Smokey Robinson Gets the Gershwin


Motown legend Smokey Robinson received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song Nov. 16 and was honored with a tribute concert on DAR Constitution Hall. The concert featured appearances by Aloe Blacc, Gallant, Berry Gordy, CeeLo Green, JoJo, Ledisi, Tegan Marie, Kip Moore, Corinne Bailey Rae, Esperanza Spalding, the Tenors and BeBe Winans. The honoree also performed; Samuel L. Jackson was the emcee. “The Gershwins wrote music when the song was king,” the 76-year-old Robinson said. “For me to even be mentioned in the same breath with the Gershwins as a songwriter is just incredible.” Said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden of the iconic songwriter: “Like the Gershwins, Smokey Robinson has left the American songbook much richer than it was before.”

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