WHASINGTON, DC (Top40 Charts/ Library Of Congress) - Librarian of Congress
James H. Billington today named music legend
Paul McCartney as the recipient of the third Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. An all-star tribute concert is planned for spring 2010. "As a great admirer of the Gershwins' songs, I am highly honored to be given the Gershwin Prize by such a great institution as the Library of Congress," McCartney said. The prize commemorates
George and Ira Gershwin, the legendary American songwriting team whose extensive manuscript collections reside in the Library of Congress. The prize is awarded to musicians whose lifetime contributions in the field of popular song exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins. The Gershwin Prize is also meant to draw attention to the musical collections in the Library of Congress, especially the vast popular-music collection, and to encourage students, teachers, scholars and researchers to use this free public resource in their scholarly investigations.
"It is hard to think of another performer and composer who has had a more indelible and transformative effect on popular song and music of several different genres than Paul McCartney," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington, who made the selection.
Since writing his first song at the age of 14, Paul McCartney has dreamed and dared to be different. In the '60s, as the writer and co-author of The Beatles' greatest songs, he changed the world of music. Legendary albums include: "Please Please Me," "Revolver," "Help!," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "The White Album." Paul has continued to push boundaries over the last 30 years, first as a solo artist, then with Wings (with albums that included "Band On The Run" and "Wings at The Speed Of Sound") and following that as a solo artist again, with recent highlights including 2007's "Memory Almost Full." Most recently he received critical acclaim as "The Fireman" (a collaborative project between Paul and revered producer Youth) with their 2008 "Electric Arguments" album.
Paul McCartney is also an accomplished, award-winning classical composer. His most recent classical album "Ecce Cor Meum" ("Behold My Heart") was released in September 2006 and won the 2007 Best Album Award at the Classical Brit Awards.
Paul was awarded a special Outstanding Contribution Award at the 2008 BRIT Awards at Earls Court in London. He was given a standing ovation by the UK music industry as he received his award and closed the prestigious ceremony with an incredible performance. Months later, Yale University presented Paul with an honorary doctorate of music. As he received his diploma, President Richard C. Levin told him, "Your songs awakened a generation, giving a fresh sound to rock 'n' roll, and rhythm and blues. We admire your musical genius and your generous support of worthy causes."
Paul is currently working on a number of new projects, including the release of the multi-disc CD/DVD "Good Evening New York City" on Nov. 17 (United States) and Nov. 23 (United Kingdom).
A freeman of The City of Liverpool and Lead Patron of The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Paul McCartney was appointed Fellow of The Royal College of Music in 1995 by The Prince of Wales. In 1996 Paul McCartney was knighted by H.M. the Queen of England for his services to music.
Paul McCartney is also committed to a number of charities including PETA, LIPA, One Voice, The Vegetarian Society, Nordoff Robins, and Adopt-A-Minefield.
The creators and executive producers of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song are Peter and Bob Kaminsky, Mark Krantz and Cappy McGarr, who are also the creators and executive producers of the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, now in its 13th year, which was presented to Bill Cosby on Oct. 26, 2009. In making the selection for the prize, the Librarian of Congress turned for advice to leading members of the music and entertainment communities. This year's advisory committee consisted of Rickey Minor, Carol Bayer Sager, Paul Simon, Jimmy Webb, and Paul Williams. In previous years the Librarian has consulted with advisors from a diverse cross section of popular culture including Lorne Michaels, Allen Toussaint and Phil Ramone.
