LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Bruce Springsteen was honored as MusiCares person of the year on Friday evening in downtown Los Angeles.

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CBS2′s Suzanne Marques reports that the gala at the West Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center drew some of music’s biggest stars to pay tribute to Springsteen.

The night kicked off with a performance of “Atlantic City” by Alabama Shakes.

“He’s just a great guy. I think he’s one of those artists that come along very very seldomly. It is an artist that sorta speaks to everybody and gives everybody a voice. He in a lot of ways becomes a social consciousness,” said Tim McGraw.

The Associated Press reported that a signed Fender electric guitar was auctioned of by Springsteen for $250,000 with proceeds going toward the music charity. The 63-year-old rock ‘n’ roll legend reportedly included guitar lessons, concert tickets and backstage passes to sweeten the deal.

The MusiCares Person of the Year award has traditionally been bestowed upon music’s best and brightest who have given back. Last year, Sir Paul McCartney received the award.