1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Downloaded from YTS.MX 2 00:00:02,034 --> 00:00:03,068 ♪ 3 00:00:07,344 --> 00:00:10,517 Welcome to the Kennedy Center Opera House, 4 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX 5 00:00:10,551 --> 00:00:13,448 a living memorial to the legacy of the great 6 00:00:13,482 --> 00:00:18,000 President John F. Kennedy, who once said 7 00:00:18,034 --> 00:00:21,172 that if more politicians knew poetry, 8 00:00:21,206 --> 00:00:24,137 and more poets knew politics, 9 00:00:24,172 --> 00:00:27,000 I am convinced the world would be a little better place. 10 00:00:27,034 --> 00:00:29,758 This national cultural center 11 00:00:29,793 --> 00:00:32,551 was created for all Americans. 12 00:00:32,586 --> 00:00:35,517 Poets, politicians, 13 00:00:35,551 --> 00:00:37,862 and everyone in between. 14 00:00:37,896 --> 00:00:40,310 Art doesn't care where you're from. 15 00:00:40,344 --> 00:00:43,034 Or what you look like. 16 00:00:43,068 --> 00:00:45,379 Art can be small, 17 00:00:45,413 --> 00:00:47,517 or it can be very big. 18 00:00:47,551 --> 00:00:50,413 And it can be any color of the rainbow. 19 00:00:50,448 --> 00:00:52,172 Like yellow, heh. 20 00:00:52,206 --> 00:00:53,172 Big and yellow. 21 00:00:53,206 --> 00:00:55,551 Sounds like me. 22 00:00:57,000 --> 00:00:58,586 That's right, Big Bird. 23 00:00:58,620 --> 00:01:00,586 Art has the power 24 00:01:00,620 --> 00:01:02,620 to bring us together 25 00:01:02,655 --> 00:01:05,034 by breaking down barriers 26 00:01:05,068 --> 00:01:08,103 and highlighting our shared humanity. 27 00:01:08,137 --> 00:01:10,103 That's why we're here. 28 00:01:10,137 --> 00:01:12,827 At tonight we'll tell you the stories 29 00:01:12,862 --> 00:01:17,482 of five artists who continue the legacy 30 00:01:17,517 --> 00:01:21,931 of the 244 honorees who came before them. 31 00:01:21,965 --> 00:01:25,655 They are stories of tenacity, 32 00:01:25,689 --> 00:01:27,793 stories of faith, 33 00:01:27,827 --> 00:01:31,793 stories of unfettered creativity 34 00:01:31,827 --> 00:01:34,034 and stories of endurance. 35 00:01:34,068 --> 00:01:38,137 And I know a little about that. 36 00:01:38,172 --> 00:01:42,137 We're all honored to be part of this legacy. 37 00:01:42,172 --> 00:01:45,068 And we're thrilled to welcome the 45th class 38 00:01:45,103 --> 00:01:47,275 of Kennedy Center Honorees. 39 00:01:50,931 --> 00:01:55,586 Acclaimed actor and filmmaker George Clooney. 40 00:02:00,827 --> 00:02:04,482 The legendary Empress of Soul, 41 00:02:04,517 --> 00:02:06,310 Gladys Knight. 42 00:02:09,241 --> 00:02:13,586 The Queen of Christian Pop, Amy Grant. 43 00:02:17,172 --> 00:02:20,000 Pulitzer Prize-winning composer 44 00:02:20,034 --> 00:02:23,000 and music ambassador Tania León. 45 00:02:27,068 --> 00:02:30,137 Iconic rock band U2! 46 00:02:42,275 --> 00:02:44,689 Friends of the arts 47 00:02:44,724 --> 00:02:47,137 the Vice President of the United States 48 00:02:47,172 --> 00:02:51,310 and the Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. 49 00:02:54,034 --> 00:02:55,103 Friends of the arts 50 00:02:55,137 --> 00:02:58,655 the President of the United States 51 00:02:58,689 --> 00:03:01,517 and First Lady Jill Biden. 52 00:03:10,655 --> 00:03:12,620 ♪ 53 00:03:13,620 --> 00:03:15,068 ANNOUNCER: From Washington, D.C., 54 00:03:15,103 --> 00:03:17,827 and The United States National Cultural Center, 55 00:03:17,862 --> 00:03:20,344 it's the Kennedy Center Honors. 56 00:03:22,931 --> 00:03:24,275 BROOKS: First of all, 57 00:03:24,310 --> 00:03:25,413 you're talking about one of the greatest voices 58 00:03:25,448 --> 00:03:26,793 we've ever had. 59 00:03:26,827 --> 00:03:29,034 Not to mention one of the most gorgeous creatures 60 00:03:29,068 --> 00:03:31,172 we've ever seen inside and out, too. 61 00:03:31,206 --> 00:03:32,965 I'm gonna quote Gladys here, she says, 62 00:03:33,000 --> 00:03:34,448 "Bring on the pain. 63 00:03:34,482 --> 00:03:35,655 "Bring on the glory. 64 00:03:35,689 --> 00:03:38,137 "I will be in this fight to share my gifts, 65 00:03:38,172 --> 00:03:41,068 to enjoy my blessings, and to be loved." 66 00:03:55,689 --> 00:04:00,034 ANNOUNCER: Please welcome rapper, actor, and 2017 Kennedy Center Honoree 67 00:04:00,068 --> 00:04:01,482 LL Cool J. 68 00:04:02,724 --> 00:04:06,275 Just like stars in the night sky, 69 00:04:06,310 --> 00:04:09,827 Gladys Knight illuminates everything and everyone 70 00:04:09,862 --> 00:04:11,931 in her orbit. 71 00:04:11,965 --> 00:04:13,620 But make no mistake: 72 00:04:13,655 --> 00:04:15,310 she's no ordinary star. 73 00:04:15,344 --> 00:04:18,689 No matter what Gladys is singing, 74 00:04:18,724 --> 00:04:24,241 she connects with you on a deeper, spiritual level. 75 00:04:24,275 --> 00:04:25,931 I once heard Gladys 76 00:04:25,965 --> 00:04:28,068 sing the ABCs and I thought I was in church. 77 00:04:28,103 --> 00:04:29,068 True story. 78 00:04:31,793 --> 00:04:37,034 That's the real reason why she's known as the Empress of Soul. 79 00:04:38,241 --> 00:04:39,896 Gladys is gospel. 80 00:04:39,931 --> 00:04:43,482 She's country. She's rock 'n' roll. 81 00:04:43,517 --> 00:04:45,482 And of course, hip-hop. 82 00:04:46,896 --> 00:04:48,275 A lot of artists have sampled her music, 83 00:04:48,310 --> 00:04:50,241 so on behalf of the culture, I just want to say, 84 00:04:50,275 --> 00:04:52,413 thank you, Gladys. 85 00:04:52,448 --> 00:04:54,517 You truly are an inspiration. 86 00:04:54,551 --> 00:04:56,034 Not just to me, 87 00:04:56,068 --> 00:04:58,862 but to everyone who has been blessed to orbit your star. 88 00:04:58,896 --> 00:05:01,241 Wouldn't be here without you. 89 00:05:02,068 --> 00:05:04,758 Please welcome Garth Brooks. 90 00:05:14,620 --> 00:05:17,793 Gladys has roots in country music. 91 00:05:17,827 --> 00:05:20,275 As a matter of fact, her biggest hit started 92 00:05:20,310 --> 00:05:22,241 as a country ballad. 93 00:05:22,275 --> 00:05:24,103 After changing a couple of lyrics, 94 00:05:24,137 --> 00:05:27,275 and adding that signature touch of Gladys Knight soul, 95 00:05:27,310 --> 00:05:31,827 what was once "Midnight Plane to Houston"... 96 00:05:35,965 --> 00:05:37,655 True story. 97 00:05:39,275 --> 00:05:42,655 ...became "Midnight Train to Georgia." 98 00:05:42,689 --> 00:05:46,344 And the rest, as they say, is history. 99 00:05:47,413 --> 00:05:50,793 But to do this song right, 100 00:05:50,827 --> 00:05:52,310 and to do Gladys right, 101 00:05:52,344 --> 00:05:53,482 we're gonna need us 102 00:05:53,517 --> 00:05:55,034 The Pips. 103 00:05:55,068 --> 00:05:57,655 ♪ 104 00:06:00,344 --> 00:06:02,275 Yeah. Yeah. 105 00:08:25,551 --> 00:08:28,034 ♪ 106 00:08:50,206 --> 00:08:51,827 WESLEY MORRIS: Anybody who's heard Gladys Knight 107 00:08:51,862 --> 00:08:54,172 knows the strength of that voice. 108 00:08:57,965 --> 00:09:00,827 MORRIS: This meaty, mighty, textured instrument 109 00:09:00,862 --> 00:09:02,206 of deceptive elegance 110 00:09:02,241 --> 00:09:04,655 and tremendous emotional urgency. 111 00:09:09,206 --> 00:09:12,724 Why does Gladys Knight need to sound strong? 112 00:09:12,758 --> 00:09:15,689 Because her art is the opposite of strength. 113 00:09:15,724 --> 00:09:17,620 Why should any of us fear vulnerability 114 00:09:17,655 --> 00:09:20,862 when this woman sounds so powerful confessing hers? 115 00:09:25,517 --> 00:09:28,310 MORRIS: Gladys grew up in the Atlanta of the 1940s 116 00:09:28,344 --> 00:09:31,034 and 1950s, one of Merald Knight Sr. 117 00:09:31,068 --> 00:09:33,448 and Sarah Woods' four children, 118 00:09:33,482 --> 00:09:35,758 America would've first seen and heard her sing in 1952 119 00:09:35,793 --> 00:09:38,655 on the Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour. 120 00:09:38,689 --> 00:09:40,034 GLADYS KNIGHT: If I win tonight, I'll feel 121 00:09:40,068 --> 00:09:41,655 like Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland 122 00:09:41,689 --> 00:09:42,896 all rolled into one. 123 00:09:42,931 --> 00:09:44,344 TED MACK: Well, that'll be fine, 124 00:09:44,379 --> 00:09:47,206 just as long as you still sing like Gladys Knight. 125 00:09:47,241 --> 00:09:49,517 KNIGHT: That's the only way I know how, Mr. Mack. 126 00:09:49,551 --> 00:09:51,137 MORRIS: She won, of course. 127 00:09:51,172 --> 00:09:53,827 And the urge to sing for people burned in her. 128 00:09:53,862 --> 00:09:57,655 After her television debut, she sang in local talent shows 129 00:09:57,689 --> 00:09:59,862 with her family performing as The Pips. 130 00:09:59,896 --> 00:10:02,103 I have two cousins, William and Edward 131 00:10:02,137 --> 00:10:03,137 and my brother, Merald. 132 00:10:03,172 --> 00:10:04,275 Yeah. 133 00:10:04,310 --> 00:10:06,620 MORRIS: But the 1950s and '60s 134 00:10:06,655 --> 00:10:07,931 were terrible times for Black performers 135 00:10:07,965 --> 00:10:09,344 in this country. 136 00:10:09,379 --> 00:10:12,241 Racism everywhere, promoters refusing to pay, 137 00:10:12,275 --> 00:10:14,034 fourth-rate lodging, threats on the road, 138 00:10:14,068 --> 00:10:16,896 you had to be strong out there. 139 00:10:19,482 --> 00:10:20,827 It's a strength that doesn't seek to 140 00:10:20,862 --> 00:10:23,034 change the world or break the sound barrier. 141 00:10:23,068 --> 00:10:25,655 It's a strength that wants to sing what we all know 142 00:10:25,689 --> 00:10:27,413 and what we all have been through. 143 00:10:27,448 --> 00:10:29,275 And she's never been afraid to show us 144 00:10:29,310 --> 00:10:30,655 how intense devotion can sound. 145 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:40,758 MORRIS: And evidently Gladys's kind of strength proved contagious. 146 00:10:40,793 --> 00:10:45,310 For here is a woman backed by, backedup by three men. 147 00:10:45,344 --> 00:10:47,896 Three men whose bodies move in time with hers. 148 00:10:47,931 --> 00:10:50,344 The Pips respond to her call. 149 00:10:50,379 --> 00:10:51,896 They follow her lead. 150 00:10:53,103 --> 00:10:55,137 MORRIS: Speak, we'll listen. 151 00:10:55,172 --> 00:10:57,034 Fall, we'll catch you. 152 00:11:02,517 --> 00:11:04,827 MORRIS: For more than 60 years, Gladys Knight 153 00:11:04,862 --> 00:11:07,482 has opened up her heart more than any of us would dare. 154 00:11:07,517 --> 00:11:09,448 And achieved something extraordinary, 155 00:11:09,482 --> 00:11:13,034 -but also inevitable. -Ms. Gladys Knight! 156 00:11:13,068 --> 00:11:16,344 MORRIS: She's pulled us firmly into her orbit and... 157 00:11:23,000 --> 00:11:25,103 ANNOUNCER: Please welcome Academy Award winner 158 00:11:25,137 --> 00:11:27,551 Ariana DeBose. 159 00:11:28,896 --> 00:11:30,482 So, growing up in North Carolina, 160 00:11:30,517 --> 00:11:33,344 I'd be in the car with my grandma, 161 00:11:33,379 --> 00:11:35,068 and as we drive down the road, 162 00:11:35,103 --> 00:11:37,413 we'd be listening to Motown. 163 00:11:37,448 --> 00:11:40,724 And that is when I first heard Ms. Gladys Knight sing 164 00:11:40,758 --> 00:11:43,689 "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." 165 00:11:43,724 --> 00:11:46,448 And in that moment, man, that voice, 166 00:11:46,482 --> 00:11:47,931 it changed my world. 167 00:11:47,965 --> 00:11:50,586 I thank you, Gladys, 168 00:11:50,620 --> 00:11:53,896 and I thank our musical director tonight, Ricky Minor, 169 00:11:53,931 --> 00:11:56,000 for this very special arrangement of 170 00:11:56,034 --> 00:11:58,000 "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." 171 00:12:00,689 --> 00:12:02,689 ♪ 172 00:13:44,206 --> 00:13:47,241 ♪ 173 00:14:00,068 --> 00:14:01,379 ♪ 174 00:14:08,172 --> 00:14:09,206 ♪ 175 00:14:53,172 --> 00:14:54,586 ANNOUNCER: Mickey Guyton, Arianna DeBose 176 00:14:54,620 --> 00:14:57,068 and Patti LaBelle show what friends are for 177 00:14:57,103 --> 00:14:58,827 as our tribute to Gladys Knight continues. 178 00:14:58,862 --> 00:15:01,137 And, later, the stars come together 179 00:15:01,172 --> 00:15:02,517 to salute Irish mega band U2. 180 00:15:02,551 --> 00:15:05,758 The Kennedy Center Honors. This is CBS. 181 00:15:05,793 --> 00:15:09,034 Sponsored by Progressive Insurance. 182 00:15:09,068 --> 00:15:12,517 Save when you bundle auto, home or motorcycle insurance. 183 00:15:19,655 --> 00:15:22,310 Gladys, your voice has spoken to what breaks our hearts, 184 00:15:22,344 --> 00:15:25,068 what tears us apart, what lifts our spirits, 185 00:15:25,103 --> 00:15:26,137 what brings us together. 186 00:15:26,172 --> 00:15:28,034 You're truly one of the best things 187 00:15:28,068 --> 00:15:30,034 ever to happen to any of us. 188 00:15:34,275 --> 00:15:37,827 ANNOUNCER: Please welcome back LL Cool J. 189 00:15:37,862 --> 00:15:40,413 Gladys's music empowers the listener, 190 00:15:40,448 --> 00:15:42,758 but also serves as a blueprint 191 00:15:42,793 --> 00:15:44,620 for other artists who would follow. 192 00:15:44,655 --> 00:15:46,000 Like this next artist, 193 00:15:46,034 --> 00:15:48,448 who is carving her own unique path. 194 00:15:48,482 --> 00:15:51,068 Please welcome Mickey Guyton! 195 00:15:57,103 --> 00:15:59,344 They say don't ever meet your heroes. 196 00:15:59,379 --> 00:16:01,413 And they will disappoint you. 197 00:16:01,448 --> 00:16:03,965 But that is not true with Gladys. 198 00:16:04,000 --> 00:16:05,862 I got to perform with her last year 199 00:16:05,896 --> 00:16:09,068 and she made me feel like I was part of her family. 200 00:16:09,103 --> 00:16:13,655 Gladys, this song is how we all feel about you. 201 00:18:09,344 --> 00:18:11,482 And now, it's time to bring out 202 00:18:11,517 --> 00:18:14,000 another member of Gladys's extended family 203 00:18:14,034 --> 00:18:16,103 who is a legend in her own right. 204 00:18:16,137 --> 00:18:18,517 Please put your hands together 205 00:18:18,551 --> 00:18:22,379 for the one and only Patti LaBelle! 206 00:18:33,758 --> 00:18:36,793 PATTI LABELLE: My, my, my. 207 00:18:36,827 --> 00:18:40,103 First of all, Gladys, 208 00:18:40,137 --> 00:18:42,103 I have to say things about you 209 00:18:42,137 --> 00:18:44,620 that no people know that I know about you 210 00:18:44,655 --> 00:18:46,655 and feel about you. 211 00:18:46,689 --> 00:18:50,241 For six decades, we've been friends. 212 00:18:50,275 --> 00:18:53,103 We were there for all kinds of laughs and giggles 213 00:18:53,137 --> 00:18:55,793 and cries and hardships. 214 00:18:55,827 --> 00:18:59,344 We toured together. We do everything together. 215 00:18:59,379 --> 00:19:02,379 God knows you're phenomenal. 216 00:19:02,413 --> 00:19:07,344 I am honored to honor you tonight, my darling. 217 00:19:07,379 --> 00:19:10,000 But I can't do it by myself. 218 00:19:10,034 --> 00:19:11,689 I need some friends to come on out here 219 00:19:11,724 --> 00:19:13,137 and sing it with me. Come on, boo boo. 220 00:19:13,172 --> 00:19:16,724 Come on, y'all. Whoo! 221 00:20:03,482 --> 00:20:07,655 -Sing, Garth. 222 00:20:50,793 --> 00:20:52,103 Thank you, Gladys Knight. 223 00:20:52,137 --> 00:20:54,689 -Whoo! 224 00:20:54,724 --> 00:20:57,275 Thank you. 225 00:20:59,068 --> 00:21:01,413 We love you, Gladys. 226 00:21:07,655 --> 00:21:09,793 Julia Roberts, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon 227 00:21:09,827 --> 00:21:11,896 and more lead a star-studded tribute 228 00:21:11,931 --> 00:21:13,137 to George Clooney. 229 00:21:13,172 --> 00:21:14,551 Plus more thrilling performances. 230 00:21:14,586 --> 00:21:17,482 The Kennedy Center Honors will continue. 231 00:21:17,517 --> 00:21:18,517 This is CBS. 232 00:21:23,068 --> 00:21:24,241 One thing I respect most about George, 233 00:21:24,275 --> 00:21:25,482 and I mean this sincerely, 234 00:21:25,517 --> 00:21:26,551 is his deep empathy. 235 00:21:26,586 --> 00:21:29,689 He is unrelenting and undaunted. 236 00:21:29,724 --> 00:21:32,103 That's character, in real life. 237 00:21:32,137 --> 00:21:33,448 And that's George Clooney. 238 00:21:36,413 --> 00:21:38,103 GEORGE CLOONEY: And I've been lucky enough to meet, 239 00:21:38,137 --> 00:21:40,034 you know, millions of people 240 00:21:40,068 --> 00:21:43,310 and they all without exception agree, 241 00:21:43,344 --> 00:21:45,172 "You sucked as Batman." 242 00:21:47,482 --> 00:21:49,655 All together in it. I mean, it's like 243 00:21:49,689 --> 00:21:53,241 we could solve world problems 244 00:21:53,275 --> 00:21:55,413 if we just all could agree on 245 00:21:55,448 --> 00:21:57,586 more than just that I sucked at Batman. 246 00:21:59,172 --> 00:22:02,241 ANNOUNCER: She's one of George Clooney's favorite costars 247 00:22:02,275 --> 00:22:04,000 and one of his closest friends. 248 00:22:04,034 --> 00:22:05,931 Please welcome Julia Roberts. 249 00:22:12,827 --> 00:22:15,068 Wow. 250 00:22:17,068 --> 00:22:19,448 This old thing? What? 251 00:22:19,482 --> 00:22:23,137 I'm here for Gladys Knight, can't you tell? 252 00:22:27,034 --> 00:22:29,310 The Renaissance man. 253 00:22:29,344 --> 00:22:34,379 One who has wide interests and excels in many fields. 254 00:22:34,413 --> 00:22:36,137 Now, to be a Renaissance man, 255 00:22:36,172 --> 00:22:41,344 it is said one must possess these six characteristics. 256 00:22:41,379 --> 00:22:43,655 To be knowledgeable, 257 00:22:43,689 --> 00:22:46,068 artistic, physical, 258 00:22:46,103 --> 00:22:48,551 intelligent, social, 259 00:22:48,586 --> 00:22:52,034 and, well, cool. 260 00:22:52,068 --> 00:22:54,379 Now, I've had the great experience in this life 261 00:22:54,413 --> 00:22:57,344 to meet a lot of deeply interesting people, 262 00:22:57,379 --> 00:23:01,241 people who are gifted, who transform space and time 263 00:23:01,275 --> 00:23:03,275 right before your eyes, 264 00:23:03,310 --> 00:23:07,000 who walk the earth as a kind of poetry. 265 00:23:07,034 --> 00:23:10,068 And I can tell you in a group of these mentors, 266 00:23:10,103 --> 00:23:12,896 these blessed and impactful folks, 267 00:23:12,931 --> 00:23:14,896 that my friend George Clooney 268 00:23:14,931 --> 00:23:17,689 is head and shoulders above the crowd. 269 00:23:23,689 --> 00:23:26,758 Maybe it is the small-town Southern girl in me 270 00:23:26,793 --> 00:23:30,068 that responds to the uniquely small-town Southern boy 271 00:23:30,103 --> 00:23:34,275 in him, but I've just always felt that I really see George, 272 00:23:34,310 --> 00:23:36,482 and he really sees me. 273 00:23:36,517 --> 00:23:38,103 He is the best combination 274 00:23:38,137 --> 00:23:40,482 of gentleman and playmate. 275 00:23:40,517 --> 00:23:42,034 Over the years, 276 00:23:42,068 --> 00:23:47,241 I've come to realize that George and I agree on most things. 277 00:23:47,275 --> 00:23:50,413 Music, what old movies we treasure, 278 00:23:50,448 --> 00:23:52,103 which one of us is funnier. 279 00:23:57,448 --> 00:23:59,586 And the great satisfaction 280 00:23:59,620 --> 00:24:03,482 of sitting down at a bar for a drink, for a conversation, 281 00:24:03,517 --> 00:24:06,137 to learn, to connect with the world and each other, 282 00:24:06,172 --> 00:24:09,413 to share time and hold space with friends 283 00:24:09,448 --> 00:24:11,931 in an almost sacred way. 284 00:24:11,965 --> 00:24:14,862 In a bar like this. 285 00:24:14,896 --> 00:24:16,655 ♪ 286 00:24:16,689 --> 00:24:20,448 This is exactly the type of bar that George loves. 287 00:24:20,482 --> 00:24:24,379 Warm, cozy, and with the people that he loves, 288 00:24:24,413 --> 00:24:25,931 that love him. 289 00:24:25,965 --> 00:24:27,310 Here we are. 290 00:24:27,344 --> 00:24:32,310 In this bar, George, all of our friends are here. 291 00:24:32,344 --> 00:24:34,344 I'm Dianne Reeves, 292 00:24:34,379 --> 00:24:38,413 and this is the kind of place I like to perform in. 293 00:24:38,448 --> 00:24:40,793 And this is a song I did 294 00:24:40,827 --> 00:24:44,689 for George Clooney's Good Night and Good Luck. 295 00:26:45,103 --> 00:26:47,103 -Thank you. 296 00:26:47,137 --> 00:26:49,862 And a special thanks 297 00:26:49,896 --> 00:26:54,413 to the man without whom George would not be here, 298 00:26:54,448 --> 00:26:56,931 his dad, Nick Clooney. 299 00:26:56,965 --> 00:26:58,965 -Mwah! 300 00:26:59,000 --> 00:27:01,241 -Thank you so much. 301 00:27:01,275 --> 00:27:02,241 Thank you. 302 00:27:02,275 --> 00:27:04,896 So much. 303 00:27:07,137 --> 00:27:10,517 It was 1968. 304 00:27:10,551 --> 00:27:12,551 Bad year for our country. 305 00:27:12,586 --> 00:27:16,034 I was hosting a TV show 306 00:27:16,068 --> 00:27:20,517 when Dr. King was murdered in Memphis. 307 00:27:20,551 --> 00:27:25,724 And I was writing some remarks for my show 308 00:27:25,758 --> 00:27:29,689 when my family joined me in the green room. 309 00:27:29,724 --> 00:27:35,551 Seven-year-old George had a large paper bag in his hand. 310 00:27:35,586 --> 00:27:39,758 I asked him what in the world was in the bag? 311 00:27:39,793 --> 00:27:41,517 Well, he went to the coffee table. 312 00:27:41,551 --> 00:27:46,896 He turned the bag upside down. 313 00:27:46,931 --> 00:27:52,827 Out poured all of his toy guns, 314 00:27:52,862 --> 00:27:55,448 landing with a clatter. 315 00:27:55,482 --> 00:28:01,862 And he said, "Pop, I don't want these anymore. 316 00:28:01,896 --> 00:28:05,103 None of them. Never." 317 00:28:05,137 --> 00:28:09,137 Well, I tore up my speech. 318 00:28:09,172 --> 00:28:14,068 Nothing I would have written would've been nearly as eloquent 319 00:28:14,103 --> 00:28:17,758 as what George had just done and said. 320 00:28:17,793 --> 00:28:24,586 He has never stopped from that day to this, surprising me. 321 00:28:24,620 --> 00:28:28,275 Never stopped growing. Never stopped learning. 322 00:28:28,310 --> 00:28:32,931 And George's best and most important work 323 00:28:32,965 --> 00:28:36,137 is still ahead of him. 324 00:28:36,172 --> 00:28:38,586 -If I didn't mention it, 325 00:28:38,620 --> 00:28:42,000 I was and I am, 326 00:28:42,034 --> 00:28:44,896 and I will always be 327 00:28:44,931 --> 00:28:50,862 very proud to be the father of George Clooney. 328 00:29:03,241 --> 00:29:05,517 I'm Richard Kind. 329 00:29:05,551 --> 00:29:07,482 I first met George over 30 years ago. 330 00:29:07,517 --> 00:29:10,758 We played brothers on a failed sitcom pilot. 331 00:29:10,793 --> 00:29:14,034 Now, at the time, I was such a good actor 332 00:29:14,068 --> 00:29:17,206 that I was the handsome brother. 333 00:29:17,241 --> 00:29:20,448 -But through tenacity and hard work, 334 00:29:20,482 --> 00:29:25,034 George became handsomer and ultimately a movie star. 335 00:29:25,068 --> 00:29:27,896 I decided to go in a different direction. 336 00:29:29,551 --> 00:29:31,758 Now, getting to be a classic movie star 337 00:29:31,793 --> 00:29:33,275 didn't happen overnight. 338 00:29:33,310 --> 00:29:36,413 His meteoric rise took about 15 years 339 00:29:36,448 --> 00:29:38,448 and he was saddled with such movies as 340 00:29:38,482 --> 00:29:41,689 Grizzly II, Return to Horror High, 341 00:29:41,724 --> 00:29:45,275 Combat Highand Return of the Killer Tomatoes. 342 00:29:47,000 --> 00:29:48,655 But I contend 343 00:29:48,689 --> 00:29:51,655 that George Clooney would not be the man he is today 344 00:29:51,689 --> 00:29:54,068 if he had not taken that journey. 345 00:29:54,103 --> 00:29:58,586 The man and the actor were prepared for success. 346 00:29:58,620 --> 00:30:01,344 Now, he and I used to watch old movies. 347 00:30:01,379 --> 00:30:06,034 The actor that he always loved was Spencer Tracy. 348 00:30:06,068 --> 00:30:08,862 And the performance that always hit home for George 349 00:30:08,896 --> 00:30:11,689 was-was Spencer Tracy in the movie 350 00:30:11,724 --> 00:30:13,517 Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. 351 00:30:13,551 --> 00:30:17,034 Because in the final scene he looks straight 352 00:30:17,068 --> 00:30:19,551 into the actor's eyes, who he's talking to, 353 00:30:19,586 --> 00:30:23,793 and he simply tells the truth. 354 00:30:23,827 --> 00:30:27,620 He says to the interracial couple, quote, 355 00:30:27,655 --> 00:30:32,344 "If you two feel for each other 356 00:30:32,379 --> 00:30:35,724 "half of what I felt for my wife... 357 00:30:36,965 --> 00:30:38,517 ...it's everything." 358 00:30:40,103 --> 00:30:43,034 Everything that you are, George, 359 00:30:43,068 --> 00:30:48,034 the actor, the producer, the writer, the director, 360 00:30:48,068 --> 00:30:51,551 is embodied in that final speech. 361 00:30:51,586 --> 00:30:53,379 The truth of the moment. 362 00:30:53,413 --> 00:30:58,103 The inherent liberal goodness of humanity. 363 00:30:58,137 --> 00:31:03,103 An unshakable morality delivered in quality entertainment. 364 00:31:03,137 --> 00:31:07,413 Because that is George Clooney, the artist. 365 00:31:07,448 --> 00:31:13,620 And that is George Clooney, the man. 366 00:31:18,103 --> 00:31:21,310 Now, let's take a look at a film about 367 00:31:21,344 --> 00:31:24,000 my great friend George Clooney narrated by another one of his 368 00:31:24,034 --> 00:31:26,862 great friends, Brad Pitt. 369 00:31:31,241 --> 00:31:33,344 BRAD PITT: If you're George Clooney, 370 00:31:33,379 --> 00:31:34,862 it's all about choices. 371 00:31:34,896 --> 00:31:37,379 The decisions to move through life 372 00:31:37,413 --> 00:31:39,827 always reaching for the things that stretch you, 373 00:31:39,862 --> 00:31:42,448 the roles that challenge you, and the moments that show you 374 00:31:42,482 --> 00:31:44,034 who you want to become. 375 00:31:46,379 --> 00:31:47,896 -I'm Frank. -It's Jack. 376 00:31:47,931 --> 00:31:49,000 Dodge Connelly. 377 00:31:49,034 --> 00:31:50,344 I'm Sergeant First Class Lyn Cassady. 378 00:31:50,379 --> 00:31:51,551 -Matt King. -Michael Clayton. 379 00:31:51,586 --> 00:31:53,344 -Dr. Ross. -Daniel Ocean. 380 00:31:55,344 --> 00:31:57,344 George's choices taught him to take control 381 00:31:57,379 --> 00:31:59,000 of his own career. 382 00:31:59,034 --> 00:32:00,689 I just have some unfinished business. 383 00:32:00,724 --> 00:32:01,793 PITT: To always know who he is. 384 00:32:01,827 --> 00:32:04,689 And the roles he wanted to take. 385 00:32:04,724 --> 00:32:07,517 The guy who will take it for the kid. 386 00:32:07,551 --> 00:32:10,068 Action stars. 387 00:32:10,103 --> 00:32:11,379 Leading men. 388 00:32:11,413 --> 00:32:12,689 I knew what I was doing. 389 00:32:12,724 --> 00:32:13,965 PITT: Heroes. 390 00:32:14,000 --> 00:32:15,172 This is why Superman works alone. 391 00:32:15,206 --> 00:32:17,034 PITT: He's shown his willingness 392 00:32:17,068 --> 00:32:18,724 to get beaten up for the right reasons. 393 00:32:18,758 --> 00:32:21,620 -Ah! Not until later. -Sorry, Danny. 394 00:32:21,655 --> 00:32:22,931 I-I forgot. 395 00:32:22,965 --> 00:32:24,068 It's all right. 396 00:32:24,103 --> 00:32:27,379 -Choices come with risk. -Okay. 397 00:32:27,413 --> 00:32:30,241 PITT: But for George, they've come with great reward. 398 00:32:30,275 --> 00:32:32,517 They've enabled him to consistently grow as an artist. 399 00:32:32,551 --> 00:32:35,551 To direct his own films. 400 00:32:35,586 --> 00:32:38,241 To create characters who show the same human progression. 401 00:32:38,275 --> 00:32:39,965 You're either in or you're out. 402 00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:41,517 PITT: And to make art that makes us think 403 00:32:41,551 --> 00:32:44,172 and helps us grow. 404 00:32:44,206 --> 00:32:47,413 Films that leave us contemplating the wonder 405 00:32:47,448 --> 00:32:49,241 of our very existence. 406 00:32:49,275 --> 00:32:51,931 Got to admit one thing. 407 00:32:51,965 --> 00:32:53,931 Can't beat the view. 408 00:32:55,344 --> 00:32:58,103 PITT: George's consciousness and his personal responsibility, 409 00:32:58,137 --> 00:33:01,827 abiding passion and deep convictions 410 00:33:01,862 --> 00:33:03,275 has led him to other choices. 411 00:33:03,310 --> 00:33:05,103 George Clooney, a human rights activist... 412 00:33:05,137 --> 00:33:06,448 Highly respected film director... 413 00:33:06,482 --> 00:33:07,965 NEWSWOMAN: A longtime advocate... 414 00:33:08,000 --> 00:33:09,586 George Clooney was arrested today... 415 00:33:09,620 --> 00:33:11,620 Choices that have led him beyond the screen 416 00:33:11,655 --> 00:33:15,310 and into the daily lives of millions. 417 00:33:17,137 --> 00:33:19,000 George has said that his biggest fear 418 00:33:19,034 --> 00:33:22,034 is doing the same thing ten years from now. 419 00:33:22,068 --> 00:33:24,310 For him, that would be a failure. 420 00:33:24,344 --> 00:33:26,965 Which is why he says he is constantly reassessing, 421 00:33:27,000 --> 00:33:29,310 continually asking himself what he is going to do next 422 00:33:29,344 --> 00:33:33,862 to make it a good, long, full journey. 423 00:33:33,896 --> 00:33:35,758 -All right, you ready? -Whatever his choices 424 00:33:35,793 --> 00:33:37,482 in years to come, they will 425 00:33:37,517 --> 00:33:41,448 continue to contribute to his greatest role ever: 426 00:33:41,482 --> 00:33:44,689 being George Clooney. 427 00:33:58,551 --> 00:34:02,379 Hi. I'm Matt Damon. 428 00:34:02,413 --> 00:34:05,034 And I can no longer read the teleprompter without glasses. 429 00:34:09,068 --> 00:34:12,103 It has been said that my friend George Clooney 430 00:34:12,137 --> 00:34:16,103 is the last of the true movie stars, so... 431 00:34:16,137 --> 00:34:19,275 I got to thinking about what exactly that meant. 432 00:34:19,310 --> 00:34:21,793 Of course, a number of past Kennedy Center Honorees 433 00:34:21,827 --> 00:34:24,068 have certainly been movie stars in that classic sense, 434 00:34:24,103 --> 00:34:26,620 actors with class and sophistication. 435 00:34:26,655 --> 00:34:29,310 Cary Grant and Henry Fonda, 436 00:34:29,344 --> 00:34:32,000 Paul Newman, Gregory Peck. 437 00:34:32,034 --> 00:34:33,275 And then I think of George, 438 00:34:33,310 --> 00:34:36,068 uh, a man who once defecated 439 00:34:36,103 --> 00:34:38,275 in Richard Kind's kitty litter box as a joke. 440 00:34:45,241 --> 00:34:48,413 A man who once stole Bill Clinton's stationery 441 00:34:48,448 --> 00:34:50,241 and wrote fake notes to actors 442 00:34:50,275 --> 00:34:52,965 saying how much the president loved their movies. 443 00:34:55,172 --> 00:34:57,620 And, George, I know a lot of people think you have 444 00:34:57,655 --> 00:34:59,344 movie star looks, but let's be honest, 445 00:34:59,379 --> 00:35:01,655 it takes a village to style a star 446 00:35:01,689 --> 00:35:04,241 and to be Peoplemagazine's Sexiest Man Alive. 447 00:35:04,275 --> 00:35:06,758 I've been there. Those experts can transform anyone. 448 00:35:06,793 --> 00:35:07,931 Even this guy. 449 00:35:07,965 --> 00:35:08,931 There he is. 450 00:35:12,965 --> 00:35:15,413 Yeah, Amal, so that's George Clooney. That is... 451 00:35:16,965 --> 00:35:18,586 ...the Sexiest Man Alive 452 00:35:18,620 --> 00:35:20,413 and you married him, congratulations. 453 00:35:21,965 --> 00:35:25,034 But let's go beyond the haircut, if we possibly can... 454 00:35:26,379 --> 00:35:28,551 ...and talk about George's work. 455 00:35:28,586 --> 00:35:30,689 The Kennedy Center Honor went to Gregory Peck 456 00:35:30,724 --> 00:35:33,034 for playing Atticus Finch, 457 00:35:33,068 --> 00:35:35,896 it went to Henry Fonda for playing Tom Joad, 458 00:35:35,931 --> 00:35:37,793 and George... 459 00:35:40,758 --> 00:35:44,000 George was everyone's sixth favorite Batman. 460 00:35:45,586 --> 00:35:48,413 George, I would never 461 00:35:48,448 --> 00:35:50,689 call you the last true movie star. 462 00:35:50,724 --> 00:35:53,000 Because that would diminish you. 463 00:35:53,034 --> 00:35:56,241 You are one of the most talented people I have ever met 464 00:35:56,275 --> 00:35:58,793 across multiple disciplines. 465 00:35:58,827 --> 00:36:02,034 And here's the thing: if you said to people 466 00:36:02,068 --> 00:36:04,413 that George worked with 20 years ago 467 00:36:04,448 --> 00:36:07,172 that in two decades he'd have two Academy Awards, 468 00:36:07,206 --> 00:36:10,344 he'd be nominated for Oscars in six different categories, 469 00:36:10,379 --> 00:36:13,448 and we'd all be in black tie in this beautiful venue 470 00:36:13,482 --> 00:36:16,344 watching him receive the Kennedy Center Honor, 471 00:36:16,379 --> 00:36:20,034 absolutely none of us would've been surprised. 472 00:36:20,068 --> 00:36:22,068 George, it's been a privilege to work with you 473 00:36:22,103 --> 00:36:24,724 on the hits and the misses. 474 00:36:24,758 --> 00:36:26,862 And it's a privilege to call you my friend. 475 00:36:26,896 --> 00:36:28,379 But still there is this. 476 00:36:28,413 --> 00:36:29,896 There is this, so... 477 00:36:31,068 --> 00:36:34,517 Congratulations. I love you. 478 00:36:34,551 --> 00:36:35,724 Don Cheadle. 479 00:36:47,241 --> 00:36:50,137 ERmade George a TV star. 480 00:36:50,172 --> 00:36:52,103 Out of Sightmade him a movie star. 481 00:36:52,137 --> 00:36:54,482 But it's his passion for bettering society 482 00:36:54,517 --> 00:36:57,206 that led him to what I think is his most important legacy: 483 00:36:57,241 --> 00:36:59,379 his charity work, his advocacy, 484 00:36:59,413 --> 00:37:01,206 and his humanitarianism. 485 00:37:01,241 --> 00:37:03,689 For over a decade, George has worked to bring attention 486 00:37:03,724 --> 00:37:06,034 to the genocide and refugee crisis in Darfur, 487 00:37:06,068 --> 00:37:09,275 and it's been a source of both hope and despair 488 00:37:09,310 --> 00:37:10,586 as you watch even today 489 00:37:10,620 --> 00:37:12,862 the struggles for the planet's newest country 490 00:37:12,896 --> 00:37:14,793 to achieve peace and liberty. 491 00:37:14,827 --> 00:37:16,034 George has been tireless 492 00:37:16,068 --> 00:37:17,068 in raising money for the organization, 493 00:37:17,103 --> 00:37:18,344 Not On Our Watch. 494 00:37:18,379 --> 00:37:21,689 As well as the Satellite Sentinel Project. 495 00:37:21,724 --> 00:37:24,034 And it goes beyond just writing a check for George, 496 00:37:24,068 --> 00:37:27,068 who doesn't just talk the talk, but he walks the walk. 497 00:37:27,103 --> 00:37:29,793 George also embarked on one of 498 00:37:29,827 --> 00:37:32,689 the wisest collaborations of his life when he and Amal 499 00:37:32,724 --> 00:37:35,586 decided to tie the knot, and start a family, 500 00:37:35,620 --> 00:37:37,793 something that many of us thought we would never see 501 00:37:37,827 --> 00:37:39,137 and he would never have the wherewithal 502 00:37:39,172 --> 00:37:40,068 or the good sense to do. 503 00:37:41,206 --> 00:37:43,206 And now not only does the world 504 00:37:43,241 --> 00:37:46,379 have a couple more little Clooneys to chase around, 505 00:37:46,413 --> 00:37:48,137 but we also thankfully have 506 00:37:48,172 --> 00:37:51,241 their Clooney Foundation for Justice. 507 00:37:51,275 --> 00:37:52,586 And this past September, 508 00:37:52,620 --> 00:37:54,689 I was proud to throw in with George once again 509 00:37:54,724 --> 00:37:56,896 cofounding a school in Los Angeles, 510 00:37:56,931 --> 00:37:59,448 the Roybal Film and Television Magnet, 511 00:37:59,482 --> 00:38:02,482 aimed at infusing talented inner city youth directly 512 00:38:02,517 --> 00:38:04,413 into the entertainment industry. 513 00:38:04,448 --> 00:38:08,827 George, you truly are a man of peace, an inspiration, 514 00:38:08,862 --> 00:38:10,689 one of my ride-or-dies, 515 00:38:10,724 --> 00:38:13,655 and, uh, you proved that saints aren't just in heaven, 516 00:38:13,689 --> 00:38:16,655 they can also be found in a bar. 517 00:38:17,689 --> 00:38:19,379 Last call. 518 00:38:20,413 --> 00:38:22,413 ♪ 519 00:38:27,931 --> 00:38:30,517 You are a giant. 520 00:38:30,551 --> 00:38:33,517 You are a beacon truly leading all who know you 521 00:38:33,551 --> 00:38:36,689 to a happier, more fulfilling path. 522 00:38:36,724 --> 00:38:38,965 You are our Renaissance man. 523 00:38:39,000 --> 00:38:42,827 And what a joy to see you honored in this way tonight. 524 00:38:42,862 --> 00:38:44,586 We love you. 525 00:38:53,620 --> 00:38:54,586 Cheers. 526 00:38:54,620 --> 00:38:56,862 Cheers, cheers. 527 00:38:56,896 --> 00:38:59,758 -♪ -To George. 528 00:39:07,413 --> 00:39:08,758 ANNOUNCER: Our tribute to Amy Grant 529 00:39:08,793 --> 00:39:10,103 featuring Sheryl Crow, 530 00:39:10,137 --> 00:39:13,000 Katie Couric, and The Highwomen is next. 531 00:39:13,034 --> 00:39:15,689 Plus later, a special guest from overseas 532 00:39:15,724 --> 00:39:18,068 and Sean Penn celebrate U2. 533 00:39:18,103 --> 00:39:19,103 The Kennedy Center Honors. This is CBS. 534 00:39:29,034 --> 00:39:31,172 ANNOUNCER: Please welcome the chairman of the Kennedy Center, 535 00:39:31,206 --> 00:39:34,000 David Rubenstein. 536 00:39:34,034 --> 00:39:36,000 Since its creation over 50 years ago, 537 00:39:36,034 --> 00:39:38,034 the Kennedy Center has remained true 538 00:39:38,068 --> 00:39:41,689 to its mission of making the arts accessible to all Americans 539 00:39:41,724 --> 00:39:45,103 and serving as a leader in our nation's arts education. 540 00:39:45,137 --> 00:39:47,000 And honoring President Kennedy's vision 541 00:39:47,034 --> 00:39:50,034 of the role that the arts can serve in our society. 542 00:39:50,068 --> 00:39:52,034 Uniting us, inspiring us, and reflecting 543 00:39:52,068 --> 00:39:55,344 the magnificent diversity of the American people. 544 00:39:55,379 --> 00:39:58,103 President Kennedy believed that art is a form of truth, 545 00:39:58,137 --> 00:40:01,931 and attests to the very quality of a nation's civilization. 546 00:40:01,965 --> 00:40:04,137 The arts, their essential truth, 547 00:40:04,172 --> 00:40:06,827 and the legacy of these artists raise our spirits, 548 00:40:06,862 --> 00:40:08,241 bring us together, 549 00:40:08,275 --> 00:40:11,034 and help define that by which our society is remembered. 550 00:40:11,068 --> 00:40:12,310 It is the reason we honor 551 00:40:12,344 --> 00:40:14,862 this year's Kennedy Center Honors recipients 552 00:40:14,896 --> 00:40:18,000 and their unique talents that have enriched us all-- 553 00:40:18,034 --> 00:40:20,310 individually, and enriched our nation. 554 00:40:20,344 --> 00:40:23,620 We are thankful to CBS, to all of you here tonight, 555 00:40:23,655 --> 00:40:25,310 and to the millions watching at home 556 00:40:25,344 --> 00:40:27,344 for your support of the arts. 557 00:40:32,448 --> 00:40:33,827 JOE BIDEN: Amy Grant. 558 00:40:33,862 --> 00:40:38,931 Amy calls music a soul-enlarging experience. 559 00:40:38,965 --> 00:40:42,137 Her voice is a true gift of God that she shares with everyone. 560 00:40:45,551 --> 00:40:49,344 I look at my life and how I see myself, 561 00:40:49,379 --> 00:40:52,689 I just kind of feel like a little flat garden hose. 562 00:40:52,724 --> 00:40:55,379 And in the morning, I wake up and I go, "Well... 563 00:40:55,413 --> 00:40:57,655 "you're just gonna shower on the world whatever you stick 564 00:40:57,689 --> 00:40:59,241 the other end of your hose in." 565 00:41:02,275 --> 00:41:04,655 ANNOUNCER: And now, award-winning journalist and producer, 566 00:41:04,689 --> 00:41:06,724 Katie Couric. 567 00:41:09,931 --> 00:41:13,551 For Amy Grant, it all started in church. 568 00:41:13,586 --> 00:41:16,620 It's where the faith that is the bedrock of her life 569 00:41:16,655 --> 00:41:18,448 and career took root. 570 00:41:18,482 --> 00:41:21,586 And it's where she returns time and again, 571 00:41:21,620 --> 00:41:23,827 for guidance and inspiration. 572 00:41:23,862 --> 00:41:25,793 When a tape she made of her music 573 00:41:25,827 --> 00:41:28,482 was discovered by a producer at Word Records, 574 00:41:28,517 --> 00:41:29,862 a Christian label, 575 00:41:29,896 --> 00:41:32,103 she was offered a recording contract 576 00:41:32,137 --> 00:41:36,068 just five weeks shy of her 16th birthday. 577 00:41:36,103 --> 00:41:38,758 Ever since, with simple tools-- 578 00:41:38,793 --> 00:41:44,310 a pen and a guitar and that clear, sweet, comforting voice-- 579 00:41:44,344 --> 00:41:49,551 she has moved and uplifted us, offering the perfect elixir 580 00:41:49,586 --> 00:41:52,758 for troubled times and troubled souls. 581 00:41:52,793 --> 00:41:54,413 I've been the fortunate recipient 582 00:41:54,448 --> 00:41:56,172 of her wisdom and grace because 583 00:41:56,206 --> 00:41:58,965 part of Amy's generous spirit means sharing 584 00:41:59,000 --> 00:42:01,000 the lessons she has learned: 585 00:42:01,034 --> 00:42:04,275 about how she and her wonderful husband Vince Gill 586 00:42:04,310 --> 00:42:06,896 blended their families, about loving 587 00:42:06,931 --> 00:42:09,689 and supporting your kids as they grow up, 588 00:42:09,724 --> 00:42:13,517 and loving and supporting your parents as they grow old. 589 00:42:13,551 --> 00:42:15,275 I'm sure her practical advice 590 00:42:15,310 --> 00:42:18,448 has helped countless people looking for guidance. 591 00:42:18,482 --> 00:42:21,896 Sure, Amy has sold 30 million albums worldwide 592 00:42:21,931 --> 00:42:23,482 and won six Grammys, 593 00:42:23,517 --> 00:42:28,448 but she has never lost sight of the things that really matter: 594 00:42:28,482 --> 00:42:30,655 faith and family. 595 00:42:30,689 --> 00:42:33,206 Take if from the people who at times, I'm sure, 596 00:42:33,241 --> 00:42:37,413 have been among her toughest critics: her kids. 597 00:42:37,448 --> 00:42:41,034 She loves her family, our family so deeply. 598 00:42:41,068 --> 00:42:46,206 She takes from family and uses that for her songs. 599 00:42:46,241 --> 00:42:48,517 SARAH: Family ties run so deep with her 600 00:42:48,551 --> 00:42:52,241 and I think that's a human quality that is so relatable. 601 00:42:52,275 --> 00:42:56,689 She's able to relate to a single mom, a blended family. 602 00:42:56,724 --> 00:43:00,379 JENNY: Amy's a trailblazer. She has an idea and she does it. 603 00:43:00,413 --> 00:43:01,862 I love that energy about her. 604 00:43:05,034 --> 00:43:09,620 She doesn't say my way is right and your way is wrong. 605 00:43:09,655 --> 00:43:14,172 It's faith-based, she sings about everybody being welcome 606 00:43:14,206 --> 00:43:16,206 and spreading love and kindness 607 00:43:16,241 --> 00:43:19,344 and it's not preachy. 608 00:43:19,379 --> 00:43:21,310 She just kept doing what was honest for her. 609 00:43:21,344 --> 00:43:23,551 At age 25, she's one of the biggest selling 610 00:43:23,586 --> 00:43:25,034 gospel artists of all time. 611 00:43:25,068 --> 00:43:26,827 But she's different to say the least. 612 00:43:26,862 --> 00:43:29,206 She's probably the first artist to dance onstage 613 00:43:29,241 --> 00:43:31,413 in leather pants, no shoes, and a leopard-skin jacket 614 00:43:31,448 --> 00:43:34,034 while singing about Jesus. 615 00:43:37,379 --> 00:43:41,413 My mom venturing into new genres and moving more 616 00:43:41,448 --> 00:43:44,275 in the pop direction just allowed her to reach more people 617 00:43:44,310 --> 00:43:45,931 which I think is a beautiful thing. 618 00:43:45,965 --> 00:43:50,310 I was in middle school when her pop crossover happened. 619 00:43:50,344 --> 00:43:53,206 And all my girlfriends in the neighborhood 620 00:43:53,241 --> 00:43:54,862 were obsessed with Amy Grant. 621 00:43:54,896 --> 00:43:56,068 I'd listen to her music with them 622 00:43:56,103 --> 00:43:58,586 and now I'm singing live with her. 623 00:44:02,310 --> 00:44:04,275 I think it just felt natural for her 624 00:44:04,310 --> 00:44:06,241 to include us in special moments. 625 00:44:06,275 --> 00:44:07,931 We were just a part of her life, 626 00:44:07,965 --> 00:44:09,586 so touring with her, 627 00:44:09,620 --> 00:44:11,965 wherever she went, we were able to go with her. 628 00:44:12,000 --> 00:44:15,034 We got to get Sarah to smile, the baby has not smiled. 629 00:44:17,482 --> 00:44:19,620 I suppose, in retrospect, 630 00:44:19,655 --> 00:44:23,034 being that she was a new mother, I could see how dedicating 631 00:44:23,068 --> 00:44:24,689 "Lead Me On" to her firstborn kid 632 00:44:24,724 --> 00:44:27,448 might be a little fun bookmark. 633 00:44:29,724 --> 00:44:33,413 MILLIE: It always meant a lot that she had written it for me, 634 00:44:33,448 --> 00:44:34,931 but I think, you know, it wasn't until after having 635 00:44:34,965 --> 00:44:41,517 a child that really helped me to understand how 636 00:44:41,551 --> 00:44:44,620 all-encompassing that type of love is. 637 00:44:47,827 --> 00:44:50,827 "Heirlooms" was one of the first songs 638 00:44:50,862 --> 00:44:52,965 that I sang and it was a duet. 639 00:44:53,000 --> 00:44:55,241 Just me and my mom and her playing guitar, 640 00:44:55,275 --> 00:44:56,620 beaming with the joy 641 00:44:56,655 --> 00:45:00,379 that comes from the love of family that is expressed 642 00:45:00,413 --> 00:45:01,482 in those lyrics. 643 00:45:11,862 --> 00:45:13,862 ♪ 644 00:45:16,655 --> 00:45:19,517 ANNOUNCER: And now, nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer, 645 00:45:19,551 --> 00:45:22,724 songwriter and musician Sheryl Crow. 646 00:45:27,448 --> 00:45:32,689 Amy, you inspire me as a musician, as a mom, 647 00:45:32,724 --> 00:45:36,448 and as a great friend. 648 00:47:38,344 --> 00:47:39,310 ANNOUNCER: Up next, 649 00:47:39,344 --> 00:47:40,586 our tribute to Amy Grant 650 00:47:40,620 --> 00:47:43,275 continues with BeBe and CeCe Winans. 651 00:47:43,310 --> 00:47:45,000 Plus stars of opera and classical music 652 00:47:45,034 --> 00:47:47,310 honor composer Tania León. 653 00:47:47,344 --> 00:47:49,068 The Kennedy Center Honors will continue. 654 00:47:49,103 --> 00:47:50,103 This is CBS. 655 00:47:57,034 --> 00:47:59,965 Please welcome The Highwomen's Natalie Hemby. 656 00:48:03,034 --> 00:48:05,000 My father wrote songs for Amy 657 00:48:05,034 --> 00:48:07,137 and my mother has been her personal assistant 658 00:48:07,172 --> 00:48:09,724 for almost 40 years. 659 00:48:09,758 --> 00:48:12,793 So I grew up watching her up close. 660 00:48:12,827 --> 00:48:16,379 And I can attest that she is the kindest 661 00:48:16,413 --> 00:48:19,965 and most real example of what artistry 662 00:48:20,000 --> 00:48:22,793 anchored in humility and honesty look like. 663 00:48:22,827 --> 00:48:26,068 In a noisy world, she is a whisper of welcome. 664 00:48:26,103 --> 00:48:28,275 On behalf of my fellow Highwomen, 665 00:48:28,310 --> 00:48:31,482 my friends Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, 666 00:48:31,517 --> 00:48:33,034 and Amanda Shires, 667 00:48:33,068 --> 00:48:35,103 we would like to thank Amy 668 00:48:35,137 --> 00:48:38,103 for being a porch light to our crowded table. 669 00:48:40,931 --> 00:48:41,965 Woohoo! 670 00:51:23,068 --> 00:51:24,068 Wow. 671 00:51:26,655 --> 00:51:31,172 Amy is known for being one of the nicest people in Nashville. 672 00:51:31,206 --> 00:51:35,689 And an exemplar of this well-worn advice: 673 00:51:35,724 --> 00:51:38,413 "To thine own self be true." 674 00:51:38,448 --> 00:51:41,586 And speaking of great quotations, Amy, 675 00:51:41,620 --> 00:51:45,758 you once shared the four words your sweet mom said to you, 676 00:51:45,793 --> 00:51:47,896 words you've never forgotten: 677 00:51:47,931 --> 00:51:50,827 "Sing something that matters." 678 00:51:50,862 --> 00:51:52,655 Well, you've done it. 679 00:51:52,689 --> 00:51:55,068 And you're still doing it. 680 00:51:55,103 --> 00:51:57,965 Whether lullabies, Christmas music-- 681 00:51:58,000 --> 00:52:00,448 my personal favorite "Grown Up Christmas List" 682 00:52:00,482 --> 00:52:03,034 always makes me cry-- 683 00:52:03,068 --> 00:52:08,379 ballads, pop songs or hymns, what you sing, Amy, matters. 684 00:52:08,413 --> 00:52:11,965 Your music is a constant reminder of what's important. 685 00:52:12,000 --> 00:52:16,344 And very simply, that's love. 686 00:52:16,379 --> 00:52:19,931 And now, Grammy Award-winning gospel singers 687 00:52:19,965 --> 00:52:24,655 BeBe and CeCe Winans, with Michael W. Smith. 688 00:52:30,827 --> 00:52:32,241 BEBE: My sister and I 689 00:52:32,275 --> 00:52:36,689 know a little bit about family and faith. 690 00:52:36,724 --> 00:52:38,758 And, Amy, you're the real deal. 691 00:52:38,793 --> 00:52:43,620 BEBE: And tonight she is the reason why 692 00:52:43,655 --> 00:52:46,034 CeCe and I are here. 693 00:52:46,068 --> 00:52:49,206 To celebrate your heart. 694 00:52:50,586 --> 00:52:52,448 Amy, it's been the pleasure of my life 695 00:52:52,482 --> 00:52:54,241 to collaborate with you all these years. 696 00:55:54,275 --> 00:55:56,241 ♪ 697 00:56:08,379 --> 00:56:09,793 We love you, Amy! 698 00:56:09,827 --> 00:56:10,965 We love you! 699 00:56:28,000 --> 00:56:30,586 Our tribute to composer Tania León is next, 700 00:56:30,620 --> 00:56:33,103 featuring stars of dance, classical music and opera. 701 00:56:33,137 --> 00:56:35,310 This is CBS. 702 00:56:35,344 --> 00:56:37,310 The Kennedy Center Honors-- sponsored by Bounty, 703 00:56:37,344 --> 00:56:38,344 The Quicker Picker Upper. 704 00:56:42,862 --> 00:56:44,758 BIDEN: Tania León, 705 00:56:44,793 --> 00:56:46,620 she became one of the most important classical 706 00:56:46,655 --> 00:56:48,931 composers and conductors of our time. 707 00:56:48,965 --> 00:56:50,965 We thank her for breathing new sounds 708 00:56:51,000 --> 00:56:52,448 into the soul of the nation. 709 00:56:54,793 --> 00:56:58,758 Every time something happens to me, such as this surprise, 710 00:56:58,793 --> 00:57:02,482 I invite all my ancestors' spirits to go with me. 711 00:57:02,517 --> 00:57:04,896 If I'm gonna write a piece, 712 00:57:04,931 --> 00:57:06,827 I call my ancestors and say, "You better help me 713 00:57:06,862 --> 00:57:09,344 because, I mean, the deadline is in two weeks." 714 00:57:11,862 --> 00:57:16,448 ANNOUNCER: Now, please welcome actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith. 715 00:57:19,551 --> 00:57:25,793 Tania León once told me a story about her grandmother Mamota. 716 00:57:25,827 --> 00:57:27,103 When Mamota was a little girl 717 00:57:27,137 --> 00:57:30,310 she had to clean the house of a wealthy person. 718 00:57:30,344 --> 00:57:33,793 In one room there was a piano. 719 00:57:33,827 --> 00:57:37,344 Mamota was told not to touch the piano. 720 00:57:37,379 --> 00:57:40,620 She touched it and she was beaten. 721 00:57:40,655 --> 00:57:45,586 This story became the seed of my first produced play Piano. 722 00:57:45,620 --> 00:57:48,310 I dedicated that play to Tania León 723 00:57:48,344 --> 00:57:51,551 and I am excited to be here tonight to tell you her story. 724 00:57:51,586 --> 00:57:54,620 It all started with a piano. 725 00:57:54,655 --> 00:57:56,655 ♪ 726 00:58:07,413 --> 00:58:10,793 When Tania was born in Havana in 1943, 727 00:58:10,827 --> 00:58:14,310 her grandmother Mamota held her up to the sun 728 00:58:14,344 --> 00:58:17,034 for heavenly guidance and had a vision 729 00:58:17,068 --> 00:58:21,758 that Tania would travel far and wide. 730 00:58:21,793 --> 00:58:24,758 Did her grandmother know then that the key to Tania's destiny 731 00:58:24,793 --> 00:58:28,172 could be found at the local music conservatory? 732 00:58:29,206 --> 00:58:32,482 It was there Tania discovered the piano. 733 00:58:33,517 --> 00:58:35,275 Which would provide the roadmap 734 00:58:35,310 --> 00:58:38,172 for the life Mamota had predicted. 735 00:58:38,206 --> 00:58:42,862 Tania's talent and perfect pitch were evident immediately. 736 00:58:42,896 --> 00:58:44,862 LEON: By the time I was in my teens, 737 00:58:44,896 --> 00:58:47,344 I had the tendency to rearrange 738 00:58:47,379 --> 00:58:49,482 every single piece that I would play. 739 00:58:49,517 --> 00:58:52,551 SMITH: She dreamed of pursuing a career in music 740 00:58:52,586 --> 00:58:54,241 outside of Cuba. 741 00:58:55,344 --> 00:59:00,758 On May 29, 1967, she boarded a freedom flight to America. 742 00:59:02,310 --> 00:59:07,620 Her passport was canceled but not her drive to succeed. 743 00:59:07,655 --> 00:59:10,103 ♪ 744 00:59:10,137 --> 00:59:14,034 In New York City, Tania enrolled at NYU, 745 00:59:14,068 --> 00:59:17,620 the piano offering comfort in an unfamiliar place. 746 00:59:17,655 --> 00:59:19,586 ♪ 747 00:59:19,620 --> 00:59:22,068 Her journey continued to unfold when a classmate 748 00:59:22,103 --> 00:59:24,379 asked her to fill in as an accompanist 749 00:59:24,413 --> 00:59:26,379 for a dance class in Harlem. 750 00:59:26,413 --> 00:59:30,965 As the dancers assembled, Tania sat down at the piano 751 00:59:31,000 --> 00:59:33,551 and the course of her life changed once again. 752 00:59:33,586 --> 00:59:35,068 ARTHUR MITCHELL: She was interested in a job. 753 00:59:35,103 --> 00:59:37,793 And so I said, "Well, fine, you know, sit down and play." 754 00:59:37,827 --> 00:59:41,068 And she touched the keys and I said, "Oh. 755 00:59:41,103 --> 00:59:42,965 You're wonderful, you're hired." 756 00:59:43,000 --> 00:59:44,896 SMITH: Tania joined Arthur Mitchell's new venture 757 00:59:44,931 --> 00:59:49,137 as one of the founding members of the Dance Theater of Harlem, 758 00:59:49,172 --> 00:59:52,689 composing some of the company's pivotal works. 759 00:59:52,724 --> 00:59:54,724 It was during their first European tour 760 00:59:54,758 --> 00:59:56,793 that Tania's journey branched out onto a new path, 761 00:59:56,827 --> 01:00:02,172 this time to conducting the company's orchestra. 762 01:00:02,206 --> 01:00:03,965 Tania's passion led her to Tanglewood, 763 01:00:04,000 --> 01:00:08,344 where Leonard Bernstein recognized her talents, 764 01:00:08,379 --> 01:00:11,448 becoming a mentor and good friend. 765 01:00:11,482 --> 01:00:14,965 As Mamota had predicted, Tania was soon traveling 766 01:00:15,000 --> 01:00:18,172 the globe, conducting celebrated performances. 767 01:00:18,206 --> 01:00:21,655 Be very active because it requires that. 768 01:00:21,689 --> 01:00:23,896 ♪ 769 01:00:23,931 --> 01:00:28,448 SMITH: Sadly, Tania never saw Mamota again. 770 01:00:28,482 --> 01:00:30,586 But when she was finally allowed to return to Cuba, 771 01:00:30,620 --> 01:00:32,793 she unlocked the key 772 01:00:32,827 --> 01:00:35,275 that would propel her to the artistic heights 773 01:00:35,310 --> 01:00:38,241 we celebrate tonight. 774 01:00:38,275 --> 01:00:39,482 LEON: Give everything that you have 775 01:00:39,517 --> 01:00:41,517 and then tomorrow give it more. 776 01:00:47,655 --> 01:00:50,241 Now I'm thrilled to be joined by composer, activist, 777 01:00:50,275 --> 01:00:52,862 and classical pianist Chloe Flower. 778 01:00:55,620 --> 01:00:59,034 When Tania began letting the sounds of Cuba in, 779 01:00:59,068 --> 01:01:01,551 her art became uniquely hers. 780 01:01:01,586 --> 01:01:04,068 I am honored to have the chance to perform 781 01:01:04,103 --> 01:01:08,344 one of those singularly Tania León pieces for you now. 782 01:01:08,379 --> 01:01:11,931 Please welcome the Dance Theater of Harlem to the stage. 783 01:01:11,965 --> 01:01:13,655 This is "Tumbao." 784 01:01:23,793 --> 01:01:25,793 ♪ 785 01:01:53,862 --> 01:01:55,724 ♪ 786 01:02:25,689 --> 01:02:27,689 ♪ 787 01:02:56,586 --> 01:02:58,482 ♪ 788 01:03:40,896 --> 01:03:43,827 ANNOUNCER: Please welcome cellist Sterling Elliott, 789 01:03:43,862 --> 01:03:47,103 the Kennedy Center's artistic director for jazz Jason Moran, 790 01:03:47,137 --> 01:03:50,655 and mezzo soprano Alicia Hall Moran. 791 01:06:48,586 --> 01:06:51,758 Tania's story continues to unfold 792 01:06:51,793 --> 01:06:54,758 with the piano still as a main character. 793 01:06:54,793 --> 01:06:58,310 It was on the piano that she created her composition 794 01:06:58,344 --> 01:07:02,206 "Stride," which imagines the relentless forward motion 795 01:07:02,241 --> 01:07:03,896 of Susan B. Anthony 796 01:07:03,931 --> 01:07:06,379 toward the ratification of the 19th Amendment. 797 01:07:14,172 --> 01:07:16,724 And now it's my great pleasure to introduce 798 01:07:16,758 --> 01:07:19,172 the Kennedy Center Honors Orchestra, 799 01:07:19,206 --> 01:07:22,517 joined by members of Sphinx Organization, 800 01:07:22,551 --> 01:07:25,379 cellist Joe Kwon of the Avett Brothers 801 01:07:25,413 --> 01:07:27,379 and conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson, 802 01:07:27,413 --> 01:07:31,413 to perform the Pulitzer Prize- winning "Stride." 803 01:07:41,793 --> 01:07:44,137 ♪ 804 01:08:12,413 --> 01:08:14,413 ♪ 805 01:08:35,413 --> 01:08:37,965 ♪ 806 01:09:06,448 --> 01:09:08,448 ♪ 807 01:10:02,655 --> 01:10:06,034 Still to come, a tribute to the incredible U2 808 01:10:06,068 --> 01:10:09,034 featuring Academy Award winner Sean Penn and Borat. 809 01:10:09,068 --> 01:10:11,310 The Kennedy Center Honors will continue. 810 01:10:11,344 --> 01:10:12,344 This is CBS. 811 01:10:16,862 --> 01:10:20,517 We were told we had to keep this brief. 812 01:10:20,551 --> 01:10:22,931 Um, so we thought it would be 813 01:10:22,965 --> 01:10:25,068 a very bad idea to have Bono to speak, so... 814 01:10:27,241 --> 01:10:30,586 We are incredibly grateful and proud to receive this honor. 815 01:10:30,620 --> 01:10:33,931 Named after a great American, 816 01:10:33,965 --> 01:10:37,724 John F. Kennedy, who also happens to be of Irish descent. 817 01:10:39,620 --> 01:10:41,965 ♪ 818 01:10:45,137 --> 01:10:48,689 BEYONCE: "I was on the inside when they pulled the four walls down. 819 01:10:48,724 --> 01:10:50,827 I was looking through the window." 820 01:10:52,206 --> 01:10:54,862 "I was lost, I am found." 821 01:10:56,724 --> 01:10:59,172 HARRY STYLES: "I can't believe the news today." 822 01:11:00,206 --> 01:11:03,275 "Oh, I can't close my eyes and make it go away." 823 01:11:10,103 --> 01:11:12,689 FINNEAS: "We thought that we had the answers. 824 01:11:12,724 --> 01:11:14,689 It was the questions we had wrong." 825 01:11:17,862 --> 01:11:19,241 "In the name of love." 826 01:11:19,275 --> 01:11:21,379 ♪ 827 01:11:22,482 --> 01:11:24,482 "What more in the name of love?" 828 01:11:28,758 --> 01:11:30,068 FINNEAS: "I want to run, I want to hide, 829 01:11:30,103 --> 01:11:32,172 "I want to tear down the walls 830 01:11:32,206 --> 01:11:33,448 "that hold me inside. 831 01:11:33,482 --> 01:11:36,034 "I want to reach out and touch the flame. 832 01:11:36,068 --> 01:11:37,931 Where the streets have no name." 833 01:11:41,724 --> 01:11:43,965 BILLIE EILISH: "I have climbed the highest mountains, 834 01:11:44,000 --> 01:11:46,275 "I have run through the fields, 835 01:11:46,310 --> 01:11:47,827 only to be with you." 836 01:11:52,896 --> 01:11:54,620 FINNEAS: "Is there a time for keeping your distance? 837 01:11:54,655 --> 01:11:56,965 "A time to turn your eyes away? 838 01:11:57,000 --> 01:12:00,137 "Is there a time for keeping your head down, 839 01:12:00,172 --> 01:12:01,586 for getting on with your day?" 840 01:12:01,620 --> 01:12:02,586 "Touch me." 841 01:12:05,241 --> 01:12:06,586 STYLES: "Take me to another place. 842 01:12:06,620 --> 01:12:07,862 Teach me." 843 01:12:08,758 --> 01:12:10,551 "I know I'm not a hopeless case." 844 01:12:14,068 --> 01:12:17,000 BEYONCE: "The more you know, the less you feel. 845 01:12:17,034 --> 01:12:20,517 "Some pray for, others steal. 846 01:12:20,551 --> 01:12:25,206 Blessings are not just for the ones who kneel." 847 01:12:26,275 --> 01:12:29,655 FINNEAS: "Fight back, don't take it lying down. 848 01:12:29,689 --> 01:12:31,413 "We gotta bite back. 849 01:12:31,448 --> 01:12:33,586 The face of liberty is starting to crack." 850 01:12:33,620 --> 01:12:34,931 ♪ 851 01:12:39,344 --> 01:12:41,379 ♪ 852 01:12:41,413 --> 01:12:44,655 EILISH: "Love. And love is all we have left." 853 01:12:44,689 --> 01:12:47,827 STYLES: "You argue because you can't accept." 854 01:12:47,862 --> 01:12:49,965 FINNEAS: "Love is all we have left." 855 01:12:50,000 --> 01:12:51,310 ♪ 856 01:12:51,344 --> 01:12:53,655 BONO: Good night, God bless you. 857 01:12:53,689 --> 01:12:56,206 Thanks for giving us a great life. 858 01:12:56,241 --> 01:12:58,241 ♪ 859 01:13:05,344 --> 01:13:06,758 ANNOUNCER: Actor, filmmaker, 860 01:13:06,793 --> 01:13:10,275 and cofounder of the emergency relief organization CORE, 861 01:13:10,310 --> 01:13:12,310 please welcome Sean Penn. 862 01:13:19,931 --> 01:13:23,896 Joyce once observed, "The Irish, 863 01:13:23,931 --> 01:13:28,379 "condemned to express themselves in a language not their own, 864 01:13:28,413 --> 01:13:32,862 have stamped on it the mark of their own genius." 865 01:13:32,896 --> 01:13:36,620 There are no artists who have carried on that legacy better, 866 01:13:36,655 --> 01:13:39,827 nor stamped their own unique mark of genius 867 01:13:39,862 --> 01:13:42,689 on the world of music and beyond, 868 01:13:42,724 --> 01:13:44,965 than the members of U2. 869 01:13:53,068 --> 01:13:58,137 And that's why tonight we're here to celebrate U2. 870 01:13:58,172 --> 01:14:01,172 Great musical poets for the ages. 871 01:14:05,068 --> 01:14:07,931 Once upon a time, a young Larry Mullen Jr. 872 01:14:07,965 --> 01:14:10,965 pinned up a flyer at school. 873 01:14:11,000 --> 01:14:14,379 "Drummer seeks musicians to form band." 874 01:14:15,931 --> 01:14:19,724 Larry was joined after school for that first practice 875 01:14:19,758 --> 01:14:22,241 by a young Adam Clayton, 876 01:14:22,275 --> 01:14:27,862 a kid already anointed inexplicably as Bono... 877 01:14:30,655 --> 01:14:33,793 ...and another who would soon ditch his given name 878 01:14:33,827 --> 01:14:35,655 for The Edge. 879 01:14:37,655 --> 01:14:40,310 It was the beginning of a musically-charged 880 01:14:40,344 --> 01:14:43,344 chemical reaction, something that would transform 881 01:14:43,379 --> 01:14:46,724 the young men from schoolmates into colleagues, 882 01:14:46,758 --> 01:14:48,206 bandmates into brothers, 883 01:14:48,241 --> 01:14:51,655 and lead them to distill the human experience 884 01:14:51,689 --> 01:14:54,517 into songs that would stand the test of time. 885 01:14:56,172 --> 01:15:00,344 You can trace all of this to the band's prayer. 886 01:15:00,379 --> 01:15:04,137 "To be useful." Useful to the music. 887 01:15:04,172 --> 01:15:07,137 Useful to other human beings, to the world. 888 01:15:07,172 --> 01:15:10,620 Bono has often said that being famous is nonsense, 889 01:15:10,655 --> 01:15:14,724 celebrity is nonsense, but it is currency. 890 01:15:14,758 --> 01:15:18,103 And the band has spent its currency 891 01:15:18,137 --> 01:15:21,965 to show the usefulness of art in the world. 892 01:15:22,000 --> 01:15:25,344 To help us honor them, 893 01:15:25,379 --> 01:15:30,000 please welcome the extraordinary artist 894 01:15:30,034 --> 01:15:33,655 and my great friend Eddie Vedder. 895 01:18:13,413 --> 01:18:14,827 ANNOUNCER: Our U2 tribute continues 896 01:18:14,862 --> 01:18:17,931 with Eddie Vedder and an all-star finale. 897 01:18:17,965 --> 01:18:19,965 The Kennedy Center Honors. This is CBS. 898 01:18:25,034 --> 01:18:27,344 For more than 40 years, U2 has changed the world. 899 01:18:27,379 --> 01:18:31,000 Anthems about civil rights, solidarity of workers, 900 01:18:31,034 --> 01:18:32,413 a struggle for peace. 901 01:18:32,448 --> 01:18:35,517 Their music is a bridge between Ireland and America, 902 01:18:35,551 --> 01:18:37,793 between two friends, 903 01:18:37,827 --> 01:18:39,931 linked in memory and imagination. 904 01:18:39,965 --> 01:18:42,275 I want to thank U2 for all you've done 905 01:18:42,310 --> 01:18:44,517 and the way you lift people up, you really make a difference. 906 01:18:44,551 --> 01:18:45,551 Thank you. 907 01:18:47,275 --> 01:18:50,103 ANNOUNCER: Please welcome journalist and cultural attaché 908 01:18:50,137 --> 01:18:53,310 from Kazakhstan, Borat Sagdiyev. 909 01:19:02,586 --> 01:19:06,758 I very honored to be here with you. 910 01:19:06,793 --> 01:19:12,275 I am told the president of US and A is here. 911 01:19:12,310 --> 01:19:15,172 Where are you, Mr. Trump? 912 01:19:18,275 --> 01:19:22,103 Oh. You don't look so good. 913 01:19:23,137 --> 01:19:26,103 Where have your glorious big belly gone? 914 01:19:27,448 --> 01:19:31,103 And your pretty orange skin have become pale. 915 01:19:32,448 --> 01:19:37,344 Before I proceed, I must say I very upset about 916 01:19:37,379 --> 01:19:40,689 the anti-Semitism in US and A. 917 01:19:40,724 --> 01:19:42,793 It not fair. 918 01:19:42,827 --> 01:19:46,379 Kazakhstan is number one Jew-crushing nation. 919 01:19:46,413 --> 01:19:49,241 Stop stealing our hobby. 920 01:19:49,275 --> 01:19:54,275 Your Kanye-- he try to move to Kazakhstan 921 01:19:54,310 --> 01:19:58,689 and he even change his name to Kazakhstan-ye West. 922 01:19:59,793 --> 01:20:02,310 But we said no. 923 01:20:02,344 --> 01:20:04,931 He too anti-Semitic, even for us. 924 01:20:12,068 --> 01:20:16,586 But reason I here is to make congratulation 925 01:20:16,620 --> 01:20:22,275 to Irish rocking roll band by the name of Me Too. 926 01:20:24,517 --> 01:20:28,862 I have a message for you from my premier. 927 01:20:28,896 --> 01:20:31,655 It is hot off the fax. 928 01:20:43,137 --> 01:20:47,724 It translate to mean, "Please remove your wretched album 929 01:20:47,758 --> 01:20:49,931 from my new iPhone 6." 930 01:20:59,896 --> 01:21:05,758 Your band fight oppression around the world. 931 01:21:06,758 --> 01:21:08,413 Stop it! 932 01:21:09,724 --> 01:21:14,793 Do not come to Kazakhstan with your goody-two-shoes meddling 933 01:21:14,827 --> 01:21:19,517 or you will be placed on our new stretching machine. 934 01:21:19,551 --> 01:21:24,379 And your bodies will move in mysterious ways. 935 01:21:25,758 --> 01:21:27,137 This was another wordplay 936 01:21:27,172 --> 01:21:29,482 for purpose of entertainment, yes? 937 01:21:30,482 --> 01:21:35,172 Now, I will sing one of your Irish shanties. 938 01:21:37,310 --> 01:21:40,724 I hope you enjoy my voice, Mr. President. 939 01:21:44,551 --> 01:21:47,241 This song is about a difficult choice 940 01:21:47,275 --> 01:21:51,413 facing our beautiful planet. 941 01:21:58,517 --> 01:22:01,068 Everybody sing along. 942 01:22:01,103 --> 01:22:05,103 What the problem? They loved this at Mar-a-Lago. 943 01:22:07,275 --> 01:22:08,689 I use my fingers now. 944 01:22:08,724 --> 01:22:10,724 ♪ 945 01:22:15,275 --> 01:22:17,344 The Hedge, watch and learn. 946 01:22:17,379 --> 01:22:19,172 : "Watch and learn." 947 01:22:19,206 --> 01:22:21,206 ♪ 948 01:22:32,448 --> 01:22:34,275 Thank you. 949 01:22:34,310 --> 01:22:36,103 I love US and A! 950 01:22:36,137 --> 01:22:37,655 I love U2! 951 01:22:40,793 --> 01:22:43,103 ANNOUNCER: Please welcome back Sean Penn. 952 01:22:56,413 --> 01:22:58,586 U2... 953 01:23:00,344 --> 01:23:02,206 They are giants. 954 01:23:04,206 --> 01:23:06,827 Arguably the most heart-penetrating band 955 01:23:06,862 --> 01:23:09,137 on the planet for the last 40 years. 956 01:23:09,172 --> 01:23:12,482 Their influence on music, on culture, 957 01:23:12,517 --> 01:23:15,724 on the world, is incomparable. 958 01:23:15,758 --> 01:23:20,655 A band forged in the violence of Ireland in the 1970s, 959 01:23:20,689 --> 01:23:24,413 a time and place of devastating conflict and division. 960 01:23:24,448 --> 01:23:28,344 As Bono once said, "Life is the creative act." 961 01:23:28,379 --> 01:23:33,689 And these guys somehow just always understood 962 01:23:33,724 --> 01:23:37,344 how you interact with the world and the art you put in it 963 01:23:37,379 --> 01:23:40,034 are intimately entwined. 964 01:23:40,068 --> 01:23:43,034 This isn't something they grew into once they became famous, 965 01:23:43,068 --> 01:23:46,379 it's been embedded in their DNA from the very beginning, 966 01:23:46,413 --> 01:23:50,206 from the opening drumroll of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" 967 01:23:50,241 --> 01:23:53,275 to the iconic sets at concerts like Live Aid 968 01:23:53,310 --> 01:23:56,827 or performing in support of the Good Friday Agreement. 969 01:23:56,862 --> 01:23:58,413 And speaking out against violence 970 01:23:58,448 --> 01:24:01,172 and inequality every chance they get. 971 01:24:01,206 --> 01:24:04,586 They've always understood that art at its greatest 972 01:24:04,620 --> 01:24:07,448 truly moves the dial, moves the dial toward 973 01:24:07,482 --> 01:24:12,275 a care and uniquely human reflection 974 01:24:12,310 --> 01:24:15,379 that rhythmically thrills us with possibility, 975 01:24:15,413 --> 01:24:20,000 passion, prayer, and pulsing percussion. 976 01:24:20,034 --> 01:24:25,000 It is so fitting at this time in human history 977 01:24:25,034 --> 01:24:29,586 that America tonight bestows its highest creative honor 978 01:24:29,620 --> 01:24:31,827 in the creative realm 979 01:24:31,862 --> 01:24:38,206 upon these four scrappy Dublin punks. 980 01:24:40,000 --> 01:24:43,551 The scrappiest band of musical poets 981 01:24:43,586 --> 01:24:46,896 ever to come down the right-side drive pike 982 01:24:46,931 --> 01:24:52,137 to remind America and the world of its best self. 983 01:24:52,172 --> 01:24:56,206 The great Mary J. Blige was meant to perform this evening. 984 01:24:56,241 --> 01:25:00,275 Unfortunately she had fallen ill and couldn't be here, 985 01:25:00,310 --> 01:25:04,517 but the band's friend and mine Eddie Vedder 986 01:25:04,551 --> 01:25:08,689 is gonna gift us once again. So please welcome Eddie Vedder. 987 01:27:49,724 --> 01:27:51,724 ♪ 988 01:28:29,413 --> 01:28:30,724 ANNOUNCER: Still to come, 989 01:28:30,758 --> 01:28:33,310 a uniting musical finale honoring icons U2. 990 01:28:33,344 --> 01:28:36,034 The Kennedy Center Honors will continue. 991 01:28:36,068 --> 01:28:37,034 This is CBS. 992 01:28:41,827 --> 01:28:44,206 ANNOUNCER: Reconnect with the arts, reconnect with travel. 993 01:28:44,241 --> 01:28:46,448 Delta is proud to be the official airline 994 01:28:46,482 --> 01:28:47,931 of the Kennedy Center Honors. 995 01:28:47,965 --> 01:28:49,689 Delta. Keep climbing. 996 01:28:51,068 --> 01:28:54,448 Please welcome Ukrainian singer-songwriter Jamala. 997 01:28:57,206 --> 01:29:01,586 In their nearly 50 years together as a band, 998 01:29:01,620 --> 01:29:07,551 U2 has used their music as a way to create change. 999 01:29:07,586 --> 01:29:13,448 So it's fitting that on a night meant to honor them 1000 01:29:13,482 --> 01:29:17,517 they have once again used their platform 1001 01:29:17,551 --> 01:29:19,931 to spread message of peace. 1002 01:29:19,965 --> 01:29:25,137 Now, please welcome for a very special rendition 1003 01:29:25,172 --> 01:29:30,724 of U2's "Walk On," Brandi Carlile and Hozier. 1004 01:29:32,862 --> 01:29:34,862 ♪ 1005 01:29:49,137 --> 01:29:50,620 And love is not the easy thing. 1006 01:29:50,655 --> 01:29:53,655 The only baggage you can bring 1007 01:29:53,689 --> 01:29:56,034 is all that you can't leave behind. 1008 01:31:24,793 --> 01:31:26,965 ♪ 1009 01:32:48,206 --> 01:32:50,586 Congratulations to all the honorees, 1010 01:32:50,620 --> 01:32:53,655 and thank you to everyone who participated in this evening. 1011 01:32:53,689 --> 01:32:54,793 Good night.