History has a way of writing itself through the lens of music.
Through every time period and era, music has remained the common thread that connects us all. Style, culture and current events have all influenced and been influenced by music. Many artists have contributed so deeply that there’s nothing left to do but lift them up and commemorate them for the paths they’ve paved throughout time. In essence, it’s hard to imagine that the world would be the same without them.
The Library of Congress Gerswhin Prize for Popular Song was initiated in 2007.
It was created to celebrate “the work of an artist whose career reflects lifetime achievement in promoting song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding.”
So many artists have spent their lives pouring out their artistry that their achievements must be recognized. Their songs have gone on to live in our hearts and minds.
More information on this prestigious prize is as follows:
“The styles in which these works are composed reflect myriad contemporary traditions like rock, jazz, country, pop, blues, folk, and gospel. The recipient-whether composer, singer/songwriter, or interpreter-is recognized for entertaining and informing audiences, for drawing upon the acknowledged foundations of popular song, and for inspiring new generations of performers on their own professional journeys.”
In 2007, the first-ever prize was given to Paul Simon.
He was surrounded by a star-studded cast including Alison Krauss, Stevie Wonder, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Marc Anthony, Art Garfunkel and many others.
Together, they gathered in Washington D.C. to celebrate this incredible honor. The honor itself is of high esteem:
“The selection is made by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with a board that is both credible and broad enough in scope to represent the full spectrum of popular song. Board members may include but need not be limited to scholars, producers, performers, music critics, songwriters, and subject specialists within and outside the Library of Congress.”
Paul Simon was the recipient for the first year of this award.
His distinguished career has gone on to influence and inspire many people.
Simon has received many awards and prizes, including 12 Grammy awards and two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (once as a solo artist).
In 2006, Time Magazine named Simon one of the “100 People Who Shaped The World.” He was indeed the first American artist invited by President Nelson Mandela to perform in post-apartheid South Africa.
To celebrate, Simon performed an unforgettable rendition of “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes.”
The stage swelled with a warm welcome for this multicultural celebration.
Simon invited South African band Ladysmith Black Mambazo to join in this performance of epically good vibes.
The performance is sure to give you the best chills as it weaves separate worlds together.
It’s plain to feel and see how Simon’s humanitarian efforts have helped to shape a better world for us all.
Upon being notified of the honor, Simon replied:
“I am grateful to be the recipient of the Gershwin Prize and doubly honored to be the first. Spending an evening in the company of artists I admire is a songwriter’s dream come true.”
Check out this beautiful performance of “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” for yourself in the video linked below:
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