Rep. Miller presents Gershwin Award to Bill Joel

The onstage presentation of the Gershwin Award included, left to right, Rep. 

Gregg Harper, Rep. Candice Miller, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy,

 ames Billington, Billy Joel, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor,

 and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Submitted photo

One of the perks for U.S. Rep. Candice Miller while serving as chair of the House Administration Committee is that she helps preside over the awarding of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

And this year’s recipient was a Miller favorite -- Billy Joel.

“Since the release of his first hit song ‘Piano Man,’ in 1973, Billy Joel has established himself as one of the most respected entertainers of our time,” Miller said later. “It was a privilege to help present this award to an artist whose influential work has transcended generations and inspired young musicians around the world. As one of our nation’s most beloved singer-songwriters, he now joins the elite group of our country’s most iconic musicians.”

The ceremonies took place this past week at Constitution Hall in the nation’s capital and Miller, a Harrison Township Republican, was on stage for the big moment with some of Washington’s elite -- Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

Because Miller’s committee oversees the Library of Congress, which has bestowed the award annually over the past six years, Miller was a part of the festivities along with Library of Congress’ Librarian, James Billington.

Created by the Library of Congress in 2007, the Gershwin Prize honors an artist “whose lifetime contributions in the field of music exemplifies the standard of excellence associated with George and Ira Gershwin. The award recipient is recognized for their promotion of song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding.”

Miller said Joel’s performance at the Wednesday event was “phenomenal” and an added bonus was John Mellencamp joining him on stage to sing Joel’s working-class anthem “Allentown.”

“It was very cool,” the congresswoman said.