Elton John expressed his reason for rejoicing. The 2024 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song goes to John, 76, and his longtime songwriter collaborator Bernie Taupin. In 2007, the Library of Congress instituted the esteemed prize to honor musicians who have demonstrated “influence, impact, and achievement in the field of popular song.”
John and the 73-year-old Taupin have been writing music together for more than 50 years. Both of them first met in 1967. They achieved their first No. 1 U.S. hit in 1973 when “Crocodile Rock” was released. The biggest hits they’ve done together are “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” and “Tiny Dancer.”
After winning an Emmy for outstanding live variety program, John solidified his position in the EGOT Hall of Fame. This news was made over two weeks ago. On Tuesday, Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, declared that John and Taupin “have written some of the most memorable songs of our lives.”
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“The caliber and widespread popularity of their music, as well as their impact on other musicians, make their careers noteworthy. They passed over the pond more than 50 years ago and won over crowds all over the world including Americans with their gorgeous tunes and rock anthems”. She said, “We’re honored to present Elton and Bernie with the Gershwin Prize in recognition of their extraordinary influence on many generations of music enthusiasts”.
On March 20, a memorial performance from John and Taupin will take place in Washington, D.C. The show will be broadcast on PBS on April 8 at 8 p.m. ET. John described the accolade as a “tremendous honor.”
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He said, “Bernie and I have been writing songs together for 56 years, and we never imagined that we would be rewarded with this.” This kind of acclaim is a great honor for two British lads. In a statement, he added, “I feel grateful. Taupin felt much the same way”.
