*Mavis Staples took her place alongside actor Al Pacino, the rock band the Eagles, Argentine pianist Martha Argerich, and singer-songwriter James Taylor Sunday (Dec. 4) at the 39th Kennedy Center Honors.
According to Variety, the honorees were introduced one-by-one at the outset as they entered the presidential box, followed by President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, who received a lengthy ovation from the packed Opera House – as this is their last Kennedy Center Honors as the first couple.
The program, again hosted by Stephen Colbert, host of CBS’ “The Late Show,” will air Dec. 27 on CBS.
The tribute to Staples was hosted by Bonnie Raitt, who praised the artist for her voice and her dedication to civil rights. Raitt and others sang “We Shall Not Be Moved,” according to Variety. Other participants included gospel singer Elle King, actor Don Cheadle and the Howard Gospel Choir.
As is tradition, the honorees gathered at the White House before the Kennedy Center tribute to be feted by the President.
Watch below:
Al Pacino
Mavis Staples
James Taylor
Martha Argerich
The Eagles @POTUS pays tribute to the Kennedy Center Honorees https://t.co/mxqJ9Z8Y11— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 4, 2016
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
