Martina Arroyo, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel, Shirley MacLaine and Carlos Santana will receive the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Thursday.
CBS, which has aired the ceremony since it began, will air the 36th Annual Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 29. President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama (pictured at last year’s honors) will welcome the honorees.
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The event will be taped on Dec. 8.
“The Kennedy Center celebrates five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. “Martina Arroyo has dazzled the world with her glorious soprano voice and continues to share her artistry with a new generation of opera singers; Herbie Hancock has established himself as one of the most innovative musicians in the world, constantly breaking musical barriers and redefining the art of jazz; Billy Joel‘s melodies have provided the soundtrack of our lives for over four decades, making him one of pop music’s most prolific and memorable singers and songwriters; the remarkable breadth and range of Shirley MacLaine‘s acting has left an indelible impression during a nearly 60-year career on stage and screen; from his legendary performance at Woodstock to his sweep at the 2000 Grammys and beyond, Carlos Santana’s artistry transcends genres while entertaining millions.”