The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the organization behind the annual celebration of artists and cultural icons, announced its 47th class of honorees Thursday exclusively on “CBS Mornings.”
Honorees include award-winning filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, legendary rock band Grateful Dead, blues-rock singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt, jazz musician and composer Arturo Sandoval and the iconic New York institution, the Apollo.
This is the first time an organization like the Apollo has been recognized by the Kennedy Center Honors, which will celebrate all honorees at a ceremony in December.
The 2024 Kennedy Center Honorees
Francis Ford Coppola
Considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Francis Ford Coppola has no shortage of accolades. A five-time Oscar winner, he is behind dozens of iconic films, including “The Godfather” series and “Apocalypse Now.” His work has helped shape American cinema.
The Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead formed in California in the 1960s. They are credited with inspiring a unique lifestyle and culture for their fans, known as Dead Heads. The rock band has performed more than 2,300 concerts, a world record. Surviving members Mickey Hart, Billy Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir are being honored this year.
Bonnie Raitt
A longtime cult singer, Bonnie Raitt achieved mainstream success with two Grammy Award-winning albums in the 1990s. The singer-songwriter combines rock, R&B, blues and other genres in iconic hits like “Something to Talk About” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” She won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2023 for “Just Like That.”
Arturo Sandoval
Arturo Sandoval is recognized for his talent as an instrumentalist. He is considered one of the greatest trumpet players in the world, but he is also gifted on the piano, timpani and vocals. His versatility extends to jazz, classical and Latin music. As an artist and composer, he has been recognized with numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Apollo
The Apollo will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2024. This arts institution in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood is committed to Black culture and creativity, celebrating both emerging artists and living legends. While it’s known for its contributions to music (Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, and James Brown have each graced its stage), the Apollo also celebrates comedy, dance, spoken word, and other arts.
CBS will broadcast the Kennedy Center Honors on Monday, December 23.
