Cecil McBee, TIME's Person of the Year 2025?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Cecil McBee among finalists for TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year?
Cecil McBee »
See more news, pictures and video.

According to a well-placed source, Cecil McBee is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2025. But while the musician's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 03/01/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not McBee for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 89-year-old musician, as a 2025 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes McBee so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the musician have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Tulsa Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Tulsa (Cecil McBee's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the musician was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#McBeePOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 2 Jan 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveCecil”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 2 Jan 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Cecil McBee?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 2 Jan 2025

Could 2025 officially be the Year of Cecil McBee?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2025 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2025?

© 2025 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Cecil McBee: Recent News

 

page served in 0.038s (1,2)