Members of the arts are honored annually during late year event in Washington
Bonnie Raitt and the Grateful Dead’s Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bobby Weir were among the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors recipients last night (Sun, Dec 8th) in Washington DC. Ahead of the ceremony, President Joe Biden hosted the honorees, which also included Francis Ford Coppola, Arturo Sandoval, Michelle Ebanks, and the legendary Apollo Theater in New York City, at the East Room of the White House for a reception.
“Formed in the San Francisco Bay at an inflection point in history, the Grateful Dead have long since transcended the 1960 counterculture. Technical virtuosos fiercely dedicated to their craft, they fo- — fused decades and dozens of musical styles to create a willowy new American sound — experimental, innovative, and brave,” Biden shares as he introduces the legendary rockers.
“Their lyrics tell the story of dreamers and rebels. Their iconic jams are just a performance — they’re not just that, but they’re an ongoing conversation with generations of devoted fans. Hundreds and hundreds of songs. Recorded 59 of the top 40 albums — 59. Twenty-three hundred concerts, from Woodstock to Egypt’s Great Pyramids. One of the most popular bands ever to be watched live in concert.”
The band, which reformed ten years as Dead & Company and added John Mayer to the lineup, has a rabid following called Deadheads.
“Look, and there’s still a lot of Deadheads around,” he quipped as he pointed to himself and the room burst out in laughter.
“No two performances are even the same, but their spirit and joy are enduring,” he adds as the group plots 18 more shows to its groundbreaking Sphere Las Vegas residency in 2025.
“Tonight, we honor Bobby, Bill, and Mickey. Guys, raise your hand,” as the audience, which featured invited guests including actress Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, erputs. “And we remember those lost (inaudible) along the way, like Ron; Phil, whose grandson, Grahame, is here tonight; and, of course, Jerry Garcia, whose daughter, Trixie, is here. Trixie, where are you? Stand up, Trixie.”
Up next was blues rocker Bonnie Raitt, who released her debut album in 1971.
“Joining them here tonight is another California native, Bonnie Raitt: born and raised in Burbank, the daughter of a famed Broadway singer, an accomplished piano player with two musical — (applause) — two musical brothers. Eight-year-old Bonnie got her first guitar as a Christmas gift. The rest is history. Thank you, Santa. Thank you, Santa,” Biden says with laughter.
“Over the last 50 years — she’s only 50 now — 13 Grammy awards, 31 nominations. More Grammy performances than any woman in American history. An inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, her music defies genre and blends music of folk, country, rock, and pop,” he states.
“You know, with infectious beats and soulful lyrics, her sound carries through the highs and the lows of life: time — time and trust, heartbreak and hope, love and loss. That’s Bonnie helping us find healing and light and purpose within and beyond music. One of the all-time greats that inspires fans and fellow music– musicians alike. And I tell you, Bonnie, you’ve had an — fro- — an incredible impact. So, Bonnie, thank you for all you’ve done, not just your music, kid,” he adds as the crowd applause.
The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique contributions have shaped the way we see ourselves, each other, and our world. Recipients have each had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts. Whether in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures, or television, each Kennedy Center Honoree has a unique place in the national consciousness and their influence has inspired audiences from all walks of life.
The 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors premieres on December 22nd at 8:30 pm ET/PT on CBS and streaming the next day on Paramount+.
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