Set to receive his award in November, the country superstar will be honored with a series of events in Washington, D.C.
- July 10, 2015
AceShowbiz -
Willie Nelson will be the next recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The U.S. Library of Congress announced the news on Thursday, July 9, adding that the veteran country star would receive his prize in November and be honored with a series of events in Washington, D.C.
"Willie Nelson is a musical explorer, redrawing the boundaries of country music throughout his career," Librarian of Congress' James Billington said in a statement. "A master communicator, the sincerity and universally appealing message of his lyrics place him in a category of his own while still remaining grounded in his country-music roots."
"His achievements as a songwriter and performer are legendary," he added. "He has helped make country music one of the most universally beloved forms of American artistic expression."
Nelson joins previous recipients of the award, including Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, Carole King and Billy Joel.
"It is an honor to be the next recipient of the Gershwin Prize. I appreciate it greatly," said the 82-year-old musician, who recently topped Billboard 200 chart with his collaborative album with Merle Haggard, "Django and Jimmie".
