Paul McCartney to receive Gershwin Award

(AFP PHOTO/Shaun Curry)

The US Library of Congress will present Sir Paul McCartney with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song for his body of work from the Beatles to Wings and his solo songbook.

The 67-year-old former Beatle is the third songwriter to win the award. Paul Simon received the inaugural award in 2007 and Stevie Wonder was honored in 2009.

"It's hard to think of another performer and composer who has had a more indelible and transformative effect on popular song and music of several different genres than Paul McCartney," said James H. Billington, librarian of Congress, in a statement.

The prize, named for the songwriting brothers, George and Ira Gershwin, whose manuscripts are maintained by the Library of Congress.

An all-star tribute concert featuring a McCartney performance and other guests will be scheduled in spring 2010 to celebrate the distinction.

The Beatles are experiencing a comeback, with their music hitting the Billboardcharts, the video game, and retrospective of the band's discography released on September 9, The Beatles: Rock Band and the Remasters.

Also, the documentary The Beatles on Record, directed by Bob Smeaton, which premiered on the BBC in September, will play on the US cable network, History Channel on November 25. It features 60 songs from "Please, Please Me" to "Abbey Road" as well as rare footage and interviews with band members.

Website: www.thebeatles.com

RC