Smokey Robinson has been awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for popular song.
The Library of Congress issues a Gershwin Prize. In announcing Robinson's award they wrote that he is a "poet laureate of soul." Honoring his more than 50 year career with this award they say "Robinson helped lead a musical revolution called the Motown sound."
Robinson has released more than 4,00 songs and is responsible for many Top-40 hits and classics, from "My Girl" to "The Tracks of My Tears".
Robinson told the library of congress that this award, "gives [him] such joy and gratitude to be included among the past recipients of this most prestigious songwriting award."
Previous recipients include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Carole King, among others.
The Library of Congress contributed to this report.
