The Gershwin Prize , America 's highest award for popular music , was bestowed on behalf of a grateful nation , `` grateful that a young Englishman shared his dream with us , '' Obama said . NEW : Paul McCartney wins Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song . TV : McCartney , Stevie Wonder , others perform famous songs in East Village . TV : McCartney performs the ballad ` ` Michelle '' and fears he may get punched out by president . NEW : Obama calls McCartney most successful songwriter in history .
NEW : Paul McCartney wins Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song . TV : McCartney , Stevie Wonder , others perform famous songs in East Village . TV : McCartney performs the ballad ` ` Michelle '' and fears he may get punched out by president . NEW : Obama calls McCartney most successful songwriter in history .