The Ivors Academy presents the annual Ivor Novello awards to songwriters in Britain. Sir Elton has won such an award several times.
The Academy also presents the Fellow of the Ivors Academy to a person for their impact on the cultural landscape in the United Kingdom. It is the highest award presented by The Academy. But the award has never been presented to a songwriter outside of the UK…until now.
The Boss – Bruce Springsteen – has been named the newest recipient of the honour and will be presented with the award at the awards gala in May.
The Boss has been a part of music on both sides of the Atlantic for 50 years. In that time he has over sold 140 million records around the world.
Springsteen can add the honour to his 20 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, is a Kennedy Center Honour, and as a member of the Rock and Roll and Songwriters Halls of Fame.
Speaking on the award Springsteen said, “in addition to recognising my songwriting, the award stands as a tribute to the fans and friends who have supported me and my work for the last fifty years. This entire country has made me feel welcome every step of the way, and for this, I will always remain deeply appreciative.”
Previous Ivors Fellows include Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Joan Armatrading, Sting, American composer John Adams, and French composer and conductor Pierre Boulez.