Mavis Staples, Eagles & James Taylor Receive Kennedy Center Honors
By Andy Kahn Dec 5, 2016 • 1:02 pm PST
President Barack Obama honored several renowned musicians as part of the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors last night in Washington D.C. Among those receiving the prestigious distinction were Mavis Staples, James Taylor and the Eagles.
President Obama also bestowed Kennedy Center Honors upon pianist Martha Argerich and actor Al Pacino. The 39th annual event was hosted by Stephen Colbert and will be broadcast on CBS on December 27.
Bonnie Raitt was on hand to present legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples, who was accompanied by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, and Raitt also performed “We Shall Not Be Moved.” Former President Bill Clinton spoke in recognition of veteran singer-songwriter James Taylor, while Sheryl Crow, Darius Rucker and Garth Brooks each performed his songs. Linda Ronstadt was featured in a video celebrating the Eagles and following an introduction by Ringo Starr several of their songs were performed live by the likes of Kings Of Leon, Bob Seger and others, including Vince Gill paying tribute to the late Glenn Frey with “Easy Feeling.”
Here’s President Obama praising Staples during a reception at the White House held before the Kennedy Center Honors:
Here’s the complete introduction of the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors recipients:
