The Library of Congress this week honored Lionel Richie with the the 2022 Gershwin Prize for popular song.
In a star studded event at the Library of Congress, the nominating committee noted that the award -winning Alabama-born songwriter has sold more than 125 million albums, co-wrote one of the biggest singles in history, won an Oscar and, after a career that started in the late ’60s, is still a star of network television, as a judge on ABC’s “American Idol.” He also wrote No. 1 songs for 11 consecutive years, was a star with the Commodores, on his own, and as a mellow voice on any number of hit duets.
In so many ways, this national honor was made for Lionel Richie, whose music has entertained and inspired us — and helped strengthen our global connections. Richie’s unforgettable work has shown us that music can bring us together. Even when we face problems and disagree on issues, songs can show us what we have in common. – Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress.
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. Bestowed in recognition of the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin,the Gershwin Prize honoree is selected by the Librarian in consultation with a board of scholars, producers, performers, songwriters and other music specialists. Previous recipients are Nelson, Simon, Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, and Garth Brooks.
Courtesy- LOC
