Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin are set to be bestowed with the 2024 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
The 76-year-old music legend and his longtime songwriting partner will receive the prestigious accolade – in honour of the late songwriting siblings George and Ira Gershwin – on March 20 in Washington.
Elton – who has just retired from touring – said: “I’ve been writing songs with Bernie for 56 years, and we never thought that … one day this might be bestowed upon us.
“It’s an incredible honour for two British guys to be recognized like this. I’m so honoured.”
Bernie commented: “To be in a house along with the great American songwriters, to even be in the same avenue is humbling, and I am absolutely thrilled to accept.”
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden hailed the duo for penning “some of the most memorable songs of our lives.”
She also highlighted “the quality and broad appeal of their music and their influence on their fellow artists.”
The prize was handed to Joni Mitchell in 2023. Previous recipients include Sir Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Paul Simon, Lionel Richie, Tony Bennett, Stevie Wonder, and Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
Elton previously said he was “humbled” that some of the biggest stars in pop music dedicated their time to putting their own spin on his timeless classics for his 2018 ‘Revamp’ album, and how he hoped it would help the songs reach the next generation.
Lady Gaga did a rendition of ‘Your Song’, which has previously been covered by the likes of Ellie Goulding and Sir Rod Stewart in the past.
Ed Sheeran has worked his magic on ‘Candle In The Wind’ from 1973’s ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’.
The Killers did ‘Mona Lisas and ‘Mad Hatters’, Miley Cyrus recorded a version of the classic ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ and Coldplay ‘We All Fall In Love Sometimes’.
Other artists on the record include Pink, Sam Smith, Alessia Cara, Florence + The Machine, Mumford and Sons, Mary J. Blige, Demi Lovato and Queens of the Stone Age.
