The Spirit of Life Campaign Harnesses the Power of Music to Transform Lives for Cancer Patients Everywhere
LOS ANGELES, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. with its National Medical Center named top 5 in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report and a national leader in providing cancer patients with best-in-class, integrated supportive care programs proudly announces Tom Corson, Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records, as the recipient of the 2025 Spirit of Life® Award. The prestigious honor is a cornerstone of the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry's annual philanthropic campaign, which brings the industry together to support City of Hope's mission to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes through pioneering research, innovative treatments, and compassionate patient care.
For more than 50 years, the music industry has united around the Spirit of Life campaign, raising nearly $170 million to support City of Hope's lifesaving research and care. This year, the campaign takes on even greater significance as the Los Angeles community continues to recover from devastating wildfires—events that not only displace families but also contribute to long-term health risks, including increased cancer rates due to toxic smoke exposure. The music industry, deeply rooted in this city, has always come together in times of need, and this year's Spirit of Life campaign serves as another moment to harness the power of music for healing and hope.
"We are thrilled to honor Tom Corson as this year's Spirit of Life recipient," said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope. "Tom's leadership, both in the music industry and as a long-time member of the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Board, exemplifies the transformative spirit that defines our work. Under his guidance and in partnership with Aaron Bay-Schuck, Warner Records has undergone a significant evolution—a parallel to City of Hope's drive to transform health and cancer care for communities everywhere."
As Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records, Corson has been instrumental in shaping the label's evolution, propelling its artists to global success, and fostering an innovative culture that aligns with the music industry's ongoing transformation. His decades of commitment to artist development and industry leadership mirror City of Hope's relentless pursuit of groundbreaking medical advancements.
"It is a profound honor to be recognized as this year's Spirit of Life honoree," said Corson. "At Warner Records, we often say it's not just about the song—it's about the artist. In the same way, City of Hope isn't just about treatments—it's about the people, their dreams, and their futures. When I sit down with an artist, we talk about their goals and aspirations, and we work to make those dreams a reality. That same spirit of transformation is at the core of City of Hope's mission: turning hope into tangible breakthroughs for patients fighting cancer. The music industry has always been about more than entertainment; it's about connection, transformation, and impact. I am proud to stand with my peers in championing this cause and supporting the vital and lifesaving work City of Hope does every day."
Evan Lamberg, president of Universal Music Publishing Group North America and chairman of City of Hope's Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) board, underscored Corson's well-earned recognition: "Tom has been an unwavering supporter of City of Hope for years, and his leadership and dedication to both our industry and this cause make him a truly deserving honoree. Each year, the Spirit of Life campaign unites us in a shared purpose—to change lives and give hope to those in need."
Alissa Pollack, executive vice president of global music marketing at iHeartMedia and president of City of Hope's MFEI board, added: "Tom Corson has been a driving force in shaping modern music, and his philanthropic passion reflects that same commitment. The Spirit of Life campaign reminds us of the power of music to heal and inspire, and Tom's leadership will help us elevate that message even further this year."
The Spirit of Life campaign is an annual movement that galvanizes the entertainment industry to raise critical funds for City of Hope's research and treatment efforts. The campaign will culminate in fall of 2025 at the annual Spirit of Life Gala in Los Angeles, CA. Event details will be announced soon. For more information about the Spirit of Life campaign or to get involved, please visit contact mfeievents@coh.org.
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 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.
CONTACT
Bridget Livengood City of Hope
(626) 232-2498
blivengood@coh.org
Laura Swanson Warner Records
(917) 710-8266
Laura.swanson@warnerrecords.com
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SOURCE Warner Records
