An all-star list of performers has been named for the upcoming Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song concert honoring Texas icon Willie Nelson. Taking place in Washington, D.C., in the DAR Constitution Hall on Nov. 18, the concert will feature Nelson's fellow Texans Edie Brickell and Leon Bridges, among others, paying tribute in song to the red headed stranger.
Also on the bill for the show, which will air on PBS stations Jan. 15, 2016: Rosanne Cash, Jamey Johnson, Alison Krauss, the Mavericks' Raul Malo, Brickell's hubby Paul Simon, Neil Young and more.
The Gershwin prize is the highest in the land for songwriting, so those honoring Nelson will no doubt bring their A-game to the ceremony. Want proof? Go back and look for past ceremonies honoring the likes of Billy Joel and Carole King. Some chillbump-inducing performances there.
Nelson himself will take the stage to perform as well, naturally. Care to take any guesses as to what different performers will sing? I don't know if my heart could take Leon Bridges tackling "Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground," but I'd like to find out.
Coincidentally, both Nelson and Bridges will be playing in the area soon. Bridges will take the stage at a sold-out Majestic Theatre gig on Nov. 14, while Nelson will bring smiles to the honky-tonkers of Billy Bob's on Nov. 28.
