City of Hope, the cancer research and treatment organization, announced that Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, will receive the 2026 Spirit of Life Award for the music, film and entertainment industry. The award recognizes visionary leaders whose contributions advance innovation, according to a press release, with Mestel being honored due to his impact on the music industry and his “belief in the power of partnership.”
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Mestel will be honored at the organization’s Spirit of Life Gala on Oct. 27 at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.
“We are proud to honor Larry Mestel with the Spirit of Life Award,” Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope, said in a statement. “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.”
Mestel said in a statement, “City of Hope represents what’s possible when people come together around a shared purpose. 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.”
Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and is also a leading research center for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry Group was founded in 1973 and has raised more than $180 million for City of Hope. Past honorees of the Spirit of Life award include Tom Corson, Jay Marciano, Lyor Cohen, Shelli and Irving Azoff, and Coran Capshaw.
“We are so honored to have Larry Mestel as our distinguished honoree for City of Hope’s Spirit of Life 2026,” Evan Lamberg, president of Universal Music Publishing Group North America and chair of City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry board, said in a statement. “Larry and his Primary Wave team have already made a big impact for City of Hope and the event on Oct. 27, 2026 will certainly be one to remember.”
Alissa Pollack, executive vp of global music and marketing at iHeartMedia and president of City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry board, said in a statement, “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. 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 that inspires collective action.”
