FILE - In this May 9, 2014 file photo, Billy Joel performs at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Library of Congress on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 said Joel, whose hits include "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl," will receive its Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. (Photo by Scott Roth/Invision/AP, File)
Republished July 22, 2014 - 4:32 AM
Original Publication Date July 22, 2014 - 3:55 AM
WASHINGTON - The Library of Congress is honouring Billy Joel with its Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Librarian James Billington said Tuesday the singer-songwriter, whose hits include "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl," will receive the prize in Washington in November.
The Gershwin Prize honours a living artist's lifetime achievement in music. Previous recipients include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, and Carole King.
Joel is among the world's most popular recording artists. He has said his piano-driven compositions spring from personal experiences, and that he strives to write songs that capture and transcend those moments.
With a career spanning 50 years in the entertainment industry, Joel is the sixth top-selling artist of all time.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014