Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is a lifetime achievement award established in 2007 by the Library of Congress. Named after George and Ira Gershwin, it recognizes artists whose career reflects lifetime achievement in popular song. The prize is best suited for established songwriters with decades of contribution to popular music. It honors a body of work, not a single release. The most recent recipients are Elton John and Bernie Taupin (2024), who received the prize at an all-star concert in Washington, D.C. on March 20, 2024.

Submission and Eligibility Details

The prize was created in 2007 by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington, with creators Peter and Bob Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and Cappy McGarr. Key details about the selection process:

• The Librarian of Congress selects honorees in consultation with music specialists within the Library
• Former Gershwin Prize honorees and outside experts (scholars, publishers, producers, composers, performers) are consulted
• There is no public voting, open submission, or application process
• The medal is adapted from the Congressional Gold Medal awarded posthumously to the Gershwin brothers in 1985
• The prize recognizes work that crosses social, racial, and national boundaries
• Genres honored include rock, jazz, country, pop, blues, folk, and gospel
• The ceremony is broadcast on PBS

The 2024 ceremony honored Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The PBS broadcast premiered on April 8, 2024 and featured performances from Garth Brooks, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Jacob Lusk, Metallica, Joni Mitchell, Maren Morris, Billy Porter, and Charlie Puth. The 2023 honoree was Joni Mitchell, celebrated with a concert on March 2 in Washington, D.C.

Past recipients include Paul Simon (2007, the first honoree), Stevie Wonder (2008), Paul McCartney (2010), Burt Bacharach and Hal David (2012), Carole King (2013), Billy Joel (2014), Willie Nelson (2015), Smokey Robinson (2016), Tony Bennett (2017), Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2019), Garth Brooks (2020), Lionel Richie (2022), and Joni Mitchell (2023).

Key Benefits for Artists

• Institutional credibility: The Library of Congress association gives the prize institutional weight that commercial awards lack. The honoree's work becomes part of the national collection.
• PBS broadcast exposure: The ceremony is broadcast on PBS nationwide, reaching a demographic that values artistic quality over commercial trends.
• Tribute concert format: The ceremony features performances of the honoree's songs by guest artists, creating a high-profile tribute event.
• Broad genre inclusion: The prize's definition of "popular song" includes rock, jazz, country, folk, blues, and gospel. Artists from many genres qualify.
• Historical connection: The Gershwin brothers' manuscript collections reside at the Library of Congress, creating a direct connection between the prize and the institution's holdings.
• Proven organizational framework: The prize was created by the same team behind the Mark Twain Prize, giving it a established track record.

Potential Drawbacks and Things to Consider

• Not applicable to independent artists: The prize is not something independent artists can apply for. It is awarded to established figures with lifetime achievement.
• No cash award: The prize carries no significant cash award, unlike the Polar Music Prize (1 million SEK) or the Pulitzer Prize ($15,000).
• Selection opacity: The selection is made by the Librarian of Congress, not through public voting or open submission. The advisory board changes over time, making criteria somewhat unpredictable.
• Limited commercial reach: The PBS broadcast does not have the commercial reach of the Grammys or Billboard Awards.
• Genre restrictions: The focus on "popular song" excludes classical and avant-garde composers.
• Irregular timing: The prize has been awarded infrequently in some years, creating gaps. No 2025 or 2026 honoree has been announced as of August 2026.
• Travel requirement: The Washington, D.C. ceremony requires travel for nominees and guests.

Related Resources

• Best Books Every Musician Should Read - Learn from the careers of legendary songwriters
• Co-Writing Etiquette: What to Do and Avoid in 2026 - Songwriting partnership lessons from duos like Elton John and Bernie Taupin
• Music Awards Directory - Browse all music awards in our directory
• Official website: Library of Congress Gershwin Prize