èAV

Jimmie Allen honors Berry Gordy | 44th Kennedy Center Honors

Share This Video

American country music singer and songwriter Jimmie Allen congratulates Motown founder Berry Gordy on becoming a Kennedy Center Honoree.

/honors

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced the selection of five Honorees who will receive the 44th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievements. Recipients to be honored at the annual national celebration of the arts in Washington, D.C. are: operatic bass-baritone Justino Díaz, Motown founder, songwriter, producer, and director Berry Gordy, Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, legendary stage and screen icon Bette Midler, and singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.

èAVHonors celebrates luminaries whose art and creativity have enriched us beyond measure,” stated Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. “Visionary music producer and songwriter Berry Gordy brought the quintessential soulfulness of Detroit into every home in America , elevating the Motown sound to become a national treasure.”

“This year’s Honorees represent the unifying power of the Arts and surely remind us of that which binds us together as human beings. These artists are equal parts genius, inspiration, and entertainment,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. “After the challenges and heartbreak of the last many months, and as we celebrate 50 years of the Kennedy Center, I dare add that we are prepared to throw ‘the party to end all parties’ in D.C. on December 5th, feting these extraordinary people and welcoming audiences back to our campus. We look forward to shaping an even more exciting Honors program and broadcast with CBS and the producers based on the success and newfound innovations of our 43rd Honors earlier this year

Subscribe to The Kennedy Center! http://bit.ly/2gNFrtb

#kennedycenterhonors #barrygordy #jimmieallen

Music: “Heroes Are Made” by Kerry Muzzey
https://bit.ly/HeroesAreMade
Used with Permission
  • Music
  • Popular Music
  • Contemporary Music
  • Country

èAVHonors

watch now on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ 

Celebrate artists recognized for their contributions to American culture through the performing arts — whether in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures, or television.

More Video to Explore

Digital Stage

Watch extraordinary performances from the Kennedy Center's stages and beyond.

In-Person and Livestreamed Millennium Stage

Wed. - Sat. at 6 p.m. ET

Experience something extraordinary live from the Kennedy Center. Attend in person or watch our livestreams and explore a video archive from over 20 years of great performances.

èAVHonors

Explore our deep archive of video highlights from this annual event paying tribute to our nation's preeminent artists with performances by the great stars of today who have followed in their footsteps.