Honorees

• 2024
  Elton John & Bernie Taupin

  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…
• 2023
  Joni Mitchell

  This is such a great honor; it’s so exciting to see all of these musicians I admire performing my music. —Joni Mitchell
• 2022
  Lionel Richie

  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
• 2020
  Garth Brooks

  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…
• 2019
  Emilio & Gloria Estefan

  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…
• 2017
  Tony Bennett

  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
• 2016
  Smokey Robinson

  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
• 2015
  Willie Nelson

  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…
• 2014
  Billy Joel

  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…
• 2013
  Carole King

  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…
• 2012
  Burt Bacharach & Hal David

  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…
• 2010
  Paul McCartney

  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…
• 2009
  Stevie Wonder

  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
• 2007
  Paul Simon

  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…