March 6, 2007 22:06

Paul Simon to be honoured by Congress

He will receive the first-ever Gershwin prize

Paul Simon is set to be honoured by the Library of Congress for his lifetime contribution to music.

The singer-songwriter will be the first recipient of the Gershwin Prize, named in honour of George and Ira Gershwin.

Simon will be presented with the award in May, when he will perform at the Warner Theater in Washington DC. The full line-up will be announced shortly, and is expected to feature some highly influential artists.

“I am grateful to be the recipient of the Gershwin Prize and doubly honored to be the first,” commented Simon “I look forward to spending an evening in the company of artists I admire at the award ceremony in May. I can think of a few who have expressed my words and music far better than I. I’m excited at the prospect of that happening again. It’s a songwriter’s dream come true."

The ceremony and performance will take place on May 23.

--By our New York staff.
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