Billy Crystals, one of the esteemed individuals handpicked as part of this year’s Kennedy Center Honors, stands among five iconic artists who have been recognized for their exceptional contributions.
Joining Billy Crystals as recipients of the prestigious lifetime artistic achievement award are Queen Latifah, accomplished rapper and actor, Renée Fleming, a renowned opera singer, Barry Gibb, an iconic figure in 1970s music, and Dionne Warwick, a prolific hitmaker. The traditional gala celebration to honor these exceptional individuals will take place at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington on December 3rd.
The Kennedy Center Honors, lifetime artistic achievement award stands as a symbol of the highest recognition bestowed upon individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world of arts and culture. This esteemed accolade celebrates the profound impact and lasting legacy of artists across various disciplines.
According to Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center president, this year’s group of inductees is a remarkable blend of individuals who have revolutionized their respective art forms.
Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal, aged 75, rose to national prominence during the 1970s when he portrayed Jodie Dallas, a pioneering openly gay character on American network television, in the sitcom “Soap”. Following this breakthrough role, he embarked on a one-year period on “Saturday Night Live” and subsequently achieved great success through his appearance in a series of films. Among these films were notable blockbusters such as “When Harry Met Sally…,” “The Princess Bride” and “City Slickers., which left a lasting impression on the audience.
However, the character that Crystal believes resonates the most with the fans is his portrayal of the talk show host Fernando Lamas on “SNL”.
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Even after all these years, Billy Crystals revealed to Associated Press that the phrase he continues to hear the most from fans is “You look marvelous”, referencing the catchphrase associated with his character. He shared an anecdote about sitting next to Henry Kissinger on a plane, recounting how he uttered the famous phrase to him.
Having already been honored with the prestigious Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy in 2007, Crystal now joins an esteemed and exclusive group of comedians who have received both the Mark Twain Prize and Kennedy Center Honor. This distinguished group includes Steve Martin, David Letterman, Lorne Michaels, Lily Tomlin, Neil Simon, and Carol Burnett.
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick’s rise to stardom took place in the 1960s when she became the muse for the immensely talented songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. While expressing her pride in receiving the honor, Warwick also acknowledged a bittersweet sentiment due to the absence of Bacharach in February and David in 2012, which brings a touch of sadness to Warwick as she reflects on their profound influence on her career and the lasting impact of their collaborations.
Renée Fleming
At 64 years old, Renée Fleming stands as one of the notable sopranos of her generation, celebrated for her exceptional vocal talents. Her impressive list of accolades includes receiving the National Medal of Arts from former President Barack Obama, being honored with the Cross of the Order of Merit by the German government, and being granted honorary membership in England’s Royal Academy of Music. As Kennedy Center Honors recipient, Fleming will be treated to personalized tributes and performances by fellow artists. She has previously taken the stage at Kennedy Center ceremonies honoring jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter and pianist Van Cliburn. showcasing her remarkable talent and adding to her illustrious career.
“There’s nothing else like this in the US”, she said of the Kennedy Center Honor. “I really was hoping one day to get one”.
Credits: Broadway World
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Queen Latifah
Latifah’s journey to stardom began at the young age of 19 when her debut album and the chart-topping single “Ladies First” propelled her to become the first female crossover rap star. Since then, she enjoyed a diverse and successful career. With seven studio albums under her belt, she has demonstrated her versatility as an artist. Latifah has also made her mark in the world of television and film, taking on notable roles in various shows and movies. Her performance in the musical film “Chicago” earned her an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress.
Throughout her career, Latifah has become an iconic figure, particularly for gay women of color, even though she chose not to publicly discuss her sexuality or personal life for many years. However, in 2021, while accepting a lifetime achievement award at the BET Awards, she acknowledged her partner, Eboni Nichols, and their son, Rebel. She ended her speech with “Happy Pride!”
Barry Gibb
At 76, Barry Gibb gained worldwide recognition as a member of one of the most renowned bands in modern music history: the “BEE GEES”. Together with his late brothers Robin and Maurice, they formed a trio that produced an extraordinary series of chart-topping hits that left a mark on the music of their era.
Numerous contemporary artists such as Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, and Jason Isbell, have recognized the timeless quality of Gibb’s compositions and have offered their own interpretations through covers.
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