Billy Joel, actress Shirley MacLaine, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock and opera star Martina Arroyo will be receiving Kennedy Center Honors this year. All of these individuals represent some of the best talent in music, acting and the arts.
Joel, who just announced a recent extend tour at Madison Square Garden in New York, has been playing music since he was a child. The 64-year-old musician grew up on New York's Long Island and is honored to be featured at the Kennedy Center Honors.
"This is coming more from my country than just people who come to see me. It's a little overwhelming," said Joel in a statement to the Associated Press.
Carols Santana is known for his music and infamous guitar playing skills. Santana earned nine Grammy awards for his album Supernatural.
MacLaine, 79, has been acting on stage and has been featured in films for six decades. She made her film debut with The Trouble with Harry and one an Oscar for her role in Terms of Endearment.
Arroyo is a famous opera singer who stared in "Aida" in New York's Metropolitan Opera.
Herbie Hancock is a famous piano player. His unique musical styling and artistic vision has won him an Oscar and 14 Grammy Awards so far.
Fox News reported that President Obama will salute the honorees Sunday night, and top entertainers will offer tribute performances for each honoree.
The show will be air on television on Dec. 29.
image: WIkimedia Commons
