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Paul McCartney to Receive Gershwin Prize From President Obama at White House

  • Posted on May 25th 2010 10:30AM by John D. Luerssen
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Paul McCartneyPaul McCartney is set to be honored by President Barack Obama in a June 2 ceremony at the White House, where the legendary rocker will be given the Gershwin Prize, a lifetime achievement award for contributions to pop music. The likes of Stevie Wonder, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, Jack White and Dave Grohl will all pay tribute to Macca in an event that will be hosted by the President and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Other performers slated for the celebration include Corinne Bailey Rae, Herbie Hancock, Faith Hill, Emmylou Harris and comedian Jerry Seinfeld. According to the Guardian, McCartney was selected by a panel of judges including Jimmy Webb, Paul Simon and ASCAP President Paul Williams.

In a statement, James H.t Billington, the Librarian of Congress, said, "Sir Paul has been writing and performing for more than five decades -- as a member of iconic groups and as a solo artist -- in genres ranging from rock 'n' roll to classical compositions. He also has made an impact far beyond music through his humanitarianism and activism around the world."

The former Beatle is just the third musician after Simon and Wonder to receive the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song since the honor, which is designed to acknowledge "the profound and positive effect of popular music on the world's culuture," began in 2007. A PBS special of the event will air on July 28.
  • Filed under: Concerts and Tours, News
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Becky Shehan

I was disappointed to hear that Paul McCartney used this occasion to make a political statement. This in the White House, no less. What an unprofessional, no class thing to do. Reminds me of the clicks in high school. Again, no class. Need I remind Mr. McCartney that President Bush kept your behind safe for 8 years. If you didn't like it here, you should have gone back to where you came from. Man up and have some respect for the office of the President. Shame on you.

June 15 2010 at 4:21 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
js

Obama is just looking for another 15 minutes-I'm so sorry I ever though Paul McCartney was a decent human being. Making that comment about the library was uncalled for and totally says what a lack of character he has.

Maybe our last President didn't spend time in the library but at least he was ethical and moral unlike the current term president who has none and he proves it over and over.

Thank the good Lord we will be able to set it straight in a year and 1/2 since he was able to destroy ACORN. All we can hope is that he hasn't done unrepairable damage to this country by the time he leaves the white house with his tail between his legs.

June 04 2010 at 1:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
tania

Hey hawk...Obama is going to look real good! Guess what? He will be called on a trial according to ex-corrupt governor of Il...Can you imagine what a scandalous will be for Americans and NOBAMA! I HOPE THEY THROW HIM AND THAT CHIGACO THUG IN JAIL! OBAMA SHOULD BE IN JAIL JUST FOR SPENDING 10 TRILLIONS DOLLARS IN ONE YEAR AND DONE 0 FOR THE COUNTRY! I HOPE YOU GET VERY HAPPY NEXT YEAR BY THIS TIME WHEN YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY A BIG FINE FOR NOT HAVE PAID YOUR HEALTH CARE...I BET YOU THINK IT IS GOING TO BE FREE!

June 01 2010 at 9:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
tania

OBAMA DOES NOT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT OUR MILITARY. REMEMBER, HE IS ANTI-AMERICA! A PERSON WHO IS NOT PROUD OF HIS COUNTRY SHOULD NEVER RUN FOR PRESIDENT!

June 01 2010 at 9:24 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Lcynsky

Congratulations to Paul for an honor that is so well deserved. Paul uses his celebrity and his wealth for many good causes, that ultimately benefit so many. Those narrow minded people who are saying that he does not deserve an award because of thing that he did in his youth should look in the proverbial mirror. Hopefully, we have all matured and grown some since 1964.

June 01 2010 at 9:06 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
carolyn

Obama would rather be the center of attention than our soldiars.. and he loves to act like a rock star he needs to be taking care of our country... HEY all u people who voted for this man HOW about this change??? he could careless about our services men and women or our country...

May 31 2010 at 3:04 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Jean Salome, az

people that voted for Obama just can't admit they made a mistake. Tell me something good he has done for our country we all know the bad,

May 29 2010 at 1:25 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Marcia

The President continues to put "his agenda" ahead of the American people, Past and Present....

May every true American who loves this country thank a soldier this weekend for their service!

May 28 2010 at 7:34 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Rob in the great state of Arizona

Why do people worship musicians? They are no big deal. A dime a dozen. Obama just likes playing big time socialite. What our service men and women give is something immensely greater. These real life heroes are the absolute best people we have and have ever had. These are the ones who make it possible for us to do all we do. No thanks is big enough. No sacrifice is greater than the one they make every day. Let's get REAL folks. Obama is a still a liar, a fraud, and an elitist jerk. Oh, did I forget STUPID?

May 27 2010 at 4:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
pamela joy smith

The people who have had their unemployment extended need to clean up the mess with Sham Wows? Like they really want to be unemployed. What an air head. I have been working since I was 14 and am in my 50's now and never have drawn unemployment. Why? Damn lucky. Could be me without a job, could be me facing foreclosure. Do you honestly believe that these peoples dignity has not severely taken a blow? There by the Grace of God go you Cin. I want to see Obama take the bull by the horn and stay on top of B.P. until the clean up is done and done correctly. I want him to utilize the people that are losing money because they cannot fish and have boats just sitting...let B.P pay them to help control the spread and clean it up...Lord knows they are willing. Finally I want him to seize B.P assets until the mess is cleaned up, along with tranoceans and Haliburton. This is going on for a month and imagine the mess if a tropical storm hits the spill area. I am saying to Obama just what he said to B.P. "Plug the Damn Hole." Not tomorrow today.

May 26 2010 at 5:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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