Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song

Gershwin Prize: 2007-2024

The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song was created by the Library of Congress in 2007. As explained on the site, it is given to celebrate “the work of an artist whose career reflects lifetime achievement in promoting song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding. The styles in which these works are composed reflect myriad contemporary traditions like rock, jazz, country, pop, blues, folk, and gospel. The recipient – whether composer, singer/songwriter, or interpreter – is recognized for entertaining and informing audiences, for drawing upon the acknowledged foundations of popular song, and for inspiring new generations of performers on their own professional journeys.” The Library of Congress selects the recipient in consultation with a board consisting of members which may include music critics, performers, producers, scholars, and songwriters. The award was named after the brother/composer team of George and Ira Gershwin. Here are the recipients: See other lifetime achievement awards. Burt Bacharach (2012) Tony Bennett (2017) Garth Brooks (2020) Hal David (2012) Emilio Estefan (2019) Gloria Estefan (2019) Billy Joel (2014) Elton John (2024) Carole King (2013) Paul McCartney (2010) Joni Mitchell (2023) Willie Nelson (2015) Lionel Richie (2022) Smokey Robinson (2016) Paul Simon (2007) Bernie Taupin (2024) Stevie Wonder (2009) Resources: Library of Congress (loc.gov): Gershwin Prize for Popular Song Wikipedia.org: Gershwin Prize First posted 12/13/2012; last updated 3/20/2024.

Mariah Carey “Hero” hit #1

Hero Mariah Carey

Writer(s): Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff (see lyrics here) Released: August 31, 1993 (album cut on Music Box) First Charted: Octobrer 15, 1993 Peak: 14 US, 2 CB, 16 GR, 15 RR, 2 AC, 5 RB, 7 UK, 3 CN, 7 AU, 8 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 2.0 US, 0.27 UK, 3.0 world (includes US + UK) Airplay/Streaming (in millions): 2.0 radio, 359.9 video, -- streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: The second single from Music Box, Mariah Carey’s biggest-selling album, wasn’t originally supposed to be a Mariah Carey song. She and collaborator Walter Afanasieff wrote “the big, grandiose ballad” SG “Hero” for the soundtrack of Stephen Frears’ 1992 movie of the same name. It starred Dustin Hoffman, Geena Davis, and Andy Garcia. Gloria Estefan was slated to sing the song. SG The song is “a big, arm-swishing ballad about finding your own sense of internal strength.” SG It’s “pure Hallmark material.” SG Carey considered it “fairly generic” and “a bit schmaltzy.” SG However, when label chief Tommy Mottola (Carey’s future husband) came into the studio while she was working on the demo, he said the song “was great and that Mariah would absolutely not give it away to another singer.” SG Carey worked to “to find the right vocal tone,” SG wanting to “show off her vocal firepower” SG but striking “a balance between her pyrotechnic vocal runs and a more restrained style.” SG “She also manages to convey a certain level of emotional catharsis, even though she didn’t actually care about the song very much.” SG She came to love the song, saying “’Hero’ belonged to my fans and I was going to deliver it to them with all I had.” SG After the song was released, Carey decided to donate the proceeds to the families of the victims of a December 7 shooting on the Long Island Rail Road. Carey had frequently ridden the route out of Penn Station. FB When she performed the song live, a stage light landed on a grown man with tears streaming down his face. As Afanasieff said, “I saw so many people crying and realized the power of the song.” FB Resources: FB Fred Bronson (2007). The Billboard Book of Number One Hits (4th edition). Billboard Books: New York, NY. Page 823. SG Stereogum (2/21/2022). “The Number Ones” by Tom Breihan WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 4/10/2023.