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 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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