The annual gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts features personalized tributes with performances and testimonials from fellow artists.

Simpson’s grown more acquainted with the Dead’s music in recent years, particularly as he joined some of the band for the Dead Ahead Festival in Mexico at the beginning of 2024. He told Uncut magazine that learning Jerry Garcia’s guitar playing gave him renewed inspiration.

Bonnie Raitt was hailed as 'all red hair and no B.S.' during the Kennedy Center Honors, which also feted Francis Ford Coppola, Arturo Sandoval and the Grateful Dead.

Celebrities, cultural icons and a few surprise guests paid tribute to honorees at the annual Kennedy Center Honors celebration in Washington, D.C.

Francis Ford Coppola, the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval and The Apollo will receive one of the arts’ highest honors on Sunday, Dec. 22.

Queen Latifah, who hosted the Kennedy Center Honors 2024, posted in a silver beaded gown with cascading floral appliqué. Chloë Sevigny, who attended the show to honor the Grateful Dead, wore a patchwork dress for the occasion. She paired it with Western boots that featured a rounded toe.

Those honored this year are Francis Ford Coppola, director and filmmaker; Grateful Dead rock band; Bonnie Raitt, singer, songwriter and guitarist; Arturo Sandoval, jazz trumpeter, pianist and composer;

It's time once again for the Kennedy Center Honors, this year celebrating its 47th class. And it's quite the lineup. Each year, the Kennedy Center Honors "recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique contributions have shaped the way we see ourselves,

The taping of the 47th annual Kennedy Center Honors will premiere on Sunday. You can watch it on TV or online.

The event was held on Dec. 8 and airs tonight on CBS — the honorees are the Grateful Dead, Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval, Francis Ford Coppola, and the Apollo Theater