Billy Joel was announced this week as the newest recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Library of Congress librarian James Billington told The Associated Press Tuesday that the singer-songwriter, whose hits include "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl," will receive the prize in Washington in November.
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The Gershwin Prize honors a living artist's lifetime achievement in music. Previous recipients include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, and Carole King.
Joel is among the world's most popular recording artists. He has said his piano-driven compositions spring from personal experiences, and that he strives to write songs that capture and transcend those moments.
With a career spanning 50 years in the entertainment industry, Joel is the sixth top-selling artist of all time.
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