2024 kennedy Center honoree jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo Sandoval, blows a kiss as fellow honoree blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt, applauds as they arrive during the 47th Kennedy Center Honors at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing arts in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP
WASHINGTON — Not Fade Away closed out the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony on Sunday, just as honorees The Grateful dead had used Buddy Holly’s ode to enduring love to close out hundreds of concerts over the years.
Longtime Deadheads, including actors Miles Teller and Chloe Sevigny and talk show host David Letterman, paid tribute to the band’s blend of musical experimentation, longevity, and community-building. “Their music fills the universe,” Letterman proclaimed.
The choice to honor The Apollo was an unusual one: the first time the Kennedy Center has chosen to honor a specific performance venue.
“The Apollo means so much to so many of us,” Maryland Gov. wes Moore said while arriving on the red carpet. Moore pointed to iconic Apollo performances from Lauryn Hill and a young Michael Jackson as treasured memories of his youth.
The tribute to The Apollo highlighted the sheer diversity of art forms showcased at the 90-year-old theater. Savion Glover did a spirited tap dance routine; husband and wife duo The War and Treaty performed a medley of hits by marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell; and comedian Dave chappelle recounted his terrifying first Apollo performance at age 15.
“Everybody started booing. It was like I was outside my body watching,” he said. Eventually Chappelle was rushed off the stage by the theater’s infamous “Sandman,” but he credited the experience with helping him overcome his fear of bombing.
The annual gala at the john F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts always features personalized tributes with performances and testimonials from fellow artists. Medallions were presented during the traditional Saturday night ceremony at the State Department.
In the first of the night’s tributes, Emmylou Harris and dave Matthews performed a cover of Raitt’s duet with the late John Prine, “Angel from Montgomery.”
Music star Sheryl Crow paid tribute to raitt’s trailblazing career as not just a singer or songwriter but as a widely respected blues guitarist in a male-dominated field.
Raitt herself, on the pre-event red carpet, predicted an emotional evening.
“I’ve brought a massive box of Kleenex and my waterproof eye liner,” she laughed.
Sandoval’s tribute featured multiple performances from an all-star band featuring Trombone Shorty and pianist Chucho valdez from Sandoval’s original band, plus a flamenco dance performance by Timo Nunez. It also included a bit of light roast comedy from actor Andy Garcia.
At a ceremony at the White House before attending the awards event itself, President Joe Biden praised each honoree. He also had De Niro, who was in the audience, stand before declaring, “If I get in trouble, I’m coming to you pal.”
De Niro grinned and nodded, and others in attendance, including the honorees, laughed at what appeared to be a reference to de Niro sometimes playing hardnosed enforcers in movies like “The Godfather.” But Biden actually meant he might seek the actor’s help for post-presidency career advice.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received an extended standing ovation from the audience when introduced at Kennedy Center. But this could be the last honors ceremony without political intrigue for a while.
and the open antipathy toward Trump from multiple honorees. In 2017, recipient Norman lear threatened to boycott his own ceremony if Trump attended. Trump, who takes office in January, skipped the ceremony for the entirety of his first term.
On the red carpet Sunday night,multiple Democratic political figures seemed to offer an olive branch.
“I hope he dose come,” Moore said. ”This is a marvelous celebration of genius in all its forms.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi added, “I think he would really enjoy it.”
The awards show will air on CBS on Dec. 22.
How does music serve as a unifying force in society according to experts?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Music expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! today, we are honored to have renowned music expert, Dr. Emily Mayfair,joining us to discuss a landmark event in the music world—the 2024 Kennedy Centre Honors. Dr. Mayfair, thank you for being here with us.
Dr. Mayfair: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a significant event in honoring musical legends.
Editor: The Kennedy Center Honors celebrated several extraordinary musicians this year, including the iconic jazz trumpeter and composer, Arturo Sandoval, and the legendary blues rock singer-songwriter, Bonnie Raitt. What does their inclusion in this distinguished group signify for the world of music?
Dr. Mayfair: It’s quite monumental! Arturo Sandoval represents the vibrancy of jazz,showcasing not just technical proficiency but also an ability to blend cultural and musical influences. Bonnie Raitt, on the other hand, is a powerhouse in blues rock, known for her soulful voice and profound songwriting. Their honors signify the celebration of diversity in music and the importance of both genre contributions to the broader musical landscape.
Editor: You mentioned diversity, which is a crucial aspect of the Kennedy Center Honors. given that The Grateful Dead was also honored this year,how do you think they embody this theme?
Dr. Mayfair: The Grateful Dead were pioneers of musical experimentation and improvisation. They blended various styles—rock, folk, blues, jazz—that not only attracted a diverse audience but also created a unique community around their music known as “Deadheads.” Their choice to close the ceremony with Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” is deeply symbolic; it reflects their own legacy of love and endurance in music, showing how integrated and influential they were in the evolution of American music.
Editor: That’s a beatiful connection you’ve made! The presence of celebrities such as Miles Teller, Chloe Sevigny, and David Letterman at the ceremony indicates the impact of these musicians on popular culture. Why do you think their stories and music resonate so well with newer generations?
Dr. Mayfair: Music is a worldwide language that transcends age. The stories told through the music of Sandoval, Raitt, and The Grateful Dead have timeless themes—love, resilience, and the human experiance—that continue to attract new listeners. Plus, artists like Raitt and the Grateful Dead have passed down their legacies through collaborations and inclusivity, which help younger artists feel connected to their music and narratives.
Editor: It seems that the Kennedy center Honors are not just about recognizing past achievements but also about inspiring future generations. How do you see this event influencing the current music scene today?
Dr. Mayfair: absolutely! The Kennedy Center Honors serve as both an acknowledgment and inspiration. They remind today’s artists of the paths taken by their predecessors and encourage them to innovate while honoring tradition.Events like this also help keep these artists’ contributions alive in public consciousness,providing a rich past context for future artists to draw from as they create their own music.
Editor: Thank you for your insightful observations, Dr. Mayfair. as we wrap up, could you share your thoughts on music’s potential as a unifying force in society?
Dr. mayfair: Music has an incredible power to bring people together, regardless of cultural or personal differences. The Kennedy Center Honors embodies this spirit by honoring diverse voices and legacies that have shaped our collective experience. In tumultuous times, music can foster solidarity, spark conversations, and inspire change—reminding us that we are all part of a larger narrative.
Editor: Well said! Thank you again, Dr. Emily Mayfair, for joining us and sharing your expertise on the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors.It’s events like these that remind us of the lasting impact of music on our lives.
Dr.Mayfair: thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss these incredible artists and their legacies.