Gershwin Prize

Created in 2007 by the United States Library of Congress, the prize is named after brothers George and Ira Gershwin, whose contributions to popular music included songs such as "I Got Rhythm", "Embraceable You", and "Someone to Watch Over Me", the orchestral pieces Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris, and the opera Porgy and Bess.

[1] Performers included Yolanda Adams, Marc Anthony, Shawn Colvin, The Dixie Hummingbirds, Jessy Dixon and the Jessy Dixon Singers, Jerry Douglas, Philip Glass, Alison Krauss, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lyle Lovett, Stephen Marley, Dianne Reeves, James Taylor, Grover and Elmo[2] Stevie Wonder, and Buckwheat Zydeco, as well as Simon's former collaborator Art Garfunkel.

Performers included Stevie Wonder, Diana Krall, Lyle Lovett, Sheléa, Rumer, Sheryl Crow, Mike Myers, Arturo Sandoval, and Michael Feinstein, who spoke of Ira Gershwin's admiration of the pair's songs.

The all-star tribute included performances by Siedah Garrett, Colbie Caillat, Gian Marco, Shelby Lynne, Patti Austin, Arturo Sandoval and King's daughter, Louise Goffin.

[12] The following night at the White House, the First Family joined King and star performers including James Taylor, Gloria Estefan, Emeli Sandé, Trisha Yearwood, Jesse McCartney and Billy Joel.

[13] On July 22, 2014, Billy Joel was announced as the sixth honoree of the Gershwin Prize,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20] named by the librarian of Congress under advisement of Library of Congress subject matter experts and an expanded advisory board that included Mary Chapin Carpenter (songwriter), Wesley Bulla (Belmont University), Anthony DeCurtis (Rolling Stone Magazine), Emilio Estefan (producer), Gregg Field (producer), Ed Hardy (CMA), Joel Katz (Global Entertainment), Stinson Liles (brand advisor), Rickey Minor (music director), Neil Portnow (President/CEO NARAS), Karen Sherry (ASCAP Foundation), Michael Strunsky (Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trusts) and Michelynn Woodard (Dr. Phil Foundation).

[23] Performers included Boyz II Men ("The Longest Time"), Leann Rimes ("Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)"), Josh Groban ("She's Always a Woman"), Gavin DeGraw ("It's Still Rock and Roll To Me"), Michael Feinstein, Natalie Maines ("She's Got a Way"), John Mellencamp ("Allentown") and Tony Bennett ("New York State of Mind").

The two-day celebration began with a presentation and special display on Tuesday, November 18, 2015 in the library’s historic Thomas Jefferson Building with a group of the nation’s lawmakers, who recognized Nelson for his contributions to popular music.

Performers included Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Angélique Kidjo, Herbie Hancock, Cyndi Lauper, Graham Nash, James Taylor, Ledisi, Lucius, Marcus Mumford, Sara Bareilles, and Celisse.

[31][32][33] A ceremony for 2024 honourees Elton John and Bernie Taupin was held on March 20, featuring performances from Garth Brooks, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Jacob Lusk, Metallica, Joni Mitchell, Maren Morris, Billy Porter and Charlie Puth.