Sally Field actress, singer Linda Ronstadt, Sesame Street children’s program, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and R & B Earth, Wind and Fire will be awarded for their contribution to art at the Kennedy Center Honors gala on Dec. 8 at Washington.
The head of the institution, David Rubenstein, said: “The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates symbols that, through their mastery, have left an indelible mark on the collective cultural consciousness. The Earth, Wind & Fire rhythms are the basis of a style that continues to shape the musical landscape. Sally Field has brought us unforgettable, cheerful and disturbing characters for over five decades. Linda Ronstadt is the defining voice of a generation, beyond genres and continents. Sesame Street continues to revolutionize how children and adults learn about the world. Michael Tilson Thomas goes beyond rhythm, he has shaped American music and musical institutions for the 21st century. ”
Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson will represent Earth, Wind & Fire.
In the 50 years of activity, the group held concerts all over the world, had eight songs in the top charts, and the albums were sold to over 100 million children. EWF has nine Grammy awards, including one granted in 2012 for the entire activity. In 2000, it was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Sally Field, an Oscar-winner and three times Emmy, is known from films such as “Hello, My Name is Doris”, “Lincoln”, “Forrest Gump”, “Steel Magnolias”, “Norma Rae” Mrs. Doubtfire, Smokey and the Bandit, and Punchline. He has starred in television productions such as Sybil, Brothers & Sisters, ER and Maniac, as well as on Broadway and West End.
With four decades of career, Linda Ronstadt is one of the versatile voices of the modern era. She performed her last concert in 2009. Her album includes albums sold in over 50 million, 31 gold and platinum discs, and 10 Grammy Awards. In 2013 he was included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a year later President Barack Obama offered him the National Medal of Arts.
“Sesame Street” debuted in 1969 and was continuously broadcast. The program, designed to help educate children, has reached viewers in 150 countries.
Michael Tilson Thomas is the music director of the San Francisco Symphony, co-founder and artistic director of New World Symphony and laureate conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra. Grammy’s 11-time award, Tilson Thomas has conducted major orchestras in Europe and the United States.
