(New York) Singer-songwriter Paul Simon received PEN America’s PEN/Audible Award for Literary Service, whose past recipients include former US President Barack Obama and writer Stephen King.
Simon, aged 82, is known for his classic songs such as Bridge Over Troubled Water And The Sound of Silence and for his international musical tastes, from Brazil to South Africa to his hometown of New York.
Later this month, he will be featured in the MGM+ documentary series In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon.
Simon will receive his award at PEN America’s annual gala on May 16 at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. Last year, PEN presented the literary prize to a long-time friend of Simon, the creator of Saturday Night LiveLorne Michaels.
“Paul Simon has inspired fans around the world with lyrics and songs that entire generations know by heart and can recognize from the first notes,” said PEN America President and CEO Suzanne Nossel.
“His fascination with different cultures, traditions and rhythms helped open our ears and minds to essential musical traditions. We are delighted to pay tribute to this unprecedented creative artist whose music, along with his commitment to human values and humanitarian causes, have made him a cultural icon. »
On Thursday, PEN also announced that it would present its Business Visionary Award to Almar Latour, chairman and CEO of Dow Jones and publisher of the Wall Street Journal. PEN, a prominent free speech advocate, cited its efforts to secure the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia for nearly a year on espionage allegations.
“In an age where facts and truth are called into question, the role of Wall Street Journal as a source of credible information […] is essential, said PEN President Jennifer Finney Boylan in a statement. Almar’s commitment to providing trusted news and information and building sustainable news businesses is a lifelong calling. His fierce support for press freedom and for Evan has been inspiring. »