Wildfire survivors in the music industry are finding hope and resilience thanks to MusiCares.
Last March, singer-songwriters Lisa Simmons-Santa Cruz and her husband, Francisco Carroll Santa Cruz, were navigating a difficult chapter in their lives while collaborating on Snoop Dogg’s upcoming gospel album, “Altar Call.” The couple had been displaced from their Altadena home due to the devastating Eaton fire just months prior, forcing them to write and produce music from a hotel room. Despite their hardships, they completed the project in a short timeframe, viewing it as a source of healing amidst their tragedy.
“We needed something the fire couldn’t burn, and that was our music,” Simmons-Santa Cruz explained. The couple initially kept their struggle private, choosing to focus on creative work rather than the pain of loss. Their music became their refuge, allowing them a moment of solace and reflection.
The couple’s lengthy history in the entertainment industry, with credits including work for Kelly Rowland and popular television shows, didn’t shield them from the aftermath of the wildfire. After losing their home—where Simmons-Santa Cruz’s mother had lived since 1974—they faced the daunting task of finding a new place to live while managing insurance claims and financial fallout.
Fortunately, MusiCares, a charity founded by the Recording Academy in 1989, came to their aid. Simmons-Santa Cruz noted that the organization acted like “the FEMA of the music industry,” offering financial assistance and emotional support to those impacted by the wildfires.
Theresa Wolters, executive director of MusiCares, highlighted that the organization has provided over $15 million in relief to more than 3,200 music professionals since the fires. For the Santa Cruz couple, this support included replacing a cherished guitar that was lost in the blaze. The guitar had significant sentimental value, having been gifted by her late father.
“I just broke down when they offered it to me, because it felt like a symbol of hope,” Simmons-Santa Cruz said. They are currently living in a rental but continue to contend with the ongoing challenges of rebuilding their lives.
Other musicians have also faced similar struggles. Music producer Darryl “JMD” Moore, known for his contributions to both jazz and hip-hop, is still working to overcome the losses incurred from the fire. His home was lost, and while he’s rebuilding, he’s grappling with insufficient insurance payouts. MusiCares assisted him by providing essential equipment for his studio, allowing him to return to work.
Gwendolyn Sanford and Brandon Jay, another couple in the industry, have felt the emotional and financial strain of their situation. They, too, received grants from MusiCares to help with their mortgage while they navigate the rebuilding process. Sanford emphasized the importance of maintaining her children’s mental well-being during this tumultuous time.
As they all work to regain stability, the resilience of these artists—bolstered by the support of organizations like MusiCares—reminds us of the power of community and creativity in overcoming adversity. Their stories reflect a shared journey of rebuilding and healing, fueled by a passion for music and a hope for the future.