Billy Joel is presented with the Gershwin Prize at D.C. concert

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The Library of Congress presented rock 'n' roll icon Billy Joel with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at a star-studded concert in Washington Wednesday night.

The nation's lawmakers previously recognized Joel's creative genius at a luncheon Tuesday where the 65-year-old musician told a packed room of well-wishers his mother -- who died this year -- "would have gotten such a kick out of this."

"When we first began to establish the Library's Gershwin Prize, it was with the vision that this award be bestowed upon artists who have created a lifetime of remarkable works that can be recognized and added to America's national cultural patrimony," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "Billy Joel is a true example of this vision for the Library's Gershwin Prize."

"The Gershwin Prize recognizes and celebrates the link between classic American song and contemporary music," remarked celebrated entertainer Michael Feinstein, who served as master of ceremonies at Tuesday's luncheon and presented a tribute to the Gershwins at Wednesday night's concert. "Art is a continuum, and the choice of Billy Joel as this year's recipient is an eloquent demonstration of how new music is born from the inspiration of what came before."

Described by Billington as "a storyteller of the highest order," Joel is known for his hits "Piano Man," "Big Shot," "New York State of Mind," "You May Be Right," "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me," "Allentown," "Uptown Girl," "The Downeaster 'Alexa'" and "Scenes From an Italian Restaurant."

Wednesday night's show included tributes and performances by Tony Bennett, Boyz II Men, Gavin DeGraw, Josh Groban, Natalie Maines, John Mellencamp and LeAnn Rimes.The concert, which was taped by WETA Washington, D.C., will air on PBS stations nationwide Jan. 2.