Tonight’s Kennedy Center Honors: Must-See Tributes to Grateful Dead & Bonnie Raitt – You Won’t Believe the Showstoppers

The 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors gala will celebrate a diverse group of legendary figures and one iconic institution, recognizing their profound impact on the arts and culture. Among this year’s honorees is the Grateful Dead, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band whose groundbreaking sound and countercultural influence have made them one of the most enduring and beloved acts in music history. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist Bonnie Raitt will also be honored for her extraordinary contributions to blues, rock, and roots music, as well as her powerful advocacy work.

The evening will pay tribute to Academy Award-winning filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, renowned for his masterful storytelling in classics like The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now, which have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Cuban-American jazz icon Arturo Sandoval, a virtuoso trumpeter, pianist, and composer, will be recognized for his pioneering artistry and dedication to preserving and advancing jazz music.

In a historic first, the Kennedy Center will also honor an institution: The Apollo Theater. Located in Harlem, New York City, The Apollo has long been a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural significance, serving as a launchpad for countless legendary performers and a symbol of Black creativity and achievement in the arts. This year’s gala promises to be a powerful celebration of creativity, talent, and the enduring legacy of these remarkable honorees.

The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony is known for its heartfelt tributes and performances, where fellow artists celebrate the careers and contributions of the honorees. This year’s event continued that tradition with a stunning array of performances and testimonials tailored to each recipient.

Bonnie Raitt’s timeless impact on music was honored through a poignant rendition of her classic song Angel from Montgomery, performed by Emmylou Harris and Dave Matthews, with a heartfelt speech from Sheryl Crow, who praised Raitt’s influence on her career. The Grateful Dead received a warm tribute from actors Miles Teller and Chloë Sevigny, as well as talk show icon David Letterman, who reflected on the band’s enduring legacy. Additionally, the band was celebrated with personal testimonials from its peers, highlighting its monumental role in shaping the rock genre.

Legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, the creative force behind cinematic masterpieces like The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now, was honored by past Kennedy Center honorees and Hollywood luminaries. Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Al Pacino, and George Lucas paid tribute to Coppola’s groundbreaking contributions to film and his mentorship of the next generation of storytellers.

Arturo Sandoval, the celebrated Cuban-American jazz musician, was celebrated through electrifying performances that showcased his wide-ranging influence on music. Trombone Shorty delivered a lively brass performance, flamenco dancer Timo Nuñez added a fiery touch, and pianist Chucho Valdés, one of Sandoval’s original bandmates, brought an intimate connection to the tribute.

For the first time in Kennedy Center history, an institution—the iconic Apollo Theater—was among the honorees. The Apollo’s cultural significance was brought to life through a blend of performances and stories. Musical numbers by The War and Treaty, tap dancing by the incomparable Savion Glover, and comedic insights from Dave Chappelle showcased the theater’s rich legacy as a hub for Black creativity and entertainment.

To watch the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors tonight at 8:30 PM Eastern Time, tune in via CBS. Viewers can access the broadcast through a traditional cable subscription, a TV antenna, or live TV streaming services such as Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV. Additionally, the ceremony is available on Paramount+ with Showtime, which provides access to live local CBS programming. For those unable to watch live, the event will be available on-demand for all Paramount+ subscribers starting Sunday, December 22.