On March 4, the Library of Congress will pay tribute to Garth Brooks with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Bestowed in recognition of the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin, the Gershwin Prize recognizes a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of entertainment, information, inspiration and cultural understanding. Past recipients include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett and Emilio and Gloria Estefan..
“An award is only as good as the names on it,” said Garth. “First off, for any musician, the name Gershwin says it all. Add to Ira’s and George’s names the names of the past recipients, and you have an award of the highest honor. I am truly humbled.”
Garth, who is 57 years old, will be the youngest recipient of the award. He is also the second country artist to receive the award, following Willie Nelson (2015).
Garth will receive the award at a tribute concert in Washington, D.C., on March 4. The concert will air on PBS stations nationwide in spring 2020.
