Paul Simon has been chosen to receive the inaugural Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The honor will be presented May 23 during an event at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., and will be taped for June 27 broadcast on PBS.

Among the artists confirmed to participate in the festivities are Art Garfunkel, James Taylor, Stephen Marley, Marc Anthony, Lyle Lovett, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Yolanda Adams, the Dixie Hummingbirds, Lyle Lovett, Philip Glass, Alison Krauss and Buckwheat Zydeco. TV personalities Bob Costas and Lorne Michaels will present.

The Gershwin prize aims to recognize "the profound and positive effect of popular music on the world`s culture," according to its creators.

Simon is presently off the road but may play some shows later this year in support of his 2006 album 'Surprise.'

Taken from M&C