By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — A longtime musical legend and a contemporary performer who has excelled in both hip-hop and acting circles were among the list of distinguished artists named to receive 2023 Kennedy Center Honors last Thursday
The great Dionne Warwick and Queen Latifah, currently star of the CBS show “The Equalizer,” will join Barry Gibb, longtime actor and comedian Billy Crystal and multi-Grammy Award winning opera singer Renee Fleming as this year’s recipents of the 46th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievement.
The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made profound contributions to the cultural life of our nation,” wrote David M. Rubenstein, chairman of the Kennedy Center, in a press statement issued Thursday. In praising Warwick, Rubenstein said, “Soulful songstress Dionne Warwick has blazed a trail with her signature voice, scintillating presence, and trove of hits that has become a soundtrack of inspiration for generations of artists and audiences.” Warwick, 82, wrote of the honor in a statement, “I’m exceptionally happy to be honored by the Kennedy Center. It’s very exciting to be recognized for my contributions to the music industry for the past 60 years.” He called Queen Latifah, 53, “The First Lady of Hip Hop.’ Latifah has won both Grammy and Emmy Awards. Rubenstein added that she had “shaped and innovated the art form in its earliest days, representing Black women everywhere and using the idiom to become a powerful voice for change.”
Latifah said she was “humbled” by the recognition in a statement: “When we started on this journey decades ago, we were often told, ‘No.’ No, you won’t be able to leave New Jersey. No, if you rap you can’t sing. No, singers can’t become actresses. No, actors can’t also produce. To now be recognized amongst so many multi-hyphenates feels unbelievable, not for just me and my team, but for our community. The work the Kennedy Center does is immeasurable so I’m beyond grateful for this recognition,” she continued. Her induction is also timely as the 2023 ceremony will include a tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. “Hip-hop has been an important, thriving art form here at the Center for a number of years,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter in a statement. “What a privilege it is to bestow an Honors to the First Lady of Hip Hop who has inspired us along the way.”
The 64-year-old Fleming has won five Grammys, earning the nickname “America’s soprano.” Rubenstein said Fleming has “captivated audiences worldwide with her luminous voice, incomparable artistry, and a knack for bringing opera into the mainstream for more than four decades.” Fleming said in a statement that it’s “thrilling” to be included in this year’s group: “This award demonstrates the richness and range of the performing arts in our country, and the Kennedy Center’s celebration is a powerful expression of our culture. Music has defined the arc of my life, giving voice to an introverted child, taking me to places I never dreamed of visiting and people I never dreamed of meeting. Most of all, it has shown me the enormous potential for healing and joy that the arts offer everyone. Having looked with awe at the Honorees in that box at the Kennedy Center Opera House, I’m incredibly grateful to think I will be among them.”
Crystal, 75, has won both Emmy and Tony awards, and his best known roles included starring in “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “Monsters, Inc., as well as such television shows as “Soap.” Rubenstein called Crystal “A true comedic icon and multi-talented artist since the 1980s who has kept millions laughing around the world, Billy Crystal is responsible for some of the most memorable stand-up moments and hilarious Hollywood scenes in the last half-century.”
Crystal acknowledged being “overwhelmed” by the honor in a statement: “I started performing when I was five years old, making my parents and family laugh. Those laughs have carried me my entire life and career. I so wish they could be at the Kennedy Center for this glorious occasion. It has been a thrilling lifetime of performing in so many different arenas and my heart is full of gratitude to the Kennedy Center, my wife Janice, my children and grandchildren, our family and friends, and all the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. And finally, of course, my wonderful fans.”
The formal ceremony will be held Dec. 3 at the JFK Center in Washington D.C. Vocalist Gloria Estefan will serve as host of the event for the third time, and it will air on CBS (locally WTVF-5) and stream on Paramount+.
