Klobuchar Honors Legendary Songwriting Duo Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin at Gershwin Prize Event

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“For more than half a century, your music has brought people together, been part of people's lifelong memories, and made our world a better place. So I'm going to try my best with the lyrics here that I have, and that is something you wrote, Bernie, and Sir Elton sang: ‘My gift is my song. And this one's for you.’ Those words from 1970 ring as true now as they did 54 years ago. Your gift of song has changed the landscape of music and influenced generations of artists,”

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I want to thank–so many of my colleagues who are here–Deb Fischer, who is the ranking Republican on the Rules Committee. Thank you. I think I saw Jacky Rosen, as well as Senator Markey was here. And then also, while Senator Schumer was just a little busy tonight, his wife Iris is here. And not only is she Senator Schumer's wife, most importantly, she is the chief operating officer of the New York Public Library.

We are so honored to present both of you with these certificates and these flags. Both flags were flown over the Capitol building. My friends have mentioned how important this Gershwin Prize is, and I cannot think of a duo more deserving than these recipients. It is exciting to see the icon and symbol of our resilience, last year's winner, Joni Mitchell.

For many years, your songs have become part of the soundtrack of our lives. Whether it's dancing to “Tiny Dancer” at weddings, belting out “I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues” on the drive to work, or blasting “I'm Still Standing” after the Senate Judiciary Committee or a presidential campaign.

We all know those songs, and they've defined our lives and one of the most amazing parts of your epic story is how you met more than 50 years ago, and it makes us think of, yes, the role of hard work and talent, but also sometimes the luck of the draw. As many of you may know, the man overseeing Sir Elton's audition at Liberty Records pulled out an envelope with lyrics from thousands that were submitted for him to work with, and the name on that envelope was Bernie Taupin.

In the fifty years since, the generation-defining combination of Sir Elton’s music and Bernie’s lyrics have given us songs that are not only smash hits on multi-platinum-selling albums but one-of-a-kind reflections on life.

That brilliance has always defined your partnership, and you haven't only entertained and inspired generations of fans, you’ve changed what rock and roll sounds like, what it looks like, and what it means to be a rock star. And that you can be one well into your seventies. We like that in this town. I was at your White House event, and you both have become beacons of hope, champions for change, ambassadors of acceptance, and through your charity work, including Sir Elton's decades of dedication to the fight against AIDS, including your friendship with Indiana teenager Ryan White, and now his family. You have shattered stigma, and you've saved lives.

For more than half a century, your music has brought people together, been part of people's lifelong memories, and made our world a better place. So I'm going to try my best with the lyrics here that I have, and that is something you wrote Bernie and Sir Elton sang: “My gift is my song. And this one's for you.”

Those words from 1970 ring as true now as they did fifty-four years ago. Your gift of song has changed the landscape of music and influenced generations of artists. And so for all that you have given us if we were better singers in this room, but I know there's a few “I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind that I put down into words, how wonderful life is while you're in the world.”

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