Elton John and Bernie Taupin will be honored with the Library of Congress's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden says, “Elton John and Bernie Taupin have written some of the most memorable songs of our lives. Their careers stand out for the quality and broad appeal of their music, and their influence on their fellow artists.
“More than 50 years ago, they came from across the pond to win over Americans and audiences worldwide with their beautiful songs and rock anthems. We’re proud to honor Elton and Bernie with the Gershwin Prize for their incredible impact on generations of music lovers.”
Elton says, "I've been writing songs with Bernie for 56 years, and we never thought that that one day this might be bestowed upon us. It's an incredible honor for two British guys to be recognized like this. I’m so honored.”
And Taupin adds, "To be in a house along with the great American songwriters, to even be in the same avenue is humbling, and I am absolutely thrilled to accept."
The duo will be honored with a tribute concert in Washington, D.C. on March 20th that will premiere on PBS stations nationwide on April 8th. Previous Gershwin 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.
In other Elton-award news, his AIDS Foundation is among the honorees in the human & civil rights category in the third annual Anthem Awards, which highlight social impact work across the globe.