Billy Joel has been announced as the next recipient of the Library of Congress\u2019 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington, who called the 65-year-old performer \u201ca storyteller of the highest order,\u201d broke the news on Tuesday (July 22). \n\u201cThere is an intimacy to his songwriting that bridges the gap between the listener and the worlds he shares through music,\u201d Billington said in a statement. Joel will receive the prize in Washington, DC. in November and will be honored at a series of events.
\nThe singer will be just the sixth recipient of the award, which is named after songwriting brothers George and Ira Gershwin. He joins previous recipients including Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon.
\n\u201cThe great composer George Gershwin has been a personal inspiration to me throughout my career. And the Library\u2019s decision to include me among those songwriters who have been past recipients is a milestone for me,\u201d said Joel, who\u2019s named one of the most popular recording artists by RIAA.
\nHe has so far won six Grammy Awards including the coveted Album of the Year for his 1978 set \u201c52nd Street\u201d. He\u2019s also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"