NEWS: Paul Simon to Receive First Ever Gershwin Award

Paul Simon is one of the most influential and respected artists and songwriters in the 21st century. His accomplishments will be recognized May 23 at a Gala event when the US Library of Congress bestows upon him the newly founded Gershwin Award for popular song, which honor's Simon for the "profound and positive" effect his music has had on popular culture.

The Gala awards banquet will be held at the Warner Theater in Washington D.C., and will include performances from such artists as Art Garfunkel, James Taylor, Lyle Lovett, Philip Glass, and Alison Krauss.

Paul started his musical career as half of the duo Simon and Garfunkle, which led him to numerous awards and induction into the Rock and Roll hall of fame. He then pursued a successful solo career with such albums as "Graceland" and "The Rhythm of the Saints".