Grammy-winning Icon Bonnie Raitt Among 2024 Kennedy Center Honorees
Well, it's about time our girl Bonnie Raitt received these flowers.
The Grammy-winner has been named among this year's five iconoclasts set for tribute and recognition at the 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C. She joins a "who's who" of notable and prolific artists that have shaped the culture of our society through their artistic endeavors, including acclaimed director and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola; legendary American rock band the Grateful Dead (Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Bobby Weir); jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo Sandoval will also be honored that night, as well as The Apollo, which will receive a special Honors as an iconic American institution.
Dating back to 1978, The Kennedy Center Honors are annual honors given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture. Each December, a televised gala celebrating the five honorees takes place at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. While the awards are primarily given to individuals, they have occasionally been given to couples or musical groups (The Who; Earth, Wind, and Fire; Led Zeppelin; U2; The Eagles,) as well as to one Broadway musical (Hamilton), one television show (Sesame Street,) and one entertainment venue (this year's honoree The Apollo.) The star-studded event brings out the best and most respected and lauded entertainers and artists in the world and is always attended by the President of the United States and the First Spouse, as well as the honorees and their friends and family, who get to sit back and enjoy their peers performing in their honor.
"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." - Bonnie Raitt on her forthcoming Kennedy Center honor
For those who've followed Raitt's illustrious 50-plus years in the music business and her philanthropic efforts as a world-class entertainer, this moment is one many years in the making.
"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,'" Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubinstein said of the singer-songwriter and formidable guitar player.
As for Raitt herself, this honor is quite the accomplishment and one she treasures immensely.
“I am deeply honored and thrilled to have been chosen to receive one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors," Raitt shared in a statement.
"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.”
In 2016, Raitt made a cast appearance for the Kennedy Center Honors in a tribute for iconic soul singer Mavis Staples. She also performed back in 2012 for the ceremony honoring blues legend Buddy Guy.
The 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors will tape on December 8th and then be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount Plus on December 23rd.
