Each year, the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry comes together with a shared purpose: to support City of Hope’s work to advance cancer research and care.
In 2026, that collective effort will honor a leader whose career reflects many of the same values that drive this mission.
City of Hope has named Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, as this year’s Spirit of Life® honoree. He will be recognized at the annual gala on October 27, 2026, at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.
Built on Partnership
The Spirit of Life Award recognizes leaders whose work advances innovation, compassion and progress. For Mestel, that recognition reflects not only his impact on the music industry, but how he has built his business.
Since founding Primary Wave in 2006, Mestel has helped reshape the music publishing landscape, growing the company into the largest independent music publishing company in the world, representing more than 100,000 songs from artists including Bob Marley, Prince, Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks and The Notorious B.I.G., among many others.
At its core, Primary Wave’s model is rooted in partnership, working closely with artists and estates to ensure decisions reflect a shared vision, and that creative legacies are honored as they evolve.
“We are proud to honor Larry Mestel with the Spirit of Life Award,” said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope. “What stands out about Larry is not just what he’s built, but how he’s built it through trust, partnership and shared vision. At City of Hope, that same approach is what defines our philanthropic community, bringing people together around something bigger than themselves: changing what’s possible for patients and families facing cancer.”
A Personal Connection
For Mestel, the connection to City of Hope is also deeply personal.
“City of Hope represents what’s possible when people come together around a shared purpose,” he said. “In music, collaboration is essential—and that same mindset is critical in the fight against cancer. With my younger sister having passed away from cancer last year, the City of Hope has even more meaning to me, and I am honored to support an organization that is advancing cancer research and care for patients and families.”
An Industry United
The Music, Film and Entertainment Industry group has supported City of Hope for more than five decades, raising over $180 million to fund research and patient care.
The Spirit of Life campaign continues to bring that community together—uniting artists, executives and partners across the industry in support of a shared mission.
“We are so honored to have Larry Mestel as our distinguished honoree for City of Hope’s Spirit of Life 2026,” said Evan Lamberg, president of Universal Music Publishing Group North America and chair of the industry board. “Larry and his Primary Wave team have already made a big impact for City of Hope, and the event on October 27, 2026 will certainly be one to remember.”
“Larry’s influence on the music industry is undeniable, but what stands out just as much is his commitment to collaboration and long-term impact,” added Alissa Pollack, executive vice president of global music marketing at iHeartMedia and president of the industry board. “The Spirit of Life campaign is a powerful reminder of what this industry can accomplish when we come together, and Larry is the kind of leader who inspires that collective action.”
Looking Ahead
The 2026 campaign will continue throughout the year, culminating in the October gala in Los Angeles. Proceeds will support City of Hope’s efforts to develop new therapies and deliver care to patients across its national system.
To learn more or get involved, visit cityofhope.org/mfei or contact [email protected].