Willie Nelson, in his 60 years of songwriting career, is the newest recipient of the Library of Congress's 'Gershwin Prize' for a popular song.
Nelson's "Watch Over Me" from his 1978 album 'Stardust', has been recognized as a remarkable piece of work in the American music. With over 70 studio albums produced under his name, the music legend has become an instant rare icon in country music.
"It is an honor to be the next recipient of the Gershwin Prize. I appreciate it greatly," the composer said in a brief statement.
The Gershwin Prize is perceived to be one of the highest awards given to an artist, which recognizes the music artist's lifetime achievement in promoting songs that would improve cultural understanding through entertainment, informing audiences and inspiring the new generations through music.
The 82-year old singer-songwriter now joins the row of well-known composers and performers such as Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Carole King, and the duo songwriters Burt Bacharach and late Hal David, who were also granted the 'Gershwin Prize' award for the past spanning years.
"Willie Nelson is a musical explorer, redrawing the boundaries of country music throughout his career,"James Billington of the Librarian of Congress said in a statement. "A master communicator, the sincerity and universally appealing message of his lyrics place him in a category of his own while still remaining grounded in his country music roots."
Billington went on, saying "Like America itself, he has absorbed and assimilated diverse stylistic influences into his stories and songs. He has helped make country music one of the most universally beloved forms of American artistic expression."
The Gershwin Prize was inspired by the Gershwin brothers, George and Ira Gershwin. Willie Nelson will be honored in Washington, D.C this November 2015. The event will be attended with various artists Nelson has inspired from the last half century.
