The Library of Congress and a star-studded lineup of artists united to celebrate the iconic songwriting partnership of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, honoring them with the prestigious Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. This momentous occasion, marked by an unforgettable Concert Elton John fans wouldn’t want to miss, took place in the nation’s capital on Wednesday, March 20th, recognizing their profound impact on music.
The tribute concert featured an extraordinary roster of talent, including past Gershwin Prize recipient Joni Mitchell, alongside Garth Brooks (also a previous honoree), Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Metallica, Maren Morris, Billy Porter, Charlie Puth, and Jacob Lusk of Gabriels. Elton John and Bernie Taupin themselves made appearances, adding to the evening’s magic. Billy Porter served as the host for this spectacular celebration.
For those who couldn’t attend in person, PBS stations nationwide are set to premiere “Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” on Monday, April 8th, at 8 p.m. ET (check local listings for specific times). The concert will be accessible via broadcast and streaming on PBS.org and the PBS App, as part of their acclaimed Emmy Award-winning music series. Furthermore, it will be available to U.S. Department of Defense personnel globally through the American Forces Network.
Alt text: Elton John and Bernie Taupin Gershwin Prize announcement, showcasing the duo as 2024 honorees from the Library of Congress.
The enduring partnership between Elton John, the piano prodigy, and Bernie Taupin, the masterful lyricist, began in 1967. Their collaboration has flourished for over half a century, producing a treasure trove of songs that have become ingrained in popular culture.
Timeless classics such as “Your Song,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” represent just a fraction of their remarkable catalog. Even their more playful hits like “Bennie and The Jets” and “Crocodile Rock,” the latter marking their first U.S. No. 1 single in 1973, demonstrate their incredible range and appeal.
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden emphasized the duo’s significance, stating, “Elton John and Bernie Taupin have crafted some of the most unforgettable songs of our lives. Their careers are distinguished by the exceptional quality and widespread appeal of their music, as well as their profound influence on fellow artists. Over five decades ago, they crossed the Atlantic to captivate America and audiences worldwide with their beautiful melodies and powerful rock anthems. We are deeply honored to recognize Elton and Bernie with the Gershwin Prize for their extraordinary impact on generations of music enthusiasts.”
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize: A Legacy of Musical Excellence
Named in honor of the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin, the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song stands as the nation’s most esteemed award for achievement and influence in popular music. The Librarian of Congress, in collaboration with a board of experts including scholars, producers, performers, songwriters, and music specialists, selects the honorees. Past recipients form a pantheon of music icons: Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Garth Brooks, Lionel Richie, and Joni Mitchell.
Established in 2007, this prestigious prize celebrates living artists whose contributions to popular song embody the standard of excellence associated with George and Ira Gershwin. The selection criteria encompass artistic merit, influence in promoting music as a tool for cultural understanding, impact and achievement in entertaining and informing audiences, and inspiring future generations of musicians.
Alt text: Elton John Gershwin Prize performance, capturing the artist on stage during the tribute concert at the Library of Congress.
The Gershwin name is used with the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song courtesy of the families of George and Ira Gershwin. GERSHWIN® is a registered trademark of Gershwin Enterprises, underscoring the legacy and importance of this award.
“Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” is a collaborative production by WETA Washington, D.C., Ken Ehrlich Productions, Inc., and the Library of Congress, highlighting the combined efforts to bring this celebration to a wide audience.
Major corporate funding for the event is generously provided by Wells Fargo, with additional support from The Boeing Company, Universal Music Group, and Otsuka. Significant funding also comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, along with contributions from AARP, The Leonore S. Gershwin Trust, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Katy & Ken Menges, and FTS International, LLC. United Airlines is the official travel provider, and Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C. provides hotel accommodations, showcasing the broad support for this cultural event.
About the Library of Congress, Ken Ehrlich Productions, WETA, and PBS
The Library of Congress, the world’s largest library, offers unparalleled access to the creative record of the United States and a vast collection of materials from across the globe, both on-site and online. Serving as the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and home to the U.S. Copyright Office, it encourages exploration of its collections, reference services, and programs through its website loc.gov. Legislative information can be found at congress.gov, and copyright registration services at copyright.gov.
Ken Ehrlich Productions, Inc., a leading production company helmed by founder and president Ken Ehrlich, has been a major force in television, specials, series, and events for over 40 years. Known for producing the Annual GRAMMY Awards, Emmy Awards, and numerous concert specials, they have also co-produced “In Performance at the White House” series for PBS and the Emmy-winning Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honoring Joni Mitchell in 2023. Their diverse portfolio includes events like the Global Citizen festivals and residencies for major artists.
WETA Washington, D.C. stands as the leading public broadcaster in the nation’s capital, serving Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia with educational initiatives and high-quality programming across television, radio, and digital platforms. As the second-largest producing station for public television, WETA is behind programs like “PBS NewsHour,” “Washington Week,” and documentaries by Ken Burns and Henry Louis Gates, Jr., as well as performance specials and health content initiatives. More information is available at weta.org.
PBS, with over 330 member stations, provides access to explore new ideas and worlds through television and digital content. Reaching millions monthly across platforms, PBS offers programming spanning science, history, nature, public affairs, drama, and performances. Recognized with numerous awards, PBS is also a leading educational media brand through PBS Learning Media and PBS KIDS. Further details can be found at PBS.org, and program updates at pbs.org/pressroom.
This Gershwin Prize concert elton john fans and music lovers everywhere can appreciate, celebrates a songwriting legacy that has touched hearts and shaped the landscape of popular music for decades. Don’t miss the broadcast premiere on PBS to witness this exceptional tribute.
