Wonder receives Gershwin prize

Stevie Wonder has been chosen to receive the second Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, created to recognize a musician whose lifetime work “exemplifies the standard of excellence” associated with legendary songwriters George and Ira Gershwin.

“The Gershwin Prize was created to honor an artist whose creative output transcends distinctions between musical styles and idioms, bringing diverse listeners together and fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. Stevie Wonder’s music epitomizes this ideal,” said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington.

He’ll receive the award Feb. 23 in Washington. A concert is planned the following evening, at which Wonder is expected to perform a new work that the Library of Congress has commissioned.

The first Gershwin Prize was given to Paul Simon last year.