Whether he was singing his own compositions or writing for other artists, Smokey Robinson was instrumental in shaping the Motown sound that changed American popular music in the 1960s. Now, his accomplishments have won him the pop music prize from the national library.
The Library of Congress announced Tuesday that Robinson, 76, is this year’s recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The lifetime achievement award is named for the duo of George and Ira Gershwin and was created by Congress to honor songwriters who entertain, inform and inspire. Past recipients include Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson and Stevie Wonder.
“It gives me such joy and gratitude to be included among the past recipients of this most prestigious songwriting award,” Robinson said in a statement.
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