Library of Congress Chose Stevie Wonder as Its Gershwin Prize Winner

By Rebecca Brody
14:00, September 3rd 2008
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Library of Congress Chose Stevie Wonder as Its Gershwin Prize Winner

Stevie Wonder would better tidy up his award shelves. He was named on Tuesday the winner of the U.S. Library of Congress’ second Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The award was created to honor the career accomplishments of singers, songwriters and composers whose creative works outshine the differences between musical styles and genres, drawing various listeners together and “fostering mutual understanding and appreciation,” the Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, said in a statement, according to The New York Times.

The Motown legend will receive the award in the Library’s Great Hall in Washington, D.C., on February 23 next year. Moreover, the soul singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer was assigned to write a piece of music for the celebration, thus joining numerous musicians who were given such commissions.

“It’s an immense privilege to join such a remarkable roster of musicians and composers,” Stevie Wonder, 58, said in a statement. “I am touched to receive this honor, and look forward to creating music for the celebration.”

The Gershwin prize was established to commemorate George and Ira Gershwin, an American songwriting duo whose manuscript collections are kept in the Library of Congress, according to James Billington.

The first Gershwin Prize was awarded last year to Paul Simon.

Blind from infancy, Stevie Wonder signed with Motown Records at the age of twelve. He has recorded several critically acclaimed albums and hit singles, and writes and produces songs for many other artists.

Stevie Wonder is already one of the most garlanded performers in pop music history, having been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters halls of fame. In addition to this, he won 25 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award, as well as several lifetime achievement prizes.



Image Credit: © Glenn Harris / PR Photos
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