing at Capitol Records with a talent roster ranging from Radiohead to MC Hammer. From 1996 to 2000, he served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Columbia Records, spearheading a genre-spanning string of breakout campaigns for Fugees, Train, Lauryn Hill, System of a Down, Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey and others.

Tom Corson has appeared on the Billboard Power 100 list the last 14 years, and he was just named 2024 Variety Hitmakers "Executive of the Year" alongside Warner Records Co-Chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck. He is a member of NARAS and the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Board for City of Hope and also sits on the executive committee of the board of directors for the T.J. Martell Foundation and is the Chairman of the UCLA School of Music Business, board of advisors.

About Michael Bublé

Michael Bublé has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide over the course of his extraordinary career and has enjoyed enormous success as one of the top touring artists of all time. With a career that includes 5 GRAMMYs, 15 JUNO Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame, 6 multi-platinum albums, and over 14 billion global streams, Michael has spent the past two decades deeply committed to not only keep the flames of the Great American Songbook alive and well - to not only breathe new life into them - but to bring his singular style, vocal power, and passion to timeless tunes that he loves. He released his self-titled debut album on Reprise Records in 2003, followed by a series of multi-platinum, #1 albums including Call Me Irresponsible (2007), Crazy Love (2009), To Be Loved (2013), Love (2018), and Christmas (2011). Michael’s 11th studio album HIGHER (2022) marked his 9th Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart and 7th consecutive studio album to debut in the Top 3. Known for his world-class showmanship and spectacular concert production, he has performed sold out shows in over 30 countries. With unstoppable talent, energy and a voice that is equally at home singing standards, pop, swing, jazz, R&B, and comedy, Michael takes his audiences on a special journey every night - singing his heart out, serenading them with beautiful love songs, making them laugh, cry, and dance - to give them an evening they will never forget. In September 2024, Michael joined the powerhouse coaching panel on NBC’s The Voice, taking home his first win in his rookie season, and returns as a coach in Season 27 airing now.

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 $170 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 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.

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Music icons Cher and Michael Bublé joined Warner Records leaders Tom Corson and Aaron Bay-Schuck to celebrate City of Hope’s 2025 Spirit of Life® Honoree at the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry gala.