32nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors

I had the privilege of watching five very important get (finally) honored for the wonderful art they create.

Last night was the 32nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors.  Every year, the Kennedy Center honors individuals for their lifetime contributions to the arts (music, dance, theatre, movies, opera, and television) and American culture.  This year’s recipients were Dave Brubeck, Mel Brooks, Grace Bumbry, Robert De Niro, and Bruce Springsteen.

First to be honored was Robert De Niro.  Meryl Streep came out (I love her!) and honored her friend with stories of his accomplishments.  Many actors came out to appreciate this legend, such as Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, and Sharon Stone.  Ben Stiller stole the show with his wit and humor, not only honoring De Niro but also honoring the other recipients, calling Mel Brooks the “Bruce Springsteen of short, funny Jews.”

Dave Brubeck, the accomplished composer and jazz pianist, was honored by Herbie Hancock, who apparently would not be the musician he is if it wasn’t for Brubeck.  The Dave Brubeck Five All-Stars performed then were joined by the US Army Jazz Band.  Finally, Brubeck’s four sons joined in a beautifully orchestrated symphony of sound to honor this master.  It also happened to be Brubeck’s 89th birthday.

When I think humor, I think Mel Brooks.  Brooks grew up just itching to get into Broadway, but he got his start in television.  After writing for TV and creating hilarious movies, Brooks finally created The Producersfor the Broadway stage.  Carl Reiner lead the way as many artists came out to honor him in a musical extravaganza, including Martin Short, Jack Black, Richard Kind, Harry Connick Jr., Frank Langella, Matthew Broderick, and Matthew Morrison (go Mr.

Shuester!).

Aretha Franklin came out to honor one of the best opera singers in the world (in my opinion), Grace Bumbry.  Grace is a small woman with a big voice from St. Louis and is know as “The Black Venus” for being the first non-Nordic (blond hair, blue eyes) woman to be cast as Venus in the Wagner opera Tannhauser.  She was honored by Simon Estes and Romanian opera singer Angela Gheorghiu.

Finally, Jon Stewart came out to honor Bruce Springsteen.  He brought the house down when he said, “I believe Bob Dylan and James Brown had a baby…” in reference to the New Jersey born singer/songwriter.  Author Ron Kovic gave a touching story of how he met Springsteen and brought tears to everyone’s eyes.  Jon Mellencamp, Ben Harper, Jennifer Nettles, Melissa Etheridge, Eddie Vedder, and Sting all came out and performed Springsteen popular songs to honor him.

It was a beautiful and touching show.  Congratulations to all the recipients and thank you for sharing your lives with us.