Elton John and Bernie Taupin honored with prestigious Library of Congress Gershwin Prize
WASHINGTON — WASHINGTON (AP) — Sir Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin have been honored with the distinguished Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Well-liked Music, making some extent to underscore that their musical legacy is in concord with their philanthropy, particularly the Elton John AIDS Basis.
“If you happen to’re profitable, you must give again. That was my mantra in 1980 once I obtained sober, and it’s been my mantra ever since,” John informed The Related Press on Wednesday night time.
Accompanied by Taupin and clad in a resplendent pink go well with, John, who celebrates his 76th birthday on March 25, additionally gave his perspective on the enduring enchantment of their music.
“The songs final as a result of they cowl completely different territories. ‘Philadelphia Freedom’ will not be like ‘Burn Down the Mission,’ and ‘Daniel’ will not be like ‘Saturday Evening’s Alright for Combating.’
Taupin added: “Our palette is filled with colour.”
The night’s leisure was a variety of musical types by a set of famend performers that included Garth Brooks, Charlie Puth, Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell, Annie Lennox and host Billy Porter. A televised model is ready to air April 8 on PBS.
Metallica set the stage ablaze with a strong rendition of “Funeral For a Good friend/Love Lies Bleeding” from the long-lasting John-Taupin “Goodbye Yellow Brick Highway” album, igniting the environment with their high-octane power.
Following a soulful rendition of “Sorry Appears to Be the Hardest Phrase,” Garth Brooks, a former Gershwin Prize recipient, raised his hat triumphantly, eliciting a thunderous standing ovation from the viewers.
Brandi Carlile enchanted along with her rendition of “Madman Throughout the Water,” and the gang swayed alongside to Maren Morris’s charming efficiency of “I Guess That’s Why They Name It the Blues.”
Final yr’s honoree, Joni Mitchell, graced the stage alongside Lennox and Carlile for the becoming rendition of “I’m Nonetheless Standing.” By the night’s shut, 4 illustrious Gershwin Prize recipients shared the highlight as John and Taupin joined Mitchell and Brooks on this esteemed membership.
Maybe, probably the most energetic efficiency of the night belonged to Jacob Lusk of the group Gabriels. He launched right into a dynamic rendition of “Bennie and the Jets,” charming the gang — together with Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Supreme Court docket Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sen. Tim Scott — bringing them to their ft swaying and singing alongside.
Earlier than Lennox took on “The Border Music,” she praised John’s unwavering dedication to combating the AIDS epidemic, describing it as “immeasurable.”
“He appears to be very comfy together with his fame and he’s used it in a means that has made large world variations in actually important, areas… HIV and AIDS is a large, large problem. And but Elton was doing it and nonetheless doing it, saving lives,” Lennox stated on the pink carpet.
Following the distinction bestowed by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, John handled the viewers to a three-song efficiency, that includes “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,” “Saturday Evening’s Alright for Combating” and “Your Music,” with Taupin at his aspect by the piano.
Established in 2007, the Gershwin Prize has beforehand celebrated icons corresponding to Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Stevie Surprise, Joni Mitchell and Carole King.
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