Annie Lennox Captivates the World with Her Voice – Sting Makes a Surprise Appearance at the Polar Music Prize
The narrative began when ABBA triumphed at the 1974 Eurovision Contest. Stig “Stikkan” Anderson acted as ABBA’s manager and lyricist. In 1989, Anderson sold his production and music management firms to Polygram but continued to serve as Chairman of the Board for Sweden Music AB and Polar Music International. Using the funds from the Polygram sale, Anderson allocated MSEK 42 to establish one of the world’s most esteemed music awards, The Polar Music Prize. (MSEK stands for millions of Swedish krona).
The Polar Prize’s independent board is composed of Anderson’s family members and distinguished individuals from across the globe. (Anderson passed away on September 12, 1997). The roster of recipients who receive their certificates from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden is both varied and impressive, including Ligeti, Arvo Pärt, Metallica, Peter Gabriel, and Angélique Kidjo. In 2017, Sting was one of the two honorees. During the celebratory dinner and award presentations, the organizers pleasantly surprised the English musician in Stockholm.
YouTube comments highlight the emotional impact of Annie Lennox’s rendition of Sting’s “Fragile,” a song from his second solo album, Nothing Like the Sun (1987). The track was inspired by the death of Ben Linder, an American civil engineer who was killed by Contra “rebels” while working on a hydroelectric project in Nicaragua in 1987. Ivan DeSantis comments, “Annie Lennox’s talent is only matched by her graceful demeanor. A wonderful tribute to Sting.”
K M Carter notes, “Sting’s version is bittersweet, while Annie’s is haunting and apocalyptic. It’s devastatingly beautiful.” Dattrax adds, “Sensational. Her voice. Her presence. That performance. Their mutual respect. His appreciation. This video is a masterpiece of beauty. Art that moves us. I cry every time I watch this. Thank you for sharing this gem.” When The Polar Music Prize honored Sting, they released a video highlighting his significant achievements. Let’s watch:
Congratulations to Sting. The Polar Awards statement concludes by outlining Sting’s numerous musical achievements and stating, “Sting is a true global citizen, who has tirelessly used his platform as a major artist to advocate for human rights.”
Typically, two Polar Music Prizes are awarded each year, though sometimes three are presented. In 2011, the recipients were the Kronos Quartet and Patti Smith. In 2022, the Paris-based Ensemble Intercontemporain (“the Stradivarius of modern music”) and Iggy Pop were honored. The award is dedicated to recognizing musical diversity and breadth. In 2017, alongside Sting, Wayne Shorter received the Polar Music Prize. The Polar Award webpage highlights Shorter’s achievements “with groundbreaking groups such as Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis’s second great Quintet, and Weather Report,” as well as his contributions to key Joni Mitchell albums. Over his six-decade career, Wayne Shorter composed “many of the most enduring pieces in jazz history. Without his musical explorations, modern music would not have ventured so profoundly.”
Embodying the essence of the Polar Music Prize and recognizing Wayne Shorter’s stature alongside jazz legends like Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman, we conclude with the Polar Music Award’s profile on Wayne Shorter. Enjoy.
