Warner Records’ Co-Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Tom Corson received City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Award at a gala in Los Angeles on Wednesday (October 15), capping a fundraising campaign expected to bring in nearly $6 million for the cancer research organization by year-end.
Corson was recognized at the Pacific Design Center event attended by music industry figures and artists. Cher presented the award, while Michael Bublé performed during the evening. Members of Linkin Park and songwriter Diane Warren also made appearances.
The Music, Film and Entertainment Industry board of City of Hope has organized this campaign since 1973, raising $170 million over that period. Past honorees include Universal Music Group Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge, legendary producer, composer and label executive Quincy Jones, YouTube‘s Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen, Sony Music Publishing Chairman and CEO Jon Platt, AEG Presents Chairman and CEO Jay Marciano, and more.
The $6 million target represents funds dedicated to cancer research and treatment programs, including survivorship care for adolescents and young adults. City of Hope, a private nonprofit based in Duarte, California, treats cancer, diabetes and other diseases. The money will also support integrative oncology programs, including music therapy programs.
Corson said: “Music has the power to connect, inspire and heal, and tonight proved how deeply this industry cares for the lives behind the mission.”
“I’m honored to accept the Spirit of Life Award, but even more honored to stand with my Warner Records family and this extraordinary community as we help City of Hope accelerate discoveries and restore quality of life for patients everywhere.”
“Music has the power to connect, inspire and heal, and tonight proved how deeply this industry cares for the lives behind the mission.”
Tom Corson, Warner Records
Corson has spent four decades in the music business. City of Hope noted that he joined Warner Records in January 2018, and has since led the label to reach No.3 in market share, earning nine “Best New Artist” Grammy nominations and chart-topping success with such new and established artists as Dua Lipa, Zach Bryan, Michael Bublé, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, Rufus Du Sol, Linkin Park, Cher, Dasha, Red Hot Chili Peppers, JISOO, Josh Groban, Gary Clark Jr., Green Day, The Black Keys, Saweetie, NLE Choppa, Omar Apollo and more.
Before that, he spent nearly 18 years at RCA Records, rising to President and COO while working with artists such as Alicia Keys, A$AP Rocky, Chris Brown, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, Kings of Leon, P!nk, Miley Cyrus, Sia, SZA, Usher, and others.
He is also a veteran of IRS Records (where he worked with R.E.M. and the Go-Gos), A&M Records (Soundgarden, Simple Minds, Sting, UB40), and Capitol Records (Radiohead, MC Hammer).
In 2018, Corson was named to Billboard’s Power 100 in 2018, and was awarded Executive of the Year, jointly with Bay-Shuck, at Variety’s Hitmakers event in 2024.
The gala included remarks from Amber Mike, an entertainment industry professional, and Dr. Saro Armenian, who directs City of Hope’s Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer and Survivorship Programs. Armenian discussed how philanthropy supports survivorship care for younger cancer patients.
“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.”
Kristin Bertell, City of Hope
Robert Stone, CEO and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair of City of Hope, said: “City of Hope’s mission has always been to bring the best of science and humanity together to save lives.”
“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.”
Kristin Bertell, Chief Philanthropy Officer, City of Hope, added: “Philanthropy powers discovery. 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.”
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.”
“When this industry unites — whether it’s on a stage, in a studio, or in a room like this — the impact is extraordinary.”
Alissa Pollack, iHeartMedia
The campaign also included auctions to raise critical funds. Meanwhile, Warner Records employees will participate in City of Hope’s Walk for Hope on November 2, marking the first time the label’s staff will join as a team in the national fundraising event.
Fundraising for the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry campaign continues through the end of 2025. Evan Lamberg, President, Universal Music Publishing Group North America and MFEI board chairman, said: “For over 50 years, the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry board has raised its voice for patients and families.”
“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.”
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