During the 47th edition of the Kennedy Center Honors, the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt and Francis Ford Coppola were honored by the American president.
Joe Biden held his final Kennedy Center Honors ceremony Sunday evening, paying tribute to the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt and Francis Ford Coppola, among others. A reception was held at the White House, during which Joe Biden celebrated the band's career.
“ In the San Francisco Bay Area, at an inflection point in history, the Grateful Dead have long transcended the counterculture of the 1960sMr. Biden said in a speech. Technical virtuosos fiercely dedicated to their craft, they fused decades and dozens of musical styles to create an entirely new American sound. Experimental, innovative and courageous. Their lyrics tell the story of dreamers and rebels. (…) They hold the record for 59 albums in the top 40, 59. 23,000 concerts, from Woodstock to the Great Pyramids of Egypt. One of the most popular bands ever seen live. »
The president added, pointing to himself: “ You know there are still a lot of Deadheads. No two concerts are the same, but their spirit and joy are eternal. Tonight we pay tribute to Bobby, Bill and Mickey. »
Band members Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart and Bob Weir were in attendance, while bassist Phil Lesh, who died in October aged 84, was represented by his son Grahame. Leader Jerry Garcia, who died in 1995, was represented by his daughter Trixie.
During the reception, Joe Biden also paid tribute to Bonnie Raitt, noting that she received her first guitar for Christmas. “ Thanks to Santa “, he joked. He also paid tribute to Francis Ford Coppola and jazz musician Arturo Sandoval, as well as the New York institution Apollo.
The artists were then honored at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during the official Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, which will air on CBS on December 23. At the event, Dave Matthews, Maggie Rogers, Leon Bridges and other artists paid tribute to the Grateful Dead by performing songs such as ” Friend of the Devil “, ” Ripple “, “ Sugaree ” And ” Not Fade Away “.
Matthews and Emmylou Harris cover the Raitt classic “ Angel from Montgomery » and Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow performed “ I Can't Make You Love Me “. Robert DeNiro, Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Al Pacino and Laurence Fishburne were on hand to honor Coppola, while Andy Garcia and Debbie Allen celebrated Sandoval.
