Singer-songwriter honored by Library of Congress.
Paul Simon is going Gershwin.
The Library of Congress is awarding its first ever Gershwin Prize for Popular Song to Simon for the singer-songwriter´s lifetime contributions to music. The award, named in honor of George and Ira Gershwin, will be given on an annual basis as part of the library´s collection.
´Few songwriters have had a broader influence or contributed more to song genres than Paul Simon. Because of the depth, range and sheer beauty of his music, as well as his ability to bridge people of cultures, he is the perfect first recipient of this prestigious award,´ said librarian of Congress James Billington.
Added Simon: ´I am grateful to be the recipient of the Gershwin Prize and doubly honored to be the first.´
Simon is a 12-time Grammy winner and two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame -- as both a solo artist and as a member of the iconic duo Simon and Garfunkel.
Simon will perform in concert on May 23 in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the event. Other artists, not yet announced, will also perform.
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