Harlem's Apollo Theater, Bonnie Raitt, Francis Ford Coppola, More Named 2024 Kennedy Center Honorees

The five honorees who will receive the 47th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements in December are director and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola; American rock band the Grateful Dead (Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, Bobby Weir); blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt; jazz trumpeter, pianist, and composer Arturo Sandoval; and Harlem's The Apollo, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary and will receive a special Honors as an iconic American institution.

The 47th class of Kennedy Center Honorees will be saluted by performers from New York, Hollywood, and the arts capitals of the world December 8, and the evening will be filmed for subsequent TV broadcast. The 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on a date to be announced.

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“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made an extraordinary impact on the cultural life of our nation and continue to have an immeasurable influence on new generations,” stated Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein in a statement. “A brilliant and masterful storyteller with an unrelenting innovative spirit, Francis Ford Coppola’s films have become embedded in the very idea of American culture; a social and cultural phenomenon since 1965, the Grateful Dead’s music has never stopped being a true American original, while inspiring a fan culture like no other; Bonnie Raitt has made us love her again and again with her inimitable voice, slide guitar, and endless musical range encompassing blues, R&B, country rock, and folk; ‘an ambassador of both music and humanity,’ Arturo Sandoval transcended literal borders coming from Cuba 30-plus years ago and today continues to bridge cultures with his intoxicating blend of Afro Cuban rhythms and modern jazz; and on its 90th anniversary, The Apollo, one of the most consequential, influential institutions in history, has elevated the voices of Black entertainment in New York City, nationally, and around the world, and launched the careers of legions of artists.”

“Our honorees this year have each played an invaluable, pioneering role in developing American culture—not with one act of art but with their decades-long devotion to pushing creative boundaries,” added Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. “In December, we are thrilled to pay special tribute to New York City’s renowned Apollo Theater on its 90th anniversary. Throughout its history, The Apollo has guided us and the world forward by discovering and nurturing raw talent, molding a unique cultural identity that still defines American culture today. Across Honors weekend, artists with special connections to The Apollo will serve as ambassadors of the institution’s legacy.”

The Kennedy Center Honors pay tribute to individuals whose unique contributions have had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts, whether in music, dance, theatre, opera, motion pictures, or television.

Last year's honorees included Tony-nominated actor and comedian Billy Crystal (Mr. Saturday Night); acclaimed soprano and Tony-nominated actor Renée Fleming (Carousel); British singer-songwriter, producer, and member of the Bee Gees, Barry Gibb (Saturday Night Fever); rapper, singer, and actor Queen Latifah; and Grammy-winning singer Dionne Warwick.

Done+Dusted will return to produce the upcoming event for a third year, in association with ROK Productions. The Honors will be executive produced by David Jammy, Elizabeth Kelly, Jack Sussman. The show will be directed by Alex Rudzinski.