2024 Kennedy Center Honors Announce Honorees & Artistic Achievements - Entertainment

2024 Kennedy Center Honors Announce Honorees

The 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors will recognize Francis Ford Coppola , The Grateful Dead , Bonnie Raitt , Arturo Sandoval , and The Apollo with its lifetime artistic achievement honor . The Kennedy Center , located in Washington D.C. , will host the annual national celebration of the arts on Dec. 23 , starting at 9 p.m. ET on CBS , with the option to stream on Paramount+.

 The Grateful Dead 's honorees include living members Mickey Hart , Billy Kreutzmann , Phil Lesh , and Bob Weir , considered pioneers of the jamband genre . Their extensive tour history made them one of the highest - grossing American live acts of all time . 

Unique Selection of Honorees

The class of honorees also includes filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola , blues - rock star Bonnie Raitt , Cuban American trumpeter Arturo Sandoval , and the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem , New York . Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter highlighted the cultural significance of the honorees ' contributions to American music and arts.

 The Apollo Theater , known for launching the careers of many Black performers , is celebrating its 90th birthday this year and is the first physical institution to receive the honor . 

Personal Reflections from Honorees

Francis Ford Coppola , known for directing acclaimed films like " The Godfather , " expressed surprise at receiving the honor and looks forward to being recognized alongside Bay Area figures like The Grateful Dead . Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead expressed a deep connection to American music traditions and reflected on the band 's enduring legacy.

 Bonnie Raitt , a Grammy - winning artist , expressed emotional gratitude at being acknowledged for her contributions as a lead guitarist and a woman in the music industry . 

Arturo Sandoval 's Remarkable Journey

Arturo Sandoval , a celebrated trumpet player and composer , has received numerous accolades throughout his career , including 10 Grammy Awards and a Presidential Medal of Freedom . His journey from studying American jazz in Cuba to international acclaim is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.

The 2024 Kennedy Center Honors will showcase a diverse group of honorees who have left an indelible mark on American music and arts , celebrating their unique contributions to the cultural landscape.