Tuesday 6th December, 2016
Every year, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts selects artists from across a broad spectrum to receive the Kennedy Center Honors.
This year the gospel and rhythm and blues life-time achievement award recipient is Mavis Staples, who has been called an alchemist of American music, crossing musical lines and categories and enhancing just about every form of modern popular music through her participation.
Mavis started recording with the the Staples singers, which included her father and her brother and sisters. She has ranged across the American music, with freedom songs of the Civil Rights era, gospel and folk songs and such familiar songs as “I’ll Take You There” and ”Respect Yourself.” Her collaborations speak volumes; she inspired Bob Dylan and Prince and collaborated with Billy Preston, Zack Brown, Ry Cooder, Chuck D, Willie Nelson, and Van.
“These honorees,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein, “represent what is possible when creativity is not just cultivated but unleashed.”
Van would like to send his warmest congratulations to Mavis, and to this year’s honorees; the Eagles, Al Pacino, James Taylor and Martha Argerich.
Article source: ‘The GeorgeTowner’ link: http://www.georgetowner.com/articles/2016/dec/01/kennedy-center-names/
