Paul McCartney receives Gershwin Prize from President Obama
Written by admin on June 3, 2010 – 6:50 pm -President Obama presented Paul McCartney with his Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at the White House on Wednesday (June 2).
The President paid tribute to McCartney’s long career:
| “By its very definition, popular music is fleeting. Rarely is it composed with an eye towards standing the test of time. Rarer still does it actually achieve that distinction. And that’s what makes Paul’s career so legendary.
Tonight, it is my distinct pleasure to present America’s highest award for popular music on behalf of a grateful nation — grateful that a young Englishman shared his dreams with us – Sir Paul McCartney.” |
In accepting the award, McCartney called the event “a fantastic evening for me” and then paid his own tribute to President Obama.
The White House was also rocked by a lively concert, featuring McCartney and a number of top musicians who had gathered to mark the occasion.
McCartney opened the show with “Got to Get You Into My Life” and this was followed up by appearances from Stevie Wonder (“We Can Work It Out”), the Jonas Brothers (“Drive My Car”), Emmylou Harris (“For No One”), Jack White (“Mother Nature’s Son), Herbie Hancock and Corinne Bailey Rae (“Blackbird”) and Faith Hill (“The Long and Winding Road”).
“Paul McCartney In Performance At The White House – Library of Congress Gershwin Award” will air on PBS in the US on July 28.
Tags: Corinne Bailey Rae, Emmylou Harris, Faith Hill, Herbie Hancock, Jack White, Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, Paul McCartney, President Obama, stevie wonder, the Jonas Brothers
Posted in Awards, The Beatles |
