The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has unveiled its 47th class of honorees, celebrating a diverse group of luminaries for their exceptional contributions to the arts. This year’s distinguished recipients include:
- Francis Ford Coppola: Acclaimed director and filmmaker known for his groundbreaking work in cinema. Coppola’s visionary direction has left an indelible mark on the film industry, with classics such as The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now.
- The Grateful Dead: The legendary American rock band, comprising Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir. Renowned for their eclectic sound and pioneering approach to live performances, The Grateful Dead has influenced generations of musicians and fans.
- Bonnie Raitt: The celebrated blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist. Raitt’s soulful voice and skillful guitar work have earned her widespread acclaim and a devoted following over her prolific career.
- Arturo Sandoval: The virtuoso jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer. Sandoval’s contributions to jazz and Latin music have garnered him numerous accolades and recognition for his exceptional musicianship.
- The Apollo: Recognized with a special Honor as an iconic American institution. The Apollo Theater in Harlem has been a pivotal venue in the development of American music and culture, serving as a launching pad for numerous legendary artists.
Grateful Dead and Francis Ford Coppola:
The Grateful Dead’s collaboration with Francis Ford Coppola reached a notable milestone with their contribution to the soundtrack of Coppola’s 1979 film Apocalypse Now. The film, a harrowing exploration of the Vietnam War, featured an atmospheric and haunting score by the Grateful Dead, which perfectly complemented the film’s intense narrative. Their involvement in the soundtrack added a unique musical dimension to the film, blending the band’s signature sound with the cinematic vision of Coppola.
Bonnie Raitt and the Grateful Dead:
Bonnie Raitt’s connection with The Grateful Dead extends beyond admiration. On New Year’s Eve in 1981, Raitt opened for The Grateful Dead during their renowned show at the Oakland Coliseum Arena. This performance was a highlight of her career and a notable event in the Dead’s extensive touring history. Raitt’s opening set, featuring her blues-rock prowess, provided a perfect lead-in to the Dead’s eclectic and expansive performance, showcasing the synergy between two influential musical acts.
The Kennedy Center’s selection of honorees for its 47th awards ceremony underscores the diverse and impactful contributions these artists have made to the world of performing arts. Francis Ford Coppola’s cinematic innovations, The Grateful Dead’s revolutionary approach to rock music, Bonnie Raitt’s blues mastery, Arturo Sandoval’s jazz brilliance, and The Apollo’s cultural significance all exemplify the rich tapestry of American artistic achievement. Their collective legacy continues to inspire and shape the landscape of music and film, making this year’s honors a celebration of profound artistic excellence.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has selected the 47th Honorees for lifetime artistic achievements: acclaimed director and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola; legendary American rock band the Grateful Dead (Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Bobby Weir); blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt; jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo Sandoval; and The Apollo, which will receive a special Honors as an iconic American institution.
“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made an extraordinary impact on the cultural life of our nation and continue to have an immeasurable influence on new generations. A brilliant and masterful storyteller with an unrelenting innovative spirit, Francis Ford Coppola’s films have become embedded in the very idea of American culture; a social and cultural phenomenon since 1965, the Grateful Dead’s music has never stopped being a true American original, while inspiring a fan culture like no other; Bonnie Raitt has made us love her again and again with her inimitable voice, slide guitar, and endless musical range encompassing blues, R&B, country rock, and folk; “an ambassador of both music and humanity,” Arturo Sandoval transcended literal borders coming from Cuba 30+ years ago and today continues to bridge cultures with his intoxicating blend of Afro Cuban rhythms and modern jazz; and on its 90th anniversary, The Apollo, one of the most consequential, influential institutions in history, has elevated the voices of Black entertainment in New York City, nationally, and around the world, and launched the careers of legions of artists.”
—David M. Rubenstein, Kennedy Center Chairman
“Our Honorees this year have each played an invaluable, pioneering role in developing American culture—not with one act of art but with their decades-long devotion to pushing creative boundaries. In December, we are thrilled to pay special tribute to New York City’s renowned Apollo Theater on its 90th anniversary. Throughout its history, The Apollo has guided us and the world forward by discovering and nurturing raw talent, molding a unique cultural identity that defines American culture still today. Across Honors weekend, artists with special connections to the Apollo will serve as ambassadors of the institution’s legacy.”
—Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center President
Francis Ford Coppola
“I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to collaborate with great artists and wonderful people throughout my career, and I have never stopped learning. There is no greater honor than to be included along with those who inspired me, who I looked up to, and who gave me encouragement when times were dim. I am grateful to the Kennedy Center, my beloved colleagues, to those who equate beauty and truth, and to all the children of the world.”Explore Artist Page
Grateful Dead
“It goes without saying that the Kennedy Center Honors represents the highest of reaches for artistic achievement. To be recognized alongside the artists who have in the past received this honor is beyond humbling. The Grateful Dead has always been about community, creativity, and exploration in music and presentation. We’ve always felt that the music we make embodies and imparts something beyond the notes and phrases being played—and that is something we are privileged to share with all who are drawn to what we do—so it also must be said that our music belongs as much to our fans, the Dead Heads, as it does to us. This honor, then, is as much theirs as ours.”
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Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, & Bobby Weir of the Grateful Dead
Bonnie Raitt
“I am deeply honored and thrilled to have been chosen to receive one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors. I have long been an admirer of the Awards and have been so blessed to be able to participate in several shows honoring others. There is no higher level of esteem nor as delightful a celebration and I want to extend my sincere thanks to all who have chosen me to receive this honor. I look forward to the upcoming ceremony and festivities, which I know will be one of my life’s peak experiences.”Explore Artist Page
Arturo Sandoval
“I am profoundly humbled and deeply honored to be selected as a recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. This recognition is an extraordinary milestone in my career and a testament to the support and encouragement I have received from my family, friends, colleagues, and fans. Throughout my journey, I have strived to create, perform, and inspire with passion and integrity. Being acknowledged by such an esteemed institution validates my efforts and motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my art. I am incredibly grateful to the Kennedy Center for this honor, and I look forward to contributing further to the vibrant cultural tapestry that the Center celebrates and nurtures. Thank you once again for this incredible honor.”Explore Artist Page
The Apollo
“We are thrilled to be the first organization honored in the history of the Kennedy Center Awards, emphasizing The Apollo’s impact on the past, present, and future of American culture and the performing arts. From the longest-running talent show in America with Amateur Night at The Apollo, which launched the careers of icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Lauryn Hill, to performances from 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 audiences to see incredible music and art from legendary artists.”
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Michelle Ebanks, President & CEO, on behalf of The Apollo
