Washington D.C. was filled with music, laughter, and celebration as the Kennedy Center Honors took place this year. The prestigious ceremony, which recognizes lifetime achievement in the arts, honored a diverse group of recipients including The Grateful Dead, director Francis Ford Coppola, jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt, and the iconic Harlem theater, The Apollo.
The night was filled with heartfelt tributes and performances, showcasing the incredible impact these artists have had on the world of art and music. The Grateful Dead, known for their blend of musical experimentation, longevity, and community-building, were honored by longtime fans and celebrities alike. Actors Miles Teller and Chloe Sevigny, along with talk show host David Letterman, paid tribute to the band’s enduring legacy and their ability to fill the universe with their music.
But the night was not just about The Grateful Dead. The Kennedy Center also chose to honor a specific performance venue for the first time in its history – The Apollo. This iconic theater, which has launched generations of Black artists, was recognized for its immense contribution to the world of art. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who arrived on the red carpet, shared his personal memories of The Apollo, citing performances from Lauryn Hill and a young Michael Jackson as treasured moments from his youth.
The tribute to The Apollo showcased the diversity of art forms that have graced its stage over the past 90 years. From a spirited tap dance routine by Savion Glover to a medley of hits by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell performed by husband and wife duo The War and Treaty, the audience was treated to a variety of performances. Comedian Dave Chappelle also took the stage to recount his terrifying first performance at The Apollo at the age of 15. Despite being booed off stage, Chappelle credits the experience with helping him overcome his fear of failure.
The Kennedy Center Honors is known for its personalized tributes, with performances and testimonials from fellow artists. This year was no different, as medallions were presented during the traditional Saturday night ceremony at the State Department. Emmylou Harris and Dave Matthews kicked off the night with a cover of Raitt’s duet with the late John Prine, “Angel from Montgomery.” Sheryl Crow also paid tribute to Raitt’s trailblazing career as a singer, songwriter, and respected blues guitarist in a male-dominated field. Crow, who was inspired to pick up the guitar after seeing Raitt perform at the age of 17, shared how Raitt’s music has influenced her own career.
As for Raitt herself, she predicted an emotional evening on the pre-event red carpet, jokingly saying she had brought a box of Kleenex and waterproof eyeliner. And she was not wrong. The tribute to director Francis Ford Coppola was filled with previous Kennedy Center honorees, including Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Al Pacino, and George Lucas. All described Coppola as an iconoclastic and driven auteur who loves to nurture and support younger filmmakers. Lucas even joked that spending time with Coppola makes you believe you can “jump off cliffs” creatively.
The tribute to jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval was equally impressive, featuring multiple performances from an all-star band and a flamenco dance routine. Actor Andy Garcia also added a bit of light roast comedy, joking about Sandoval’s English skills when he first came to America from Cuba. But in all seriousness, Garcia praised Sandoval for his immense talent and contribution to the world of music.
The Kennedy Center Honors is known for keeping the tribute performances a secret from the recipients themselves, and this year was no exception. In 2018, Cyndi Lauper even lied to her longtime friend Cher about being unable to attend, only to surprise her on stage with a performance of her hit song “If I Could Turn Back Time.” This year, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received an extended standing ovation when introduced at the Kennedy Center. And while Biden joked about seeking advice from De Niro, who was in the audience, for his post-presidency career, the night was free from any political tension.
In the past, the Kennedy Center has had to navigate the delicate balance of honoring the tradition of the president attending the ceremony while also dealing with open antipathy from
