From The Library of Congress’ Official Website:
“Celebrating a Beloved American Musician”
“An evening of celebration with President and Mrs. Obama at the White House in honor of musician Stevie Wonder’s [born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950] receipt of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song takes place February 25, 2009. The concert will include performances by Wonder with a cavalcade of popular musicians, [including Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Will.I.Am, India. Arie and Paul Simon] performing a selection of Wonder’s hit songs. The sixty-minute program airs Thursday, February 26, 2009, at 8 p.m. ET on PBS stations nationwide.” (check local listings)
“The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song”
“The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is named in honor of the legendary George and Ira Gershwin. This award recognizes the profound and positive effect of popular music on the world’s culture. The prize is given annually to a composer or performer whose lifetime contributions exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins. The first Gershwin Prize was awarded to Paul Simon in May 2007.” more from the LOC…
“Obamas praise Stevie Wonder at White House”
“I think it’s fair to say that had I not been a Stevie Wonder fan, Michelle might not have dated me. We might not have married,” Obama said Wednesday as he and the first lady hosted a concert and award ceremony for Wonder. “The fact that we agreed on Stevie was part of the essence of our courtship.”
“Wonder was presented with a Gershwin Award for lifetime achievement during the event, which is scheduled to air on PBS Thursday.” read more from CNN.Com
View Wiki’s very imformative page for Stevie Wonder…
Access the Official Website of our White House in Washington D.C…
This is personal for me since I witnessed a Stevie Wonder rehersal – in the penthouse of the Hollywood (CA) Hyatt House in the late 60s. My producer/bassist was part of Wonder’s NO CA touring band. There were only about six of us in the room. Pretty Cool…