‘Paul on the Jumbotron’
courtesy of ‘ameschen’
The Library of Congress has “come together” to honor former Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney, with their 3rd annual Gershwin Prize for Popular Song that “celebrates the work of an artist whose career reflects lifetime achievement in promoting song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding.” The prize commemorates American composers and brothers George and Ira Gershwin who complete catalogs are managed by the Library of Congress.
“It’s 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 James H. Billington, librarian of Congress.
McCartney will return to DC to accept the award next spring and is honored to accept the prize due to his admiration of the Gershwin songbook.
An all-star line-up of a tribute concert in his honor is scheduled to take place. No further details have been made public yet.
Previous winners of the Gershwin Prize include Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.