The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts feted the 45th Honorees for lifetime artistic achievements in a ceremony held recently. The honorees are acclaimed legendary singer of soul, Gospel, R&B, and pop Gladys Knight; Cuban-born American composer, conductor, and educator Tania León; actor and filmmaker George Clooney; Christian and pop singer-songwriter Amy Grant; and iconic Irish rock band U2, comprised of band members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.
Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center President, said, “For nearly a half-century, the Kennedy Center Honors has represented the very best of America’s creative culture.” The event took place Sunday, December 4th in the Kennedy Center Opera House, and will be televised Wednesday, December 28th at 7 pm CST on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
David M., Kennedy Center Chairman said “in her 55-year music career, legendary singer and America’s beloved “Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight went from the Pips of Georgia to Grammy® royalty, showcasing a boundless vocal range and soulfulness that has stood the test of time.”
“I’m humbled beyond words to be included amongst this prestigious group of individuals, both past and present,” said Gladys Knight. “You could never have told me as a young girl starting my career that I would be honored on a stage such as this, with artists and humanitarians such as these—it just wouldn’t have seemed possible. It would have been the dream of all dreams. I have been blessed with so much in my life and this certainly stands with those achievements at the top of that list. To be honored as a Kennedy Center Honoree is among the highlights of my career. I stand here with my fans, my family, my friends, my team, and my faith in accepting such an amazing distinction. It is dedicated to all those who paved the path for me to be able to accomplish the wonderful blessings I’ve been able to receive. The Kennedy Center’s commitment to the arts is unparalleled and I am so very grateful for this moment.”
Rubenstein later said, “a brave, young Cuban refugee turned Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and music ambassador, Tania León has blessed America for more than five decades with her astoundingly original compositions and continues to be a major influence on classical music.”
“Little did I imagine when studying in La Habana that life was going to grace me with such a distinction!” said Tania León. “My first thoughts went to my ancestors: they believed in my dreams, and what we lacked in material wealth, they made up for in spirit, encouragement, and support. My heartfelt thanks go to the many people who have blessed my path by helping my talent to blossom and by giving me the chance to be heard. I am incredibly humbled to join such a prestigious family of artists and deeply grateful to the Kennedy Center for bestowing me with this incredible honor.”
Tune in Wednesday, December 28 at 7 p.m. CST as a star-studded #KCHonors lineup pays tribute to U2, Amy Grant, Gladys Knight, George Clooney, and Tania León on CBS and Paramount+.
