McCartney Receives Gershwin Prize for Popular Music

The Gershwin Prize for Popular Music is being awarded to Sir Paul McCartney in recognition for his body of work spanning The Beatles to Wings and music as a solo artist.

McCartney, 67, will be the third songwriter to receive the prestigious award presented by the US Library of Congress following the honors of Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.

Librarian of Congress,' James H. Billington said of McCartney, "It's hard to think of another performer and composer who has had a more indelible and transformative effect on popular song and music of several different genres."

To celebrate the award an all-star tribute concert will take place with McCartney featured to perform. The event is schedule for spring 2010.vAlso scheduled for release is the Bob Smeaton documentary "The Beatles on Record" premiering in the US Nov. 25 on the History Channel. The film will feature never seen before footage of the band and over 60 songs from "Please, Please Me" to "Abbey Road."