The 2024 Kennedy Center Honors will feature a mix of psychedelic and psychedelic with a jazz twist. The John F. Kennedy Center For the Performing Arts announced the nominees for this year's 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors for Lifetime Artistic Achievement on Thursday (July 18), a list that includes director Francis Ford Coppola (disclosure now, The Godfather), jam godfathers the Grateful Dead, blues singer/guitarist Bonnie Raitt, jazz trumpeter/pianist/composer Arturo Sandoval and, in the first instance, the Apollo Theater in Harlem with special honor as an iconic American institution.
“The Kennedy Center Honors recognize artists who have made an extraordinary impact on the cultural life of our nation and continue to have an immeasurable influence on new generations,” Kennedy Center President David M. Rubenstein said in a statement about the upcoming event. in Washington, DC on December 8 and broadcast on CBS (and later broadcast on Paramount+).
Rubenstein continued, “A brilliant and masterful storyteller with a relentlessly innovative spirit, Francis Ford CoppolaHis films have become embedded in the very idea of American culture. social and cultural phenomenon since 1965, Grateful DeadHis music has never ceased to be a true American original, while inspiring a fan culture like no other. Bonnie Raitt made us love her time and time again with her incomparable voice, slide guitar and endless musical range that includes blues, R&B, country rock and folk. “Ambassador of both music and humanity”,Arturo Sandoval transcended literal borders coming from Cuba over 30 years ago and today continues to bridge cultures with his intoxicating blend of Afro-Cuban rhythm and modern jazz. and on his 90th anniversary, Apolloone of the most influential, influential institutions in history, it has raised the voices of Black entertainment in New York, nationally and around the world, and launched the careers of legions of artists.”
The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates individuals who have made unique contributions to American arts and culture in an event where honorees sit in the box tier of the Kennedy Center Opera House while their peers pay tribute with performances and tributes.
In a statement, Raitt said: “I am deeply honored and thrilled to have been selected to receive one of this year's Kennedy Center Awards. I have long been a fan of the awards and am so blessed to be able to attend many shows in honor of others. There is no higher level of appreciation nor equally enjoyable celebration, and I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who chose me to receive this honor. I look forward to the upcoming ceremony and celebrations, which I know will be one of the highlights of my life.”
The Dead's living members – Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir – were equally effusive in their excitement at receiving one of the country's highest artistic honors. “It goes without saying that the Kennedy Center Honors represent the highest possible artistic achievement,” they wrote in a joint statement. “To be recognized alongside artists who have previously received this distinction is beyond humbling. The Grateful Dead has always been about community, creativity and exploration in music and performance. We've always felt that the music we make embodies and communicates something beyond the notes and phrases played—and that's something we're privileged to share with everyone who's drawn to what we do—so it must also be said that the our music belongs to our fans, the Dead Heads, as much as to us. This honor, then, is both theirs and ours.”
They continued, “From our early days in San Francisco and as far as our tours have taken us, it has been and continues to be an incredible ride. We had the opportunity to play with many talented musicians, interact with many gifted people—and become a part of something much bigger than ourselves. Our music has always been about exploration and overcoming or finding our way around obstacles, not only musically but bringing people together. Energy, love, connection and sharing — once again, that's what it's all about. As we enter the 60th year of the Grateful Dead's journey in 2025, we are beyond grateful for this recognition and the journey we are on together. This honor reminds us of all those moments and the people who helped us along the way. Thank you, Kennedy Center, and all the people who helped bring us here, for this incredible honor.”
Sandoval also said he is “deeply humbled and deeply honored” to be selected as a recipient of the prestigious award. “This recognition is a great milestone in my career and a testament to the support and encouragement I have received from my family, friends, colleagues and fans,” said Sandoval. “Throughout my journey, I have strived to create, perform and inspire with passion and integrity. Recognition from such an esteemed institution validates my efforts and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my craft. I am incredibly grateful to the Kennedy Center for this honor and look forward to further contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry that the Center celebrates and nurtures. Thank you once again for this incredible honor.”
Michelle Ebanks, president/CEO of Harlem's legendary Apollo – which over its long history has hosted everyone from Josephine Baker and Count Basie to James Brown, BB King, Bob Marley, Sam Cooke and Michael Jackson, among many others—she also said her organization was thrilled by the first honor for an institution.
“We are thrilled to be the first organization honored in the history of the Kennedy Center Awards, highlighting the Apollo's impact on the past, present and future of American culture and the performing arts,” said Ebanks. “From the longest running talent show in America with Amateur evening at Apollonthat launched the careers of icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Lauryn Hill, to performances by beloved legends like Smokey Robinson and Lil' Kim and today's biggest stars like Drake, the Apollo has always been a home for artists to create and a home for the public. see incredible music and art from legendary artists.”
Last year's honorees included Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, comedian Billy Crystal and soprano Renée Fleming.
To learn more about this year's honorees Click here.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/culture/lifestyle/2024-kennedy-center-honorees-grateful-dead-bonnie-raitt-sandoval-apollo-1235733947/