- 2014 Polar Music Prize
- 2012 PEN Literary Award Winner
- 2002 BMI ICON award winner; other winners were Little Richard and Bo Diddley
- 1987 Receives a star on Hollywood Boulevard in California
- 1989 Honored with a star on Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis, Missouri
- 1985 Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- 1985 Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards
- 1982 Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame