Elton John, Bernie Taupin named Gershwin Prize winners
They may have said “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” but Elton John and Bernie Taupin are poised to say hello to a distinct honor — the songwriting duo are the next recipients of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Music legend John and lyricist Taupin will be recognized with a tribute concert in Washington, D.C., Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced Tuesday.
The pair has “written some of the most memorable songs of our lives,” Hayden said in a statement. “Their careers stand out for the quality and broad appeal of their music and their influence on their fellow artists.”
The honor, named after the songwriting team George and Ira Gershwin, recognizes living musical artists and is considered the highest award for influence, impact and achievement in popular music, according to the Library of Congress.
“I’ve been writing songs with Bernie for 56 years, and we never thought that that one day this might be bestowed upon us,” John said in a statement.
“It’s an incredible honor for two British guys to be recognized like this,” added John, who performed at the White House in 2022.
Earlier this month, President Biden congratulated the 76-year-old “Candle in the Wind” singer on becoming an EGOT winner.
“To be in a house along with the great American songwriters, to even be in the same avenue is humbling, and I am absolutely thrilled to accept,” Taupin, 73, said.
Some past recipients of the Gershwin Prize include Joni Mitchell, Garth Brooks, Gloria and Emilio Estefan and Paul McCartney.
The Gershwin Prize concert for John and Taupin is scheduled to air April 8 on PBS stations nationwide.
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