Garth Brooks To Receive Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

Garth Brooks has been announced as the next recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden made the announcement Wednesday (Oct. 2), revealing that the country superstar is the youngest recipient of the prestigious honor.

“Garth Brooks’ appeal as a performer, songwriter and humanitarian has brought many new fans into the world of country music,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “During his career, Brooks has set countless records, earned numerous awards and elevated country music into a national anthem of the American people.”

Named in honor of the songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin, the Gershwin Prize “recognizes a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of entertainment, information, inspiration and cultural understanding.” Past recipients include Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney and Tony Bennett (just to name a few).

“An award is only as good as the names on it,” said Brooks. “First off, for any musician, the name Gershwin says it all. Add to Ira’s and George’s names the names of the past recipients, and you have an award of the highest honor. I am truly humbled.”

Brooks will receive the award in March 2020 at an all-star tribute concert held in Washington, D.C. The concert will air on PBS stations around the country and will also be broadcast via the American Forces Network to U.S. Department of Defense locations around the world.

The news comes just days after Brooks received the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award for Caring and Compassion at the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Gala in New York City.