Current:Home > StocksPaul Simon to receive PEN America’s Literary Service Award-InfoLens
Paul Simon to receive PEN America’s Literary Service Award
View Date:2024-12-23 16:50:32
NEW YORK (AP) — Paul Simon’s latest honor places him among public figures well outside the music industry. He is this year’s winner of PEN America’s PEN/Audible Literary Service Award, which previously has been given to former President Barack Obama, the late Nobel laureate Toni Morrison and Stephen King among others.
The 82-year-old Simon is known for such classic songs as “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “The Sound of Silence” and for his globe-spanning musical tastes, from Brazil to South Africa to his native New York City. Later this month, he will be featured in the MGM+ docuseries “In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon.”
“Paul Simon has inspired fans worldwide with lyrics and songs that entire generations know by heart and can recognize from the very first notes,” PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said in a statement Thursday. “His fascination with different cultures, traditions and rhythms have helped open our ears and minds to essential musical traditions. We are elated to pay tribute to this unparalleled creative artist whose music, along with his commitment to humane values and humanitarian causes, has made him a cultural icon.”
Simon will receive his award at PEN’s annual gala, to be held May 16 at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. Last year, PEN presented the literary prize to a longtime friend of Simon’s, “Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels.
On Thursday, PEN also announced it was presenting its Business Visionary award to Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones and publisher of The Wall Street Journal. PEN, a prominent advocate for free expression, cited his efforts to bring about the release of Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been held in Russia for nearly a year on allegations of espionage.
“At a time when facts and truth are in question, the Wall Street Journal’s role as a source of credible, reported news is indispensable,” PEN President Jennifer Finney Boylan said in a statement. “Almar’s commitment to delivering trusted news and information and building sustainable news operations is a lifelong calling. His fierce support for press freedom and for Evan has been inspiring.”
Gershkovich’s parents are scheduled to be in attendance Thursday when President Joe Biden delivers his annual State of the Union address. Ella Milman and Mikhail Gershkovich were invited by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
veryGood! (82)
Related
- Republican Gabe Evans ousts Democratic US Rep. Yadira Caraveo in Colorado
- Parents share heartwarming stories of how Taylor Swift has inspired girls to watch the NFL
- Chita Rivera, trailblazing Tony-winning Broadway star of 'West Side Story,' dies at 91
- Mexico’s economy ekes out 0.1% expansion in 4th quarter, posts growth of 3.1% for 2023
- Guns smuggled from the US are blamed for a surge in killings on more Caribbean islands
- New British Virgin Islands governor faces heated debate over sovereignty and corruption
- Candace Cameron Bure's Son Lev Is Married
- Kansas City Chiefs DE Charles Omenihu tears ACL and will miss Super Bowl 58, per reports
- How Jersey Shore's Sammi Sweetheart Giancola's Fiancé Justin May Supports Her on IVF Journey
- Paris Hilton Celebrates Son Phoenix's 1st Birthday With Sliving Under the Sea Party
Ranking
- Brianna LaPaglia Reacts to Rumors Dave Portnoy Paid Her $10 Million for a Zach Bryan Tell-All
- How Kieran Culkin Felt Working With Ex Emma Stone
- Washington state to develop guidelines for agencies using generative AI
- Produce at the dollar store: Fruits and veggies now at 5,000 Dollar General locations, company says
- Michael Grimm, former House member convicted of tax fraud, is paralyzed in fall from horse
- Biden says he’s decided on response to killing of 3 US troops, plans to attend dignified transfer
- UPS is cutting 12,000 jobs just months after reaching union deal
- Princess Kate back home from hospital after abdominal surgery and recovering well, Kensington Palace says
Recommendation
-
Klay Thompson returns to Golden State in NBA Cup game. How to watch
-
Produce at the dollar store: Fruits and veggies now at 5,000 Dollar General locations, company says
-
Is it illegal to record a conversation at work? Ask HR
-
Pennsylvania’s governor to push for millions in funds for economic development in budget
-
She was found dead while hitchhiking in 1974. An arrest has finally been made.
-
Stephen Curry to battle Sabrina Ionescu in first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Challenge
-
What to know about Elon Musk's Neuralink, which put an implant into a human brain
-
Will Cristiano Ronaldo play against Lionel Messi? Here's the latest injury update