Burt Bacharach and Hal David: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize
A star-studded tribute to the songwriting team who penned such classic tunes as "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," "What The World Needs Now is Love," "Walk on By" and "Alfie." Composer Bacharach and lyricist David's extraordinary collaboration has produced numerous hits and enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, with songs featured in the "Austin Powers" films and an episode of "Glee." Airing Monday, May 21, 9:00-10:00 PM ET on PBS stations nationwide. (check local listings)
In Performance at the White House
"In Performance at the White House" began with an East Room recital by the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz in 1978, and since then has embraced virtually every genre of American music: pop, country, gospel, jazz and the blues among them. The series was created to showcase the rich fabric of American culture in the setting of the nation's most famous home. Past programs have showcased such talent as the United States Marine Band, singer Natalie Cole, the best of Broadway musicals and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. "Stevie Wonder In Performance at the White House: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize" will be the first "In Performance at the White House" program during President Barack Obama's Administration.
The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is named in honor of the legendary George and Ira Gershwin. This award recognizes the profound and positive effect of popular music on the world's culture. The prize is given annually to a composer or performer whose lifetime contributions exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins. The first Gershwin Prize was awarded to Paul Simon in May 2007.
"Burt Bacharach & Hal David: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House" is a production of WETA Washington, D.C., the Library of Congress, Cappy Productions, Mark Krantz Productions and CoMedia. The "In Performance at the White House” series was created by WETA Washington, D.C. ~The creators of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song are Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, Cappy McGarr, Dalton Delan, and Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. ~The executive producers of "Burt Bacharach & Hal David: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song In Performance at the White House" are Bob Kaminsky, Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz and Cappy McGarr; WETA executive producers are Dalton Delan and David S. Thompson. ~The program producers are Eileen Bernstein and Allen Kelman. ~The program director is Linda Mendoza. ~The music producer is Phil Ramone. The music director is Robert Mounsey. ~The series producer is Jackson Frost. Corporate funding for the program is provided by Sprint Nextel Corporation. Foundation support is provided by the Anne Ray Charitable Trust; The Annenberg Foundation; the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP); and the Ira and Leonore S. Gershwin Fund. Individual support is from Cari and Michael J. Sacks. Major funding is also provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS and public television viewers. Air travel is generously provided by American Airlines.
Corporate funding for the program is provided by Sprint Nextel Corporation and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Foundation support is provided by the Anne Ray Charitable Trust, The Annenberg Foundation and The Ira and Leonore S. Gershwin Philanthropic Fund.. Individual support is from Cari and Michael J. Sacks. Major funding is also provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS and public television viewers. Air travel is generously provided by American Airlines.
