During a black-tie gala benefit at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, five-time GRAMMY Award winner Luciano Pavarotti was named the 1998 MusiCares "Person of the Year". The evening included a gormet dinner, silent auction and performances from a number of today's stars. The MusiCares Foundation, established by National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences in 1989, focuses music industry attention and resources on health and human services issues that directly impact the well-being of those in the music industry. Past honorees include Phil Collins, Quincy Jones, Tony Bennett, Gloria Estefan, Natalie Cole, Bonnie Raitt and David Crosby. NARAS President/CEO Michael Greene awarded Pavarotti the honor, acknowledging his outstanding philanthropic endeavors. Hundreds of items were on display as part of a silent auction prior to the dinner, which was designed to raise money for the foundation. The range of items available for bid was as wide as the night was impressive. Sports and entertainment memorabilia, vintage musical equipment, signed photos, posters and paintings, trips to exotic locations, exquisite jewelry and signed clothing made the silent auction a big success. After the dinner, the performances began, with Sting first to take the stage. Each performer paid homage to Pavarotti, warmly appreciative of his talent and humanitarian efforts. Other performers included Boyz II Men, Jon Secada, Joan Osborne backed by the Chieftains, Italian artist Zucchero, Natalie Cole and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. It was Franklin who flat out brought the house down, belting in both Italian and English. Pavarotti was moved to tears by her performance. Wrapping up the evening with a screaming run-through of "R-E-S-P-E-C-T," Franklin had the usually stuffy Waldorf Astoria rockin'. Borrowing a line from Nat and Natalie Cole, Pavarotti called the night "unforgettable". It was a truly magnificent evening, highlighting the spirit and passion of the MusiCares Foundation. -Scott Rubin