2010 Kennedy Center Honors Recipients

Every year Kennedy Center Honors are bestowed on individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of achievement in performing arts. The recipients of the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors are Merle Haggard, Jerry Herman, Bill T. Jones, Paul McCartney, and Oprah Winfrey.

The honors and celebrations of the careers of each of these performing arts legends will be celebrated at a gala at the Kennedy Center on December 5, 2010. The event will air December 28, 2010 on CBS, 9-11pm ET.

Kennedy Center Honors - Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard is being honored by the Kennedy Center for his renowned country music career that has spanned . Upon induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame Haggard was called one of country music's "most versatile artists." His influence on country music as a singer and song writer is both broad and deep.

A rebellious youth, it is quite possibly country music that helped Merle Haggard salvage his life. His father died when he was a boy, and he was given to boughts of rebellion and running away. He taught himself how to play the fiddle, an instrument he had seen and heard his father play and later learned the guitar.

According to Merle Haggard's own words honesty is an earmark of his music, and that is what the people want to hear. Haggard has certainly provided it over the years and well deserves the Kennedy Center Honors.

Kennedy Center Honors - Jerry Herman
While his name may not be as widely known as some of the other Kennedy Center Honors Recipients, his influence on American culture through the performing arts is no less striking. Jerry Herman is the composer of a number of long running Broadway hits that have influenced generations. He is no stranger to arts and entertainment aficionados.

Jerry Herman's outlook is reflected in his music. He knows how to share a heaping portion of optimism and joy. His musical creations are infectious, and his is another well earned honor.

Kennedy Center Honors - Bill T. Jones
Choreographer, dancer, and director Bill T. Jones' influence can be measured by the genius and innovation he has contributed to performing arts. Bill T. Jones has used his gifted artistry to expand our understanding of music, dance, and most importantly ourselves.

Bill T. Jones seems to have broken the rules of life, by living outside the box and reaching for his dreams, and the rules of music and dance to bring vitality and life to his productions. Jones is a Tony Award winning Kennedy Center Honoree.

Kennedy Center Honors - Paul McCartney
Little needs to be said about the influence of Paul McCartney. Since before Paul McCartney arrived in the United States with the Beatles the influence of the group was felt far and wide. The reaches of Paul McCartney's influence has extended far beyond the iconic Beatle's Band, but the impact of Paul McCartney and the Beatles shaped the future of music forever.

Paul McCartney has continued to touch the hearts and stir the souls of generations with his musical compositions and song. Touching the heart of our culture and the lives of individuals through his passion and calling. It is quite appropriate that Paul McCartney be honored by the Kennedy Center for his lifetime of contribution to the art and soul of humankind.

Kennedy Center Honors - Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is the only woman honored this year by the Kennedy Center lifetime achievement awards. Somehow, that is okay, because Oprah Winfrey has lead and life and touched others in a way that represents every woman. Oprah had the courage to be open and forthright about a myriad of issues which were previously ignored in public and swept under the rug.

Oprah Winfrey has earned the right to be honored by the Kennedy Center by virtue of presenting the face of truth through television, writing, and acting. She has used her performance and entertainment platform to be an advocate for humanity.

The Kennedy Center Honors is a celebration of the lives and contributions of the honorees . It is festive event with surprise performances. No one, including the honorees, knows who will perform until they step onto the stage - making the event an exciting and fun-filled night for everyone.

The Kennedy Center Honors have become an honored tradition since 1978. Unlike any other honors or awards this is a non-competitive night to pay tribute to the timeless contributions of performing arts best and brightest artists who have inspired, challenged, and entertained us.

Sources:
Bill Jones, Kennedy-center.org
Jerry Herman, Kennedy-center.org
Kennedy Center Honors
Merle Haggard, Kennedy-center.org
Paul McCartney, Kennedy-center.org