It can't get much better for a musician than hearing other musical stars sing your songs. Billy Joel was in that enviable position last night in Los Angeles as he was honored by the Academy of Recording Arts as Sciences as the MusiCares Person of the Year. Performers at the star-studded tribute dinner, concert and silent auction included GARTH BROOKS, who sang "Goodnight Saigon," Garth said he chose "Goodnight Saigon" from a song list organizers showed him, though he didn't think they'd let him perform it. Said Garth last night, quote, "And now the band, I'm doin' everything I can to keep up with them now, so they're enjoying it as much as I am." All proceeds from last night's MusiCares tribute will go towards helping musicians in times of medical, personal and financial need.

ART GARFUNKEL must be a big GARTH BROOKS fan. The Washington Post reports that Garfunkel is flying in from Kansas City just to appear at a special salute to Garth that's being held in D.C. next Tuesday.

ASCAP is presenting Garth with its Golden Note Award for his contributions to music, and Garfunkel will sing at the ceremony.

GARTH BROOKS had left spring training with the San Diego Padres to be with his mother, who had cancer.