Billy Joel received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song on November 19th at a ceremony held at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The ceremony included tributes from artists including Tony Bennett, Boyz II Men, Gavin DeGraw, Michael Feinstein, Josh Groban, Natalie Maines, John Mellencamp, LeAnn Rimes, Kevin Spacey and Twyla Tharp, as well as additional respects from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and U.S. House of Representatives Democratic party leader Nancy Pelosi.
The tribute concert will air on PBS stations nationally on January 2 at 9 p.m. EST. The Gershwin Prize honors a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of cultural understanding; entertaining and informing audiences; and inspiring new generations. Previous recipients are Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, and Carole King.
View exclusive photos from the Gershwin Prize ceremony.
Billy Joel accepts the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., on November 19, 2014.
Billy Joel performs on stage after accepting the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., on November 19, 2014.
Billy Joel with Gavin DeGraw, Tony Bennett, Kevin Spacey and Michael Feinstein after accepting the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song ceremony in Washington, D.C., on November 19, 2014.
Photos by Jeff Schock
Related Articles:
- * Billy Joel Still A Big Shot, With Two New Tributes – USA Today – November 18, 2014
- * Tony Bennett, Kevin Spacey To Honor Billy Joel For Gershwin Prize – Newsday – November 14, 2014
- * Billy Joel To Receive Library of Congress Gershwin Prize For Popular Song – July 22, 2014