The legendary songwriting duo of Elton John and Bernie Taupin will be honored with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song on March 20th in Washington, D.C. The prestigious award recognizes the lifetime achievement of artists whose work exemplifies the standard of excellence associated with George and Ira Gershwin.
The ceremony will feature a diverse lineup of artists who will pay tribute to Elton and Taupin's musical legacy. They include country superstar Garth Brooks, folk-rock singer Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Metallica, country-pop star Maren Morris, Broadway sensation Billy Porter, pop singer Charlie Puth, and soulful vocalist Jacob Lusk of Gabriels.
The concert, titled Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, will be taped at the DAR Constitution Hall and will premiere on PBS on April 8th at 7pm (Central).
Elton and Taupin will also attend the event and receive the award from Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. The next day, March 21st, Taupin will join Hayden for a live conversation at the Library of Congress as part of the Live! at the Library series. They will discuss Taupin's creative process, his collaboration with Elton, and his influence on American culture.
Elton and Taupin are the 16th recipients of the Gershwin Prize, which was established in 2007. Previous honorees include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Garth Brooks, Lionel Richie, Joni Mitchell, and Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]