2023-12-03 18:41:13
Washington (AFP) – Rapper Queen Latifah and actor Billy Crystal are among the personalities honored on Sunday, in the presence of Joe Biden, by the Kennedy Center which celebrates each year the great names of American culture.
Published on: 03/12/2023 – 19:41
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A host of stars from Hollywood and all of Washington will also salute during this gala evening, of which this is the 46th edition, the careers of soul legend Dionne Warwick, soprano Renée Fleming and singer Barry Gibb, last surviving member of the Bee Gees.
The Kennedy Center honors constitute the most prestigious cultural distinction in the American capital.
Holder of a Grammy, an American music industry award, rap pioneer Queen Latifah became known with her first album “All Hail the Queen” released in 1989, and notably her hit “Ladies First”.
Queen Latifah at the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles in 2022 © ANGELA WEISS / AFP/Archives
This opus paved the way for a thriving career in hip-hop, film and production.
“I am humbled to be included in this incredible list of artists,” said the 53-year-old singer, who has already performed three times on the Kennedy Center stage during ceremonies honoring rapper LL Cool J, singers Tina Turner and Barbra Streisand.
“Exceptional event”
Known for his long comedy career, marked by film hits like the romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally,” actor Billy Crystal, 75, echoed the sentiment.
Billy Crystal at the Grammy ceremony in Los Angeles in 2014 © ROBYN BECK / AFP/Archives
“I am extremely happy to be part of this fantastic group of artists,” he said.
“I started playing at the age of five, making my parents and family laugh. This laughter has carried me through my entire life and career. I wish so much that they might have been at Kennedy Center for this exceptional event.”
Considered one of the best sopranos in the world, Renée Fleming, 64, has been collaborating with the Kennedy Center for a long time and has already sung on the biggest international stages.
Renée Fleming in New York in 2016 © ANGELA WEISS / AFP
This award adds to an already well-filled list of achievements, the singer already having several Grammys and a title of knight of the Legion of Honor, the highest French honorary decoration.
Dionne Warwick, singer of hits like “Don’t Make Me Over”, “Walk On By” and “I Say a Little Prayer”, receives this award at 82, following winning over a new generation of fans with her delivery on social networks.
Dionne Warwick in Los Angeles in 2023 © VALERIE MACON / AFP/Archives
Disco king Barry Gibb rose to fame with the band Bee Gees, which he formed with his two brothers. Among their biggest hits: the soundtrack to the film “Saturday Night Fever” with titles like “Stayin’ Alive” and “How Deep Is Your Love”.
But Barry Gibb, 77, wrote more than a thousand songs during his career, such as the theme from “Grease” or “Heartbreaker” performed by…Dionne Warwick.
Barry Gibb at the Grammy ceremony in 2015 © VALERIE MACON / AFP/Archives
“If you’re just in a band and you make records, you won’t survive. You’ll have your moment of glory, and then it’s over,” the artist told his brothers, according to the Washington Post .
“You build a reputation as a songwriter,” he continued, “and then you can live forever if you do it well.”
Singer Gloria Estefan, who received honors from the Kennedy Center in 2017, will host the gala evening for the third time, an edited version of which will be broadcast on the CBS cable channel and the Paramount+ platform on December 27.
© 2023 AFP
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