Elton John and Bernie Taupin to be Honored with Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

Sir Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin will receive the 2024 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song on March 20, it was announced today (Jan. 30).

A tribute concert in their honor will take place in Washington on that date, with the show airing April 8 on PBS.

The prestigious award, established in 2007 is named for legendary songwriting team George and Ira Gershwin. John previously performed two of the Gershwins’songs, “Our Love Is Here to Stay” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” on the all-star 1994 album The Glory of Gershwin.

“I’ve been writing songs with Bernie for 56 years, and we never thought that that one day this might be bestowed upon us,” John said in a statement. “It’s an incredible honor for two British guys to be recognized like this. I’m so honored.”

Taupin added, “To be in a house along with the great American songwriters, to even be in the same avenue, is humbling, and I am absolutely thrilled to accept.”

The award is being given to John and Taupin for their decades of musical success with enduring classics such as “Rocket Man,” “Your Song,” “Tiny Dancer” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”

“Elton John and Bernie Taupin have written some of the most memorable songs of our lives. Their careers stand out for the quality and broad appeal of their music and their influence on their fellow artists,” said Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, in a statement. “More than 50 years ago, they came from across the pond to win over Americans and audiences worldwide with their beautiful songs and rock anthems. We’re proud to honor Elton and Bernie with the Gershwin Prize for their incredible impact on generations of music lovers.”