On Monday, the Pulitzer Prize Board awarded Hank Williams a Pulitzer Special Citation for his lifetime achievement as a songwriter, praising his

his craftsmanship as a songwriter who expressed universal feelings with poignant simplicity and played a pivotal role in transforming country music into a major musical and cultural force in American life…The citation, above all, recognizes the lasting impact of Williams as a creative force that influenced a wide range of other musicians and performers. At the same time, the award highlights the board’s desire to broaden its Music Prize and recognize the full range of musical excellence that might not have been considered in the past

In 2006 the Pulitzer committee awarded Thelonious Monk with the Special Citation. John Coltrane received the 2007 citation, while in 2008, Bob Dylan was the recipient.

Williams’ songs have been covered by Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan and Coldplay, and remain some of the most everlasting works in the canon of American songwriting.

The Pulitzer Prizer honors excellence in journalism and the arts. A complete list of winner can be found here

Holy Jerry’s finger! The Dead are playing the Mid-Atlantic Ball on Inauguration night.  Previously, they’d played an Obama fund raiser at Penn State in September. What a long strange trip, etc.

And if that isn’t a head spin, Patti LaBelle is the headliner for the Bi-Partisan Dinner at the Hilton Washington which honors Senator John McCain. McCranky shaking his tail feathers to "Lady Marmalade" as Crispy sings the chorus in to his ear….Oh ye ancients of days, banish that image from the mind of the nation!

Other acts for the States Inaugural Balls include Maroon 5 and James Gerard Orchestra at the Vice President Biden Home States Ball, and Sheryl Crow and the Fabulous Motown Revue performing at Midwestern Ball.

James Taylor and Liquid Pleasure with Kenny Mann play the Eastern Ball, while at the Western Ball, Marc Anthony and Party on the Moon provide the entertainment. The Southern Ball offers the Derek Trucks Band with Susan Tedeschi and the Wil Gravatt Band.  And at the President Obama Home States Ball, it’s Common, Jack Johnson and the Don Cagen Orchestra.

But the Dead? The Dead!? Pass the dust, I think I’m Bowie.