The Kennedy Center Honors 2021 recipients have been announced, with iconic filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and legendary music act the Grateful Dead leading the pack. This year’s honorees also include jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, blues icon Bonnie Raitt, and the historic Harlem theater, The Apollo, known for nurturing generations of Black artists.
The ceremony to honor the 47th class of Kennedy Center recipients is set to take place on Dec. 8 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event will be televised on CBS on Dec. 23.
The Grateful Dead, which started in the 1960s in San Francisco, evolved from a folk-infused group to a cultural phenomenon with a massive following. Despite the death of lead guitarist Jerry Garcia, the band continues to tour extensively under different lineups, including the current Dead and Company with John Mayer.
Francis Ford Coppola, known for his groundbreaking filmmaking and works such as “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now,” has been recognized for his contributions to the arts. At 85 years old, Coppola expressed surprise and delight at being chosen for the Kennedy Center Honors.
Arturo Sandoval, a prominent Cuban musician, gained fame for his trumpet skills and his association with jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. Reflecting on his journey, Sandoval expressed his gratitude and a sense of being overwhelmed by the honor.
Bonnie Raitt, a celebrated performer with a long and successful career, shared her memories of attending the Kennedy Center Honors in the past with her father. She acknowledged the significance of the award, which she views as a celebration of various forms of performing arts.
The Apollo Theater, a historic venue in Harlem, was also selected for the Kennedy Center Honors this year, recognizing its pivotal role in supporting Black artists for over nine decades. The theater has been instrumental in shaping the careers of renowned performers from Billie Holiday to Lauryn Hill.
Michelle Ebanks, the theater’s president and CEO, expressed delight at the honor, emphasizing The Apollo’s cultural significance and its deep-rooted connection to the Harlem community. The recognition of The Apollo as a venue highlights its enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
