Willie Nelson to Receive Library of Congress Gershwin Prize

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson will receive a prestigious honor for his contributions to the musical world when he is awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in November.

The prize honors a living artist’s lifetime achievement in enhancing cultural understanding and entertaining, informing, and inspiring new generations through his or her music, and whose contributions exemplify the standard of excellence associated with George and Ira Gershwin. Former Gershwin Prize recipients include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach, the late Hal David, Carole King and Billy Joel.

“Willie Nelson is a musical explorer, redrawing the boundaries of country music throughout his career,” said Librarian of Congress James Billington. “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. Like America itself, he has absorbed and assimilated diverse stylistic influences into his stories and songs. He has helped make country music one of the most universally beloved forms of American artistic expression.”

Nelson will receive the prize in Washington, D.C. this November and be celebrated with a series of special events.