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Paul McCartney (AP file photo/Chris Pizzello)
Paul McCartney has been named the third recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, it was announced Monday by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. The announcement said an all-star tribute concert is planned for spring 2010.
"As a great admirer of the Gershwins' songs, I am highly honored to be given the Gershwin Prize by such a great institution as the Library of Congress," McCartney said in a statement.
The prize is awarded to musicians "whose lifetime contributions in the field of popular song exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins." This year's advisory committee for the award included Carol Bayer Sager, Paul Simon, Jimmy Webb, and Paul Williams.
"It is hard to think of another performer and composer who has had a more indelible and transformative effect on popular song and music of several different genres than Paul McCartney," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington, in announcing the honor.
The prize commemorates the legacy of George and Ira Gershwin, the legendary American songwriting team whose extensive manuscript collections reside in the Library of Congress. The Gershwin Prize is also meant to draw attention to the musical collections in the Library of Congress, especially the vast popular-music collection, and to encourage students, teachers, scholars and researchers to use this free public resource in their scholarly investigations, the announcement said.
The announcement cited Paul McCartney's work with the Beatles and his solo albums and his 2008 release as the Fireman, "Electric Arguments." It also acknowledged his work as a classical composer. His most recent classical album, "Ecce Cor Meum," was released in September 2006 and won the 2007 Best Album Award at the Classical Brit Awards.
Comments
Yeah! Now the Kennedy Center needs to honor him. They have 'punished' him long enough. One of the members said they would let him accept it the next year and then .. nothing.
Congrats Paul!!
There is a long list of people who deserve to be honored.
I think that Sid Bernstein should be honored and be inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame.
He has been “punished” long enough as well. If not for Sid Bernstein ,the Beatles may not of had the level of success as they have achieved here in the US.
It would be fitting if Paul nominated Sid Bernstein for induction into the Hall.
Can Paul nominate anyone for the Hall? He has no power for that does he? That is all down to Jann Wenner and the handpicked by Jann Wenner team isn't it?
Absolutely great. I'm so happy that Paul is getting this award. Plus we get to see a great concert on tv. I wonder if he will be able to stay in the audience and not jump up on stage.
I hope he brings all his kids.
Ha, Paul may finally be able to serenade Mrs. Obama with "Michele"!
Stevie Wonder was given the prize last year; the tribute concert was held in the East Room of the White House. Hopefully any tribute concert for Paul will not be held in such a rarified atmosphere. PBS did air the concert at a later date.
Oh, forgot to add there has only been two other recipients. The aforementioned Stevie Wonder in 2008 and Paul Simon in 2007
"Marie says:
Can Paul nominate anyone for the Hall? He has no power for that does he? That is all down to Jann Wenner and the handpicked by Jann Wenner team isn't it?"
That is true, But if Paul sends a letter to nominate Sid Bernstein. I am sure that Jann and the current board will listen. Paul carries alot of weight. What would Rock be without Sid Bernstein after all he started the British Invasion.
Here is a link to Sid's Face Book Page.
facebook.com/group.php?gid=113290523505&ref=mf
We're happy for you and proud of you Pauly.
Congrats Paul. Just don't accept it and then pull a "Oh, sorry, I have schedule conflict" as you did a few years ago when selected as a Kennedy Center Honoree. One just doesn't accept that prestigious award/honor and then say you can't be there...but "maybe next year." The Kennedy Center will not be selecting you as an honoree again. Ever. Take my word for it. I'm associated with the Center. One doesn't do that. You have the dubious distinction of being the only artist EVER to do that. It won't be forgotten...by the Center.
Hey Jon, Paul's niece was getting married the same day as the Kennedy Center Honors award ceremony that year. Sorry, family trumps another award ceremony every time, even if it is to be a Kennedy Center Honoree. I'm sure it doesn't bother him whether he is invited to this again: he has more on his plate that that! Congrats, Paul on this current award but if you have a family thing to attend, at least I'll understand!
Yes, I'm sure Paul's really kicking himself for that one Jon. We all know that Paul's legacy will never be complete until he's feted by the D.C. elite.
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