Previous recipients of the Gershwin Prize, which "celebrates the work of an artist whose career reflects lifetime achievement in promoting song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding," include Carole King, the first woman to receive the prize, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder, among others. Joel discussed with Rolling Stone several ideas for upcoming concerts, assuring them, "I'd consider retiring if I didn't think I could do it well anymore...[but] I never said I intended to retire."
Joel, who was represented on Broadway with Movin' Out, recently launched a sit-down residency at Madison Square Garden with a promise to play there once a month; he also released a CD/DVD set of his famous 1987 performance in the Soviet Union, "A Matter of Trust: The Bridge to Russia."
For more information visit billyjoel.com or The Gershwin Prize.