Music biz to honor Neil Diamond in L.A.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Neil Diamond will be the honoree at the music industry's annual MusiCares fundraiser, which will take place in Los Angeles on February 6, two days before the Grammy Awards, organizers said.

The 67-year-old singer has been designated as the charity's person of the year in honor of his philanthropic work. MusiCares, the charitable arm of the group that organizes the Grammys, helps musicians with health and financial problems.

Previous honorees have included Billy Joel, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John and Brian Wilson.

Diamond is currently on tour to promote his second Rick Rubin-produced album "Home Before Dark," which debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. pop chart in May. The feat made Diamond the oldest living artist to reach the top of the chart.

(Reporting by Dean Goodman)