In 2007, Paul Simon was honored as the very first recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, a recognition reserved for artists whose songwriting has profoundly shaped popular music. “Few songwriters have had a broader influence or contributed more to song genres than Paul Simon,” Librarian of Congress James H. Billington remarked. “Because of the depth, range, and sheer beauty of his music — and its power to bridge cultures — he’s the perfect first recipient of this prestigious award.”
To celebrate Simon’s career, the Library of Congress hosted a star-studded tribute concert at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., in May 2007 — later described by Discogs as “the greatest night of popular music ever presented in our nation’s capital.”
Among the evening’s standout performances was a breathtaking version of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer,” performed by Alison Krauss and Shawn Colvin. Backed by an all-star band featuring the legendary Steve Gadd on drums and Jerry Douglas on dobro, the duo delivered harmonies so pure and precise that many felt they channeled the spirit of Simon & Garfunkel themselves.
Music fans were captivated. Still Got the Blues praised their seamless blend of voices, saying it was “just the way this song was meant to be sung.” Interestingly, Colvin later shared on Instagram that Paul Simon himself came backstage to coach them before the show. “He even came backstage beforehand and coached us!” she wrote, adding how deeply honored she felt to sing for him. Music writer Hugh Hemphill playfully summed it up: “You ain’t nobody in the music biz till Paul Simon tells you how to do your job better.”
That same night, Alison Krauss also gave a soul-stirring, bluegrass-infused rendition of “Graceland,” a nod to Simon’s iconic 1986 album that redefined his solo career. Graceland was later added to the National Recording Registry in 2006, joining Simon’s other Grammy-winning milestones Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) and Still Crazy After All These Years (1976).
“The Boxer,” first released in March 1969 as the lead single ahead of Bridge Over Troubled Water, remains one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most beloved tracks — a timeless tale of resilience and loneliness that continues to resonate across generations.
Fans of the 2007 performance didn’t hold back their admiration. One YouTube viewer, Shannon Burns, commented: “Jerry Douglas just took every person who ever thought they could play a dobro to school. Especially in the last stanza — absolute perfection.” Another, Wayne Yo6ej, declared: “The original is great, but this version is my favorite. I listen to it almost every day. The harmony and instrumentation are masterful.”
Of course, Jerry Douglas’ brilliance comes as no surprise — the dobro virtuoso has long been part of Alison Krauss & Union Station, while also leading The Jerry Douglas Band and The Earls of Leicester.
As for Paul Simon, his influence remains as enduring as ever. The Music Man extends congratulations to the legendary songwriter not only for his extraordinary legacy but also for his 2023 masterpiece, Seven Psalms, which earned widespread acclaim — landing at No. 2 in Uncut, No. 7 in Variety, No. 8 in Mojo, and No. 4 in The New York Times “Album of the Year” lists.
More than five decades after its release, “The Boxer” still packs an emotional punch — and in the hands of Krauss and Colvin, it found new life, grace, and power worthy of the man who wrote it.
