Performers included Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, Margo Price, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Morello, Joe Henry, Lucinda Williams, Taj Mahal and Baez herself.
"In addition to raising money for music people, we are proud to add these three incredible partners who are supporting the Los Angeles region in other ways," said Harvey Mason jr.
Stars performed nearly three hours of hits to benefit the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.
Keke Palmer & Gayle King were also cited for their purpose and mission-driven work.
The one-hour special will air on Saturday (Nov. 2) on CBS and CMT.
The musician and the TV star were friends.
The awards were launched in 2021 to highlight social impact work happening around the globe.
MusiCares' relief efforts have helped amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Las Vegas Route 91 shooting, Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, Irma, Ida and more.
The honorees include three Pulitzer Prize winners.
Selena Gomez, Eva Longoria, Taraji P. Henson and the Farrelly Brothers are among past recipients of the Morton E. Ruderman Award.
