(DCWatchdog.com) – Underscoring that some music styles do not take any sides and composers contribute with their music to create a positive impact in a community, Elton John and Bernie Taupin were honored with the Library of Congress’s Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Being celebrated for their music like “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” politicians from both sides, alongside fans and music stars, gathered at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington to honor the songwriting duo at a tribute concert.
The Gershwin Prize is a top award recognizing influence, impact, and achievement in popular music. It is awarded to living musical artists.
“When I grew up as a little boy in suburban London, the only good music that I heard was American. British music sucked,” John joked as he accepted the honor.
The 76-year-old singer of “Crocodile Rock” said, “I’m so proud to be British, and to be here in America to receive this award because all my heroes were American.”
Before performing his first 1970 hit, “Your Song,” John told the audience that Washington was a magnificent city that belonged to a wonderful country. He also emphasized that America was responsible for everything he loved in his musical career.
“Everything I’ve written emanates from the American songbook,” Taupin, who has penned lyrics for over 35 gold and 25 platinum albums with John, remarked.
“But he drives a Volvo,” John joked about Taupin’s preference for Swedish-made cars.
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden expressed John and 73-year-old Taupin “epitomize what the prize is about.”
Asked if the songwriting team could teach Congress about unity, Hayden said, “It’s going to be bipartisan karaoke and we have both sides coming together because it shows the unifying effect of music.”
“You have people from all parts of government that are here and they’re going to be singing together, ‘Benny and the Jets,’” Hayden added.
A lineup of entertainers paid tribute to the pair and sang their songs, which included Garth Brooks, Brandi Carlile, Joni Mitchell, Annie Lennox, Maren Morris, Metallica, Charlie Puth, Billy Porter, and Jacob Lusk.
Lawmakers spotted enjoying the music were Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Steve Scalise (R-La.), Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), and Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), Patty Murray (Wash.), and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.).
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