John, Taupin awarded 2024 Gershwin Prize

EGOT status and a Gershwin Prize in the same month? 2024 is proving to be another landmark year for

Elton John.

The famed performer and his longtime creative partner, lyricist Bernie Taupin, are this year’s recipients of the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song — the nation’s highest award for influence, impact and achievement in popular music.

“Elton John and Bernie Taupin have written some of the most memorable songs of our lives,” Carla Hayden, the librarian of Congress, said in a statement Tuesday. “Their careers stand out for the quality and broad appeal of their music and their influence on their fellow artists.”

“More than 50 years ago, they came from across the pond to win over Americans and audiences worldwide with their beautiful songs and rock anthems,” Hayden added. “We’re proud to honor Elton and Bernie with the Gershwin Prize for their incredible impact on generations of music lovers.”

The songwriting duo behind the hits “Your Song,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” will be honored with a tribute concert in Washington that will air on PBS stations nationwide on April 8.

“I’ve been writing songs with Bernie for 56 years, and we never thought that that one day this might be bestowed upon us,” the “Bennie and the Jets” and “Crocodile Rock” singer said in a statement, noting that “it’s an incredible honor for two British guys to be recognized like this.”

John, 76, and Taupin, 73, join the ranks of past Gershwin Prize recipients, including Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney,

songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Garth Brooks, Lionel Richie and Joni Mitchell.

The honorees are selected by the librarian of Congress, who consults with a board of scholars, producers, performers, songwriters and music specialists.