I'm so proud to be British, and to be here, in America to receive this award because all my heroes were American. —Elton John I am America, believe me. Everything, everything I have written emanates from the American songbook. —Bernie Taupin
There are times in a person’s life when the gravity of what happens along the way of your journey happens to culminate to one particular place. —Lionel Richie
An award is only as good as the names on it. First off, for any musician, the name Gershwin says it all. Add to Ira’s and George’s names the names of the past recipients, and you have an award of the highest honor. I am truly humbled. —Garth Brooks
From the moment I started singing, I was drawn to the iconic songs of the immensely talented Gershwin brothers and have had the privilege to record several of them. I am deeply honored, along with Emilio Estefan, my beloved husband of 40 years, to be the 2019 recipients of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.—Gloria Estefan
The Gershwins created some of our most beautiful music. Their songs had gorgeous poetry and wonderful musicality. Their music is timeless and will live forever.—Tony Bennett
The Gershwins wrote music when the song was king. For me to even be mentioned in the same breath with the Gershwins as a songwriter is just incredible.—Smokey Robinson
It is a great honor to be receiving the Gershwin award. I have been a fan of Ira and George Gershwin's music since I was a little guy and, in appreciation for the award—and also I wanted to make some great music—I’ve just recorded a complete Gershwin album. It’s called Summertime.—Willie Nelson
The great composer, George Gershwin, has been a personal inspiration to me throughout my career. And the Library’s decision to include me among those songwriters who have been past recipients is a milestone for me.—Billy Joel
I was so pleased when the venerable Library of Congress began honoring writers of popular songs with the Gershwin Prize. I’m proud to be the fifth such honoree and the first woman among such distinguished company.—Carole King
I've been fortunate to receive a number of music-industry honors during my career. However, the news of being awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize was especially meaningful to me. I am humbled and excited at the same time to receive this prestigious award.—Burt Bacharach “It’s a great honor to receive this award and to follow the past recipients, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and…
When I was a kid, I grew up listening to the music of the Gershwin brothers and loved it. I had no idea that one day I might be in such a place getting an honor such as this.—Paul McCartney
It’s an immense privilege to join such a remarkable roster of musicians and composers. I am touched to receive this honor, and look forward to creating music for the celebration.—Stevie Wonder
I am grateful to be the recipient of the Gershwin Prize and doubly honored to be the first. I look forward to spending an evening in the company of artists I admire at the award ceremony in May. I can think of a few who have expressed my words and music far better than I. I’m excited at the prospect of that happening again.…
