Staff Writer
One of the most beloved singer-songwriters in American music was honored at the White House.
Carole King became the first woman to receive the Gershwin Prize for Popular Music at a ceremony last night.
She joins an illustrious group of singer-songwriters who have received this award including Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Paul Simon and the team of Hal David and Burt Bacharach.
The 71-year-old has spent five decades in the recording industry. Among her highlights in her career that includes 18 studio albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and inductions into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the non-performer category of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
President Obama declared the six-time Grammy Winner a “living legend” and stated that Tapestry is “one of the best-selling albums of all-time” and “cemented Carole’s status as one of the most influential singer-songwriters that America has ever seen.”
Over 1,000 artists have recorded her songs including Celine Dion, Phil Collins, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand and countless Idol and Voice contestants.
Many of Ms. King’s friends and colleagues performed at the event. James Taylor assisted Ms. King when they performed “You’ve Got A Friend” while Gloria Estefan, Trisha Yearwood and rising U.K. songbird Emeli Sande collaborated on “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”
Fans will have the chance to view Ms. King’s tribute when it airs as part of PBS’s In Performance at the White House series on May 28.
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