Billy Joel received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize in 2014. The award recognized his lifetime contribution to American popular song and his influence as a singer, pianist, composer, and storyteller.
The Library of Congress selected Joel as the sixth recipient of the Gershwin Prize. He was honored during a tribute concert at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., in November 2014. Performers included Tony Bennett, Boyz II Men, Josh Groban, John Mellencamp, and LeAnn Rimes.
The prize is named for brothers George and Ira Gershwin, whose work helped define American popular music. It honors living artists whose songs promote cultural understanding, entertain audiences, and inspire later generations. Joel joined earlier recipients such as Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Carole King.
A common mix-up is 2013, the year Joel received a Kennedy Center Honor. The Gershwin Prize came the following year, in 2014.