U2, Gladys Knight, Amy Grant, George Clooney, Tania León Named To Receive Kennedy Center Honors

Class Of 2022

U2, GLADYS KNIGHT, AMY GRANT, GEORGE CLOONEY, and composer TANIA LEÓN will be the recipients of the 45th annual KENNEDY CENTER HONORS for lifetime artistic achievements. The honors will be bestowed on DECEMBER 4th with a telecast to be aired later on CBS, produced by DONE+DUSTED, the production house which already handles the CENTER's MARK TWAIN PRIZE ceremonies.

KENNEDY CENTER Chairman DAVID M. RUBENSTEIN said, “Whether saving humanity, masterminding a heist, or captaining a ship in dangerous seas, actor GEORGE CLOONEY’s unique brand of earnest charisma and his complete embodiment of a character has led us to root for him every time; multi-platinum singer-songwriter AMY GRANT became the first artist to bring contemporary Christian music to the forefront of American culture, then equally thrived after crossing over into mainstream pop with hit after hit, and today is revered as the 'Queen of Christian Pop'; in her 55-year music career, legendary singer and America’s beloved 'Empress of Soul' GLADYS KNIGHT went from the PIPS of GEORGIA to GRAMMY royalty, showcasing a boundless vocal range and soulfulness that has stood the test of time; a brave, young Cuban refugee turned PULITZER PRIZE-winning composer and music ambassador, TANIA LEÓN has blessed AMERICA for more than five decades with her astoundingly original compositions and continues to be a major influence on classical music; and one of most influential rock bands of the modern rock era, U2, won over AMERICA and the world long ago with their iconic anthems, potent lyrics, and powerful messages of social justice and global citizenship -- earning a musical legacy that crosses generations, inspires, and unites.”

KENNEDY CENTER Pres. DEBORAH F. RUTTER added, “For nearly a half-century, the KENNEDY CENTER HONORS has represented the very best of AMERICA’s creative culture. The Honors is often referred to by past recipients as the pinnacle of awards because it recognizes not just one performance, album, or film, but esteems an artist’s cumulative body of work and influence over many decades. This level of distinction is important. Through this holistic viewpoint, each year’s Honorees add another layer to the complex and inspiring collage of artists that together tell the story of our collective contribution to global culture. Now, as the CENTER completes its yearlong 50th Anniversary celebration, I cannot help but think that the KENNEDY CENTER’s namesake would surely smile at this celebration that brings us closer to his vision of ‘an AMERICA which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft.’”

CLOONEY said, “Growing up in a small town in KENTUCKY I could never have imagined that someday I’d be the one sitting in the balcony at the KENNEDY CENTER HONORS. To be mentioned in the same breath with the rest of these incredible artists is an honor. This is a genuinely exciting surprise for the whole CLOONEY family.”  

GRANT said, “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine ever receiving this prestigious KENNEDY CENTER HONORS. Through the years, I’ve watched so many of my heroes serenaded by colleagues and fellow artists, always moved by the ability of music and film to bring us together and to see the best in each other. I cannot wait to celebrate with my fellow honorees, friends, and family. Thank you for widening the circle to include all of us.”

KNIGHT said, “I’m humbled beyond words to be included amongst this prestigious group of individuals, both past and present. You could never have told me as a young girl starting my career that I would be honored on a stage such as this, with artists and humanitarians such as these -- it just wouldn’t have seemed possible. It would have been the dream of all dreams. I have been blessed with so much in my life and this certainly stands with those achievements at the top of that list. To be honored as a KENNEDY CENTER Honoree is among the highlights of my career. I stand here with my fans, my family, my friends, my team, and my faith in accepting such an amazing distinction. It is dedicated to all those who paved the path for me to be able to accomplish the wonderful blessings I’ve been able to receive. The KENNEDY CENTER’s commitment to the arts is unparalleled and I am so very grateful for this moment.”

LEÓN said, “Little did I imagine when studying in LA HABANA that life was going to grace me with such a distinction! My first thoughts went to my ancestors: they believed in my dreams, and what we lacked in material wealth, they made up for in spirit, encouragement, and support. My heartfelt thanks go to the many people who have blessed my path by helping my talent to blossom and by giving me the chance to be heard. I am incredibly humbled to join such a prestigious family of artists, and deeply grateful to the KENNEDY CENTER for bestowing me with this incredible honor.”

And U2's joint statement read, “In DECEMBER 1980, we made our first trip across the ATLANTIC to AMERICA. Our first show was at THE RITZ in NEW YORK CITY, the second, THE BAYOU in D.C. We had big dreams then, fueled in part by the commonly held belief at home that AMERICA smiles on IRELAND. And it turned out to be true, yet again. But even in the wilder thoughts, we never imagined that 40 years on, we would be invited back to receive one of the nation’s greatest honours… It has been a four-decade love affair with the country and its people, its artists, and culture. We consider AMERICA to be a home away from home and we are very grateful to the KENNEDY CENTER HONORS for welcoming us into this great clan of extraordinary artists.”

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