Beatle Paul McCartney Nabs Gershwin Prize

The U.S. Library of Congress is awarding Paul McCartney its third Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Librarian of Congress James Billington announced the prize Monday. An all-star tribute concert is planned for early 2010, though the library has not announced who will perform.

The 67-year-old former Beatle recently completed a five-week summer tour of the United States, including a stop in the Washington area.

Billington says it is hard to think of another performer and composer who has had a more transformative effect than McCartney.

Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon previously won the Gershwin prize. The library houses the manuscripts of the songwriting duo George and Ira Gershwin.