Carole King Became the First Woman to Receive Gershwin Prize

US singer-songwriter Carole King became the first woman to receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The President of America, Barack Obama conferred upon her, the Gershwin Prize that is given as a lifetime achievement in popular music. The award was given away at the White House in Washington.

About Carole King

• Carole King is 71 years of age.
• She is known most popularly for her hit songs such as Aretha Franklin's (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.
• Carole King has won the Grammy Award four times.
• She was the co-writer of her first number 1 hit song in 1960. The song was Will You Love Me Tomorrow which was recorded by The Shirelles.
• She became the first solo artist to sell over 10 million copies of a single album with 1971 release, Tapestry.

About the Gershwin Prize

• The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, also known as, Gershwin Prize is conferred upon the performer or composer for lifetime contribution to popular music.
• The award was created in 2007 by the Library of Congress.
• Gershwin Prize is named after brothers- George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, both of whom contributed to popular music.
• First recipient of this award was Paul Simon. Other awardees of this prize are Stevie Wonder (2008) and Sir Paul McCartney (2009).