|
Joel, 65, is the sixth recipient of the prize that honors
individuals for lifetime achievement in popular music. It is
named after songwriting brothers George and Ira Gershwin.
"Billy Joel is a storyteller of the highest order," Librarian of
Congress James H. Billlington said in a statement.
"There is an intimacy to his song writing that bridges the gap
between the listener and the worlds he shares through music."
Joel, whose career has spanned 50 years, is one of the most
popular recording artists and has had 33 top-40 hits. His
multiple Grammy wins include song and album of the year in 1978
for "Just the Way You Are."
He was also presented with a Grammy Legend Award in 1990 and was
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
"The great composer, George Gershwin, has been a personal
inspiration to me throughout my career. And the Library's
decision to include me among those songwriters who have been
past recipients is a milestone for me," Joel said.
The New York-born singer will receive the prize in Washington,
D.C. in November and will be honored at a series of events.
Carole King, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney and
the songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David are
previous recipients of the award.
(Reporting by Patricia Reaney; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
|
|
