Classic Pop Icons

Carole King has become the first female recipient of the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The award was presented by President Obama during a special gala in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday night.

The all-star gala included performances by Billy Joel, Gloria Estefan, Emeli Sande, James Taylor, Jesse McCartney and Trisha Yearwood.

The previous night saw the Library of Congress host a tribute show for King, with performances by Michael Feinstein, Siedah Garrett, Louise Goffin, Shelby Lynne, Gian Marco, Arturo Sandoval, Patti Austin, Colbie Caillat and King herself.

President Obama paid tribute to King in a speech which recounted her many achievements in popular music, including her early hits penned with Gerry Goffin and her classic 1971 album “Tapestry,” which was the first album by a female to sell more than 10 million copies. He closed by saying:

“As Carole tells it, the secret to her success is that ‘I try to get out the way and let the process be guided by whatever is driving me.’ That’s what makes her songs so personal and so powerful and so enduring. Like the Gershwins, it’s not just that Carole lives the music, it’s that music lives in her. So tonight it is my great pleasure to present America’s highest award for popular music to a living legend, Carole King.”

President Obama pays tribute to Carole King

Previous recipients of the Gershwin Prize have included Paul Simon (2007), Stevie Wonder (2009), Sir Paul McCartney (2010), and the songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David (2012).

“Carole King: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize In Performance at the White House” will be broadcast Tuesday, May 28 at 8:00 PM ET on PBS stations nationwide in the US.