Classic Pop Icons

Janis Joplin has become the fifth singer to feature in the United States Postal Service’s Music Icon stamp series.

Image: USPS

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Billy Joel will become the sixth recipient of the prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at a ceremony in November.

The award, named after songwriting brothers George and Ira Gershwin, recognises “a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of cultural understanding; entertaining and informing audiences; and inspiring new generations.”

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Ray Davies, Donovan, Mark James, Graham Gouldman and Jim Weatherly were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on Thursday night.

Sadly, Ray Davies, lead singer and main songwriter for the Kinks, could not attend because of the death of his sister, but he accepted the honour in a video where he said he was proud to be inducted. Jon Bon Jovi was on hand to pay tribute to Davies, closing the show with performances of the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night.”

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Christine McVie, Jeff Beck, Jerry Dammers and Nile Rodgers were among the winners at last night’s Ivor Novello awards, presented at Grosvenor House, London.

McVie received a lifetime achievement award and told the audience that she is rejoining Fleetwood Mac for a tour and to record new music.

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Chuck Berry will be awarded the Polar Music Prize at a ceremony in Stockholm on August 26. Berry and fellow recipient, US opera and theatre director Peter Sellars, will each receive £100,000 (~$169,000).

The Polar Music Prize was founded by ABBA manager Stig Anderson. It is regarded as the music world’s equivalent to the Nobel prize.

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