Stevie Wonder to Win Gershwin Prize

Iconic Singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder was selected as the second recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin prize for Popular Song. He will receive the award at the Library’s Great Hall on February 23, 2009. Named in honor of George and Ira Gershwin, the Gershwin Prize was established last year to annually honor an American composer or performer. 

Iconic Singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder was selected as the second recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin prize for Popular Song. He will receive the award at the Library’s Great Hall on February 23, 2009. Named in honor of George and Ira Gershwin, the Gershwin Prize was established last year to annually honor an American composer or performer. The inaugural Prize was awarded to Paul Simon. As the Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said in a statement, “The Gershwin Prize was created to honor an artist whose creative output transcends distinctions between musical styles and idioms, bringing diverse listeners together and fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.” Wonder has doubtlessly epitomized these ideals throughout his highly decorated musical career, which has landed him a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 25 Grammy awards, an Oscar, and several lifetime achievement awards. In addition to the Gershwin Prize, Wonder received the Library’s offer of a musical commission, his acceptance of which lands him in the company of such notable composers as Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and Paquito D’Rivera, who have previously received Library commissions. After the announcement, Wonder released the following statement: “It’s an immense privilege to join such a remarkable roster of musicians and composers. I am touched to receive this honor and look forward to creating music for the celebration.”