(From left) Amy Grant, Gladys Knight, George Clooney and Tania León are four of the performers honored by the Kennedy Center for lifetime achievement this year.
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Kennedy Center
(From left) Amy Grant, Gladys Knight, George Clooney and Tania León are four of the performers honored by the Kennedy Center for lifetime achievement this year.
Kennedy Center
The recipients of the 45th Kennedy Center Honors have been announced.
Performers recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture include actor and filmmaker George Clooney; Contemporary pop and Christian singer Amy Grant; venerable gospel, soul and R&B star Gladys Knight; Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, conductor and educator Tania León; and the four Irish musicians you probably know best are rock band U2.
In a statement, band members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr said they consider America like a home away from home.
Irish band U2 bassist Adam Clayton, drummer Larry Mullen Junior, vocalist Bono and guitarist The Edge perform in Paris in 2011.
Zakaria Abdelkafi / AFP via Getty Images
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Zakaria Abdelkafi / AFP via Getty Images
Irish band U2 bassist Adam Clayton, drummer Larry Mullen Junior, vocalist Bono and guitarist The Edge perform in Paris in 2011.
Zakaria Abdelkafi / AFP via Getty Images
“In December 1980, we made our first transatlantic voyage to the United States,” they wrote. “We had big dreams back then, fueled in part by the common belief back home that America smiled at Ireland. And it came true again. would be invited back to accept it. one of the nation’s greatest honors. It’s a four-decade-long love affair with the country and its people, artists, and culture.”
Tania León’s love affair with American culture began when she took refuge from Cuba on “Flight of Freedom” in 1967. Now an American citizen, León’s contributions to classical music range from has long been honored. This recognition is especially meaningful, she said. “I never imagined while studying in Havana that life would give me such a difference!” León said in a statement. “My first thoughts went to my ancestors: they believed in my dreams, and what we lacked in material possessions, they made up for in spirit, encouragement and support.”
The title is designed to raise money for the Kennedy Center as well as recognize talent and produce a few hours of television entertainment; The annual ceremony, scheduled for December 4, will be broadcast later on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
“For nearly half a century, Kennedy Center Honor has represented the very best of American creative culture,” said Deborah F. Rutter. “Now, as the Center completes its 50th anniversary, I can’t help but think that the Kennedy Center’s name will certainly smile with this celebration bringing us closer to his vision. about ‘an America that will reward achievement in the arts as we reward. achievement in business or craft.'”
