GERSHWIN PRIZE
FOR SMOKEY

The Library of Congress will bestow the Gershwin Prize on Smokey Robinson this year, honoring him for exemplifying “the standard of excellence associated with George and Ira Gershwin.”

Calling him the “poet laureate of soul,” the Library of Congress noted “as a producer, record executive and visionary, Robinson helped lead a musical revolution called the Motown sound.” Robinson is also receiving the award for “promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of cultural understanding; entertaining and informing audiences; and inspiring new generations.”

Robinson will receive the award in Washington, D.C. in November. He will be the eighth recipient; Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon are among those who have also received the award.