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Billy Joel (center) receives the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from Dr. James H. Billington, the librarian of Congress (left) and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (right). (photo by Joe Shymanski)
Billy Joel (center) receives the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from Dr. James H. Billington, the librarian of Congress (left) and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (right). (photo by Joe Shymanski)

PBS to honor Billy Joel with star-studded performances from Tony Bennett, Kevin Spacey, Leann Rimes and many more

by jmaloni

Submitted

Mon, Dec 22nd 2014 03:05 pm

Latest from "The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize" also features Natalie Maines, Josh Groban, John Mellencamp, Boyz II Men, Gavin DeGraw, and a special performance from the Twyla Tharp production "Movin' Out"

Airing Jan. 2 on PBS as part of "PBS Arts"

"Billy Joel: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize" is a PBS music special honoring singer-songwriter Billy Joel's receipt of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The evening will feature Joel, as well as Tony Bennett, Boyz II Men, Gavin DeGraw, Josh Groban, Natalie Maines, John Mellencamp and LeAnn Rimes, with a special performance by Kevin Spacey - as well as a dance ensemble performance from Twyla Tharp's "Movin' Out." (Program subject to change.)

During the event, Joel will be presented the Gershwin Prize by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper and Dr. James H. Billington, the librarian of Congress.

The award ceremony was taped Nov. 19 at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall. The program will premiere at 9 p.m. ETFriday, Jan. 2, on PBS stations nationwide, as part of "PBS Arts." (Check local listings.) The program will be broadcast at a later date via the American Forces Network to American service men and women and civilians at U.S. Department of Defense locations around the world.

The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is named in honor of the legendary George and Ira Gershwin. This award recognizes the profound and positive effect of popular music on the world's culture. The prize is given annually to a composer or performer whose lifetime contributions exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins. The Gershwin Prize was first awarded to Paul Simon in May 2007, followed by Stevie Wonder in February 2009, Sir Paul McCartney in June 2010, the songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David in May 2012, and to Carole King in 2013.

Joel ranks as one of the most popular recording artists and respected entertainers in the world. His piano-fueled narratives take listeners into the relatable and deeply personal crevices of life, mirroring his own goal of writing songs that "meant something during the time in which I lived ... and transcended that time." His songs "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant," "The Entertainer," "Piano Man," "Big Shot," "New York State of Mind," "You May Be Right," "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," "Allentown," "Uptown Girl" and "The Downeaster 'Alexa' " are among many classics in a rich and deep catalog of music that have acted as personal and cultural touchstones for millions of people.

"WETA is proud to bring this concert to the American people in collaboration with the Library of Congress," said Sharon Percy Rockefeller, president and CEO of WETA. "It is our continuing honor to share these special musical events with the wide public television viewing audience."

"As Beverly Sills once said, the arts are a signature of our civilization. PBS and our member stations are committed to using our media platforms to bring the best of American arts and culture to our audiences," said Paula A. Kerger, president and CEO of PBS. "Billy Joel is the voice of a generation with his music. Honoring and recognizing his contribution to music under the 'PBS Arts' banner is just one way that we can help share our collective cultural legacy with all Americans." 

"Through public media that informs, educates, inspires and entertains, we are pleased to support the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize and this celebration of the enduring musical contributions of Billy Joel to our country's musical heritage," said Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

"Billy Joel's array of work reflects the spirit of the Gershwin Prize with its originality, longevity and diversity of appeal," Billington said. "Since the start of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, PBS has brought this celebration of creativity directly and more broadly to the American people. We're pleased that the greater public will be able to join in the recognition of this great artist."

A native of Long Island, Joel has had 33 Top 40 hits and 23 Grammy Award nominations since signing his first solo recording contract in 1972. In 1990, he was presented with a Grammy Legend Award. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, Joel was presented with the Johnny Mercer Award, the organization's highest honor, in 2001. In 1999, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and has received the Recording Industry Association of America Diamond Award, presented for albums that have sold more than 10 million copies. In 2010, Joel released the documentary "The Last Play at Shea," about the intersecting histories of a city, a team and a music legend, charting both the ups and downs of the New York Mets and the life and career of Joel, who was the last performer to play Shea Stadium before its demolition in 2008. In 2013, Joel received the 36th Annual Kennedy Center Honor.

Joel has donated his time and resources to a variety of charitable causes outside the realm of his musical career. New York's quintessential son, he performed six songs at the historical "12.12.12 The Concert for Sandy Relief," joining other music greats to raise awareness and money to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. The show, which included tributes to first responders and those affected by the storm, was broadcast to an estimated 2 billion viewers and raised $32 million in funds before anyone took the stage.

Additionally, as a longtime advocate for music education, he first began holding "master class" sessions on college campuses more than 20 years ago, giving sessions across the country and around the world. In addition, he has held classes as a benefit for the STAR Foundation (Standing for Truth About Radiation) and to establish the Rosalind Joel Scholarship for the Performing Arts at City College in New York City. For his accomplishments as a musician and as a humanitarian, Joel was honored as the 2002 MusiCares Person of the Year by the MusiCares Foundation and the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

"Movin' Out," a Broadway musical based on Joel's music, choreographed and directed by Tharp, was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and took home two, including Best Orchestrations - Joel's first Tony Award win - and Best Choreography. Additionally, Joel has earned three Awards For Cable Excellence and has received numerous ASCAP and BMI awards, including the ASCAP Founders Award and the BMI Career Achievement Award, and, in 1994, was given the Billboard Century Award. Among his many other awards and honors, Joel has been given a doctor of humane letters from Fairfield University (1991), a honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music (1993), a honorary doctorate of humane letters from Hofstra University (1997) and a doctor of music from Southampton College.

For more information about "Billy Joel: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize," visit www.pbs.org/Gershwin-Prize. To follow "The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize" on Twitter, use hashtag #PBSgershwin.

'Billy Joel: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize'
Broadcast Performance List

Twyla Tharp Dance Ensemble: Medley: "The River of Dreams" / "Keeping the Faith" / "Only the Good Die Young"
Boyz II Men: "The Longest Time"
LeAnn Rimes: "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)"
Gavin DeGraw: "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me"
Josh Groban: "She's Always a Woman"
Michael Feinstein: Gershwin Exposition
Natalie Maines: "She's Got a Way"
John Mellencamp: "Allentown" (Acoustic)
Twyla Tharp Dance Duet: "Shameless
Tony Bennett: "New York State of Mind"

The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song Award Presentation: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper and Dr. James H. Billington, the librarian of Congress.
 

Billy Joel Acceptance Speech
 

Billy Joel: "Movin' Out"
Billy Joel: "Vienna"
Billy Joel: "Miami 2017 (I've Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)"
Billy Joel: "You May Be Right"
 

Kevin Spacey & Full Cast Finale with Billy Joel: "Piano Man"

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