Garth Brooks To Receive Library of Congress Gershwin Prize For Popular Song

Garth Brooks will be the next recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, making Brooks the youngest recipient of the honor.

“Garth Brooks’ appeal as a performer, songwriter and humanitarian has brought many new fans into the world of country music,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “During his career, Brooks has set countless records, earned numerous awards and elevated country music into a national anthem of the American people.”

Bestowed in recognition of the songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin, the Gershwin Prize recognizes a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of entertainment, information, inspiration and cultural understanding. Previous recipients are Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett and Emilio and Gloria Estefan.

“An award is only as good as the names on it,” said Brooks. “First off, for any musician, the name Gershwin says it all. Add to Ira’s and George’s names the names of the past recipients, and you have an award of the highest honor. I am truly humbled.”

Brooks will receive the prize at an all-star tribute concert in Washington, D.C., in March 2020. Garth Brooks: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song will air on PBS stations nationwide later that spring. The program also will be broadcast via the American Forces Network to U.S. Department of Defense locations around the world.

Since his first chart-topper, “If Tomorrow Never Comes” came in 1989, Brooks’ songwriting has often addressed timely topics. In 1993, Brooks earned a GLADD Media Award for “We Shall Be Free,” which addressed homophobia, homelessness, and racism.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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