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Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize

The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song celebrates the work of an artist whose career reflects the influence, impact and achievement in promoting song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding.

Latest Gershwin Prize News

The styles in which these works are composed reflect myriad contemporary traditions like rock, jazz, country, pop, blues, folk, and gospel. The recipient—whether composer, singer/songwriter, or interpreter—is recognized for entertaining and informing audiences, for drawing upon the acknowledged foundations of popular song, and for inspiring new generations of performers on their own professional journeys.

Gershwin Prize Highlights

Joseph Shabalala of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Paul Simon perform at the Gershwin Prize concert. Paul Simon playing the guitar on stage at the Gershwin Prize concert. Stevie Wonder playing the piano Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica Paul McCartney seated with arms folded in the Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress Burt Bacharach and Eunice David Burt Bacharach on stage at the Gershwin Prize tribute concert at the Library of Congress reminiscing about his collaborations with Hal David Carole King smiling while seated at the Gershwin Prize reception Close-up shot of Carole King singing on stage in the Coolidge auditorium in the Library of Congress Former Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, watching Billy Joel sign the Librarian’s guest book while in the Librarian’s ceremonial office. Billy Joel seated at the piano during the Gershwin Prize concert Close-up shot of Willie Nelson smiling after being pinned with his Gershwin Prize for Popular Song lapel pin. Willie Nelson playing guitar while performing with his band on stage at the Gershwin Prize concert Smokey Robinson at a clear podium giving his acceptance speech at the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song concert Smokey Robinson performing at the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song concert Close-up of Tony Bennett smiling in the Whittall Pavilion as part of collections display presented by the Library of Congress. Tony Bennett on-stage waving at the audience during the Gershwin Prize concert. Emilio and Gloria Estefan performing with family and friends on-stage at the end of Gershwin Prize concert. Emilio and Gloria Estefan viewing collection items in the Whittall Pavilion at the Library of Congress. Gershwin Prize for Popular Song recipient Garth Brooks waiting during event at Coolidge auditorium Garth Brooks watching Trisha Yearwood perform at the Gershwin Prize concert Joni Mitchell accepting the 2023 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at DAR Constitution Hall. Pictured with Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress. Joni Mitchell sings “Summertime” by George and Ira Gershwin during the 2023 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song broadcast at DAR Constitution Hall. Lionel Richie performing for the 2022 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song broadcast at DAR Constitution Hall. Lionel Richie seated at George Gershwin’s piano located in the “Here to Stay: The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin” exhibit in the Thomas Jefferson Building.