Paul McCartney named MusiCares person of the year

(CBS/AP) Former Beatle Paul McCartney has some more honors coming his way this winter.

The 69-year-old rocker, whose "Ocean's Kingdom" ballet will make its debut at New York's Lincoln Center later this month, has been chosen as MusiCares person of the year, to be honored in Los Angeles during Grammy week next year.

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The singer-songwriter, who hosted a 2001 benefit in New York for survivors and families of victims of the 9/11 attacks, will not only be honored for his music but also for his charitable side. Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow says McCartney "exemplifies the phrase artist/philanthropist."

The annual event celebrates a legend in the days before the Grammy Awards. Previous honorees include Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond. An array of music stars pay tribute by singing their songs, and the honoree sometimes performs as well.

MusiCares helps musicians who are struggling due to financial, medical or other reasons. McCartney says he's privileged to try to make the world a better place through charity and he's honored by the MusiCares tribute.