Jon Bon Jovi to be honored for humanitarian work

PHILADELPHIA — Rock star Jon Bon Jovi will be honored with an award named for an opera singer.

The Marian Anderson Award is given in Philadelphia to "critically acclaimed artists who have impacted society in a positive way."

In announcing the recipient Wednesday, organizers said Bon Jovi has used his musical success to support groups working to end homelessness and hunger.

Bon Jovi will accept the $25,000 award on Nov. 18 at the city's Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Anderson was a celebrated contralto and Philadelphia native who in 1955 became the first black soloist at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. She died in 1993 at age 96.

Previous winners include actor James Earl Jones, poet Maya Angelou and actress Elizabeth Taylor.