Larry Mestel to Receive City of Hope’s 2026 Spirit of Life Honor

Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, has been named the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Spirit of Life Award, presented annually by the Music, Film and Entertainment Industry board of City of Hope.

Mestel will be honored at a gala event on October 27 at the Pacific Design Center, where industry leaders will gather to celebrate his contributions to both music and philanthropy. The award recognizes not only professional achievement but also a commitment to humanitarian causes, a legacy upheld by past honorees including Lyor Cohen, Quincy Jones and Lucian Grainge.

Since launching Primary Wave in 2006, Mestel has helped redefine how music catalogs are managed and monetized. Under his leadership, the company has built a vast portfolio spanning over 100,000 songs, representing iconic artists such as Bob Marley, Prince, Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks and The Notorious B.I.G.. The company’s model extends beyond publishing into branding, media production and estate management, positioning it as a major force in the evolving catalog economy.

The recognition also arrives during a period of continued expansion for Primary Wave, which recently moved to acquire Kobalt, further strengthening its position in the global rights market.

For Mestel, the honor carries personal weight. In conversation surrounding the announcement, he pointed to the importance of collective action, both in music and in advancing medical research, particularly following the loss of a close family member to cancer.

Proceeds from the upcoming gala will directly support City of Hope’s research and patient care initiatives, reinforcing the event’s broader mission to harness the influence of the entertainment industry to create a difference.