Monday, March 19, 2007

SHOF Inductee Paul Simon Honored by Library of Congress

Paul Simon will receive the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress. Named in honor of the songwriters George and Ira Gershwin, the new prize will be given annually to “a composer or performer whose lifetime contributions exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins.”

In the words of the Librarian of Congress, James Billington: “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 its ability to bridge people and cultures, he is the perfect first recipient of this prestigious award.”

Simon’s honor will be commemorated with an all-star concert on Wednesday, May 23 at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. It will be broadcast on Public Television on June 27.
Full story here: http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/534632