US singer-songwriter Paul Simon has been chosen as the first recipient of the Gershwin prize, a US Library Of Congress honour. The inaugural prize, named after celebrated musicians George and Ira Gershwin, is in recognition of Simon's lifetime contribution to music. A spokesman for the Library Of Congress says: "This newly created award recognizes the profound and positive effect of popular music on the world’s culture. The prize will be given annually to a composer or performer whose lifetime contributions exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins." An elated Simon responded by saying: "I am grateful to be the recipient of the Gershwin Prize and doubly honored to be the first. I look forward to spending an evening in the company of artists I admire at the award ceremony in May. I can think of a few who have expressed my words and music far better than I. I'm excited at the prospect of that happening again. It's a songwriter's dream come true." Simon has won many accolades previously including twelve Grammy Awards; including three for album of the year. He is also a two-time inductee of the Rock'n'Roll hall of Fame- once as half of the Simon and Garfunkel duo and again in 2001 as a soloist. The Library prize-giving ceremony and a gala all-star concert to celebrate Simon's achievements is to be held at Washington DC's Warner Theater on May 23. A full line-up will be announced soon. Tickets for the concert will be made available from March 23, in person at the Warner Theatre Box Office or from usual concert ticket outlets.
US singer-songwriter Paul Simon has been chosen as the first recipient of the Gershwin prize, a US Library Of Congress honour.
The inaugural prize, named after celebrated musicians George and Ira Gershwin, is in recognition of Simon’s lifetime contribution to music.
A spokesman for the Library Of Congress says: “This newly created award recognizes the profound and positive effect of popular music on the world’s culture. The prize will be given annually to a composer or performer whose lifetime contributions exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins.”
An elated Simon responded by saying: “I am grateful to be the recipient of the Gershwin Prize and doubly honored to be the first. I look forward to spending an evening in the company of artists I admire at the award ceremony in May. I can think of a few who have expressed my words and music far better than I. I’m excited at the prospect of that happening again. It’s a songwriter’s dream come true.”
Simon has won many accolades previously including twelve Grammy Awards; including three for album of the year. He is also a two-time inductee of the Rock’n’Roll hall of Fame- once as half of the Simon and Garfunkel duo and again in 2001 as a soloist.
The Library prize-giving ceremony and a gala all-star concert to celebrate Simon’s achievements is to be held at Washington DC’s Warner Theater on May 23. A full line-up will be announced soon.
Tickets for the concert will be made available from March 23, in person at the Warner Theatre Box Office or from usual concert ticket outlets.
