The Kennedy Center Honors returns in December with another A-list class. Bette Midler, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, and “SNL” honcho Lorne Michaels are among this year’s honorees, along with music legend Joni Mitchell and opera singer Justino Diaz. Obviously the emphasis is on music for the 44th class! The honor is for a lifetime achievement in the arts. So far we don't know who will be doing the personalized tributes to the honorees but I'm guessing they're going to get some amazing performers! As to how the honorees felt, “I’m grateful to the Kennedy Center for bestowing this honor on my work and I look forward to being a part of this prestigious celebration of the arts,” Joni shares. “I wish my mother and father were alive to see this. It’s a long way from Saskatoon.” Berry Gordy had this to say: “Growing up in Detroit, I was not only Black but the ‘black sheep’ of my family. I was a failure at everything I did until I was 29 years old, The arts not only give voice to the voiceless, but connect us, transform us, and soothe our souls. The Kennedy Center Honors epitomizes the recognition and value of both the arts, and the artist.” And Bette Midler said she was stunned: “I am profoundly touched by this honor, in fact, I am stunned and grateful beyond words. For many years I have watched this broadcast celebrating the best talent in the performing arts that America has to offer, and I truly never imagined that I would find myself among these swans.” The awards will be handed out on December 5th and for now the plan for the ceremony is to pack the Kennedy Center’s opera house to full capacity as long as everyone is wearing masks.
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