BRIARCLIFF, Texas – Relaxing at his Texas Hill Country ranch, county music legend Willie Nelson said that he was “humbled and proud” to be awarded the Gershwin Prize.
The Library of Congress Prize for Popular Song recognizes the work of artists whose career reflects lifetime achievement in promoting song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding.
“It was one of the biggest compliments that anyone could give you, so naturally I was proud,” Nelson said.
He said he was humbled by the honor.
“To me, a boy from Abbott, they’re all big deals,” he said with a chuckle. “The first time I got paid for playing was a big deal.”
He was awarded the prize during a concert in Washington, D.C. in November that featured Nelson’s music performed by a variety of artists.
Among the artists was Paul Simon, a previous recipient of the prize. Other recipients include Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel.
During the concert Nelson performed his song “Living in the Promised Land” with his sons Lucas and Micah.
An appropriate song, he said, given that the concert audience was made up primarily of United States congressmen.
“I just thought that they might need to be reminded of what’s on our Statue of Liberty, “Bring us your tired and weak, will make them strong’, “ Nelson said. “That’s who we are.”
Nelson said that he is acknowledging the Gershwin Prize with his latest album, Summertime, featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin. The album will be released on Feb. 26.