November 16, 2009 12:07 EST
Paul McCartney
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The U.S. Library of Congress is awarding Paul McCartney its third Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Librarian of Congress James Billington announced the prize Monday. An all-star tribute concert is planned for early 2010, though the library has not announced who will perform.
The 67-year-old former Beatle recently completed a five-week summer tour of the United States, including a stop in the Washington area.
Billington says it is hard to think of another performer and composer who has had a more transformative effect than McCartney.
Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon previously won the Gershwin prize. The library houses the manuscripts of the songwriting duo George and Ira Gershwin.
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