Polar Music Prize

Letter of congratulations from Bill Clinton

Thomas L. Siebert – USA Ambassador to Sweden

"Your majesty, Stickan Anderson, the Royal Swedish Academy,

Three years ago at these prize awards, the American recipient Quincy Jones raised his glass in toast to his Swedish “skoll” brothers and sisters.

When I hear music like that Bruce, I feel like I’m with a real American soulmate. There (Bruce) is a true American ambassador sitting right there.

Back in the U.S of A. Bruce is referred to as ‘The Boss’. I have a letter here from my boss back in Washington."

“Dear Bruce,

I am delighted on congratualing you on receiving the 1997 Polar Music Prize from the Royal Swedish Academy of Music.

This award recognizes not only your versatility as a creative artist but also your poetic spirit and the deep respect for the roots of you musical heritage. For more than twenty years you have been a leader in determining the direction of American rock’n’roll. From the passionate, exhuberance of your early work on the New Jersey shore to the richly personal testament of your more recent acoustic performances you have excelled as a song writer, singer, guitarist and bandleader. In a profession were many others would be content to do well at even one of those pursuits.

As you continue to compose and perform new material you always seem to open new doors for us. To find new expressions, timeless truths and to help us discover the sheer joy of musical experience.

I join your countless fans of all ages throughout the world in commending you as you receive this significant musical honor. You have truly earned it.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton, president of The United States.