The Guitar Center Music Foundation has partnered with Nashville's renowned engineering and production figure, John McBride, to inaugurate the Blackbird Music Student monthly grant program. This new initiative stems from McBride's ownership of the distinguished Blackbird Studio in Music City, a facility that has been a cornerstone of the music industry since its opening in 2002. Blackbird Studio boasts an impressive roster of artists who have recorded there, including global superstars like Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, and Jack Harlow, solidifying its reputation as a premier recording destination.

Beyond his studio endeavors, John McBride also serves as the institutional director of The Blackbird Academy. He co-founded the academy in 2013 with his wife, country music star Martina McBride, with a clear mission to enhance the quality of recording education. The academy, as described on its website, is “dedicated to advancing the quality of recording education through a hands-on, professional training curriculum,” ensuring future music professionals receive practical and comprehensive training.

The launch of the Blackbird grant program coincided with the Guitar Center Music Foundation's fourth annual benefit gala, held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at The Maybourne Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California. This prestigious event served as a platform to honor significant contributors to the music world. John McBride was recognized with the foundation's lifetime achievement award, a testament to his extensive impact on the industry. The award was personally presented by his wife, Martina McBride, alongside country music legend Garth Brooks. During his acceptance speech, McBride took the opportunity to announce the new grant initiative, emphasizing the transformative power of music, stating, “Music can improve your life … and the whole world.”

Also honored at the gala were the Grammy-winning songwriting and production titans, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who received the esteemed Vanguard Award. Their award was presented by Nicole Avant, the daughter of their late mentor and pioneering music industry figure, Clarence Avant. In addition to celebrating these music luminaries, the foundation extended its gratitude to firefighters and educators during the ceremony, acknowledging their vital community contributions.

According to the Guitar Center Music Foundation, this year's gala achieved remarkable success, doubling the fundraising efforts of the previous year, 2024. The substantial proceeds generated from the event are earmarked for the foundation’s disaster relief program. This crucial program provides essential support to musicians affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, offering vital resources such as replacement instruments, gear, and other recovery aid. Established earlier in the year, the disaster relief program has already made a significant difference, assisting approximately 600 individual musicians in their time of need.

The evening's entertainment was equally memorable. Alongside a silent auction, the gala featured a dynamic musical tribute to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Directed by Adam Blackstone, this rousing salute included stellar performances by artists such as Durand Bernarr, Eric Bellinger, Tina Campbell, Johnny Gill, and Estelle. The grand finale saw Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis themselves take the stage inside the Maybourne Hotel ballroom, reuniting with their former bandmates, Morris Day and The Time, for a captivating performance that brought the evening to a sensational close.

David Helfant, Chairman of the Guitar Center Music Foundation, expressed immense satisfaction with the event's outcome, stating, “I’m delighted by the overwhelming success of this year’s gala. We raised a very large amount of money to further the foundation’s mission and programs. Special thanks to our honorees Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and John McBride, sponsors and everyone who attended. We look forward to utilizing the funds raised to continue to provide musical instruments and grants to musicians, schools, educators and hospitals for music education and music therapy. Music saves lives and the funds raised will help so many people across the country.” Gala chair Herb Trawick echoed this sentiment, describing it as “a magical night with amazing music, musicians and music people.” For more information on the Blackbird Grant and other valuable programs, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official Guitar Center Foundation website.