Larry Mestel, Founder & CEO – Primary Wave Music, to be honoured at City of Hope 2026 Gala

Mumbai, 27^th April 2026: In a moment that bridges music, legacy, and philanthropy, Larry Mestel, Founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, is set to receive the prestigious Spirit of Life Award at the 2026 gala hosted by City of Hope. Scheduled for October 27, 2026 at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, the event is expected to bring together some of the most powerful names across music, film, and entertainment for a night that blends cultural influence with a larger humanitarian mission.

What makes this recognition significant isn’t just the honour itself, it’s the scale of impact behind it. The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s highest philanthropic recognition, previously awarded to industry titans like Quincy Jones and Clive Davis. Larry Mestel joins this elite league after building Primary Wave into one of the largest independent music publishing companies globally, managing over 100,000 songs from iconic artists including Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, and The Notorious B.I.G..

Beyond business, the honour reflects a deeper narrative of purpose. The City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry group has raised over $180 million for cancer research and patient care, turning its annual gala into one of the most influential philanthropic events in entertainment. Larry Mestel’s recognition also carries a personal dimension, as his connection to the cause has been shaped by loss, making this moment not just industry recognition, but a deeply human one.

In 2026, as the music business increasingly revolves around catalogue ownership, legacy management, and cross-industry influence, this honour signals something bigger. It underscores how leaders like Larry Mestel are redefining the role of music executives, not just as dealmakers, but as cultural architects and changemakers. The City of Hope gala isn’t just another industry event, it’s where music’s biggest players come together to shape impact far beyond the charts.