- Gershwin Prize
__NOTOC__The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is an award given annually to a composer or performer for their lifetime contributions to
popular music . cite web |url=http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2007/07-010.html |title= Paul Simon To Be Awarded First Annual Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by Library of Congress |accessdate=2007-03-02 |date=2007-07-02 |author=Public Affairs Office |publisher=Library of Congress] Created in 2007 by theLibrary of Congress , the prize is named for brothersGeorge Gershwin andIra Gershwin whose contributions to popular music included songs such as "I Got Rhythm ," "Embraceable You ," and "Someone to Watch Over Me," as well as the opera "Porgy and Bess ". The first recipient of the award wasPaul Simon .History
The Gershwin prize was created and first awarded by the Library of Congress in 2007 under the leadership of
Librarian of Congress James H. Billington to recognize "the profound and positive effect of popular music on the world’s culture" as part of the Library's mission to recognize and celebrate creativity. The recipient of the Gershwin Prize is said to:"exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins." In selecting the recipient, the Librarian of Congress works with staff of the Library's Music Division as well as the broader music community.On
March 1st ,2007 , Paul Simon was announced as the first recipient of the new award which joins other awards bestowed by the Library including the Living Legend andKluge Prize . The Prize was awarded to Simon during a Concert Gala featuring his music at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., on the evening ofMay 23rd ,2007 . The event was nationally broadcast on PBS on the evening ofJune 27th ,2007 . Performers at the concert includedShawn Colvin ,Philip Glass ,Alison Krauss ,Ladysmith Black Mambazo ,Lyle Lovett ,James Taylor , andStevie Wonder as well as Simon's former collaboratorArt Garfunkel . [cite web |url=http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2007/07-085.html |title=Star-Studded Lineup Confirmed for Library of Congress Concert Honoring Gershwin Prize Recipient Paul Simon |date=2007-04-23 |accessdate=2007-07-02 |author=Public Affairs Office |publisher=Library of Congress] OnSeptember 3 ,2008 , the Library of Congress announced that Stevie Wonder will become the second recipient of the honor. [http://www.imdb.com/news/ni0560264/]Recipients
*2007 - Paul Simon
*2008 - Stevie WonderReferences
External links
* [http://www.loc.gov/about/awards/gershwin/ Official Website]
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