September 7th, 2010
11:52 AM ET
Kennedy Center to honor Oprah, Paul McCartneyOn Sunday, December 5, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will celebrate “five individuals who have spent their lives enriching, inspiring and elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world" as part of the 33rd annual Kennedy Center Honors gala. Oprah Winfrey, whose daytime talk show will come to an end in 2011, is among the honorees, which also include country musician Merle Haggard; composer and lyricist Jerry Herman; dancer, choreographer and director Bill T. Jones; and legendary songwriter/musician Paul McCartney. “For more than 25 years, Oprah Winfrey has established one of the most innovative careers in the entertainment world, with distinctive accomplishments in television and film,” the Kennedy Center’s Chairman David M. Rubenstein said in a statement.
“The honesty of Merle Haggard’s music and poetic lyrics has helped to shape the world of country music for nearly five decades,” and “Jerry Herman’s musicals rank him in the pantheon of Broadway’s Golden Age and will keep audiences humming along for generations to come,” Rubenstein went on. Bill Jones, Rubenstein added, has had “an invaluable impact on the varied landscapes of dance and theater,” whereas “Sir Paul McCartney is one of the most influential and successful songwriters and musicians of all time, whose work has continuously altered both the creation and perception of music all over the world.” The annual gala will take place at the Kennedy Center Opera House, and President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will be in attendance (they'll also receive the honorees at the White House before the event). You can catch the two-hour special on Tuesday, December 28 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.
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Jerry Lewis is clearly the most incredible name not yet part of the Kennedy Center Honors. #1 – Huge Stand-Up Comedy career w/ Dean Martin. #2 – Huge Movie Career w/ Dean Martin. #3 – Huge Movie Career just Jerry Lewis #4 – Technical Innovations to the Film Industry #5 – Charity Pioneer – Muscular Dystrophy.
Any one of these would make Jerry Lewis eligible if you think about many of those that have already been honored. But all 5!!!!! Somebody has a bone in the wrong place.
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Why wasn't Ringo at the Kennedy Center honoring Paul?
Just out of curiosity..did any of you ever wonder why Oprah would start a school in Africa? A place no one will visit and nobody has ever heard of..and as far as her humanitarianism goes...why not do something is this country?? There are so many who need help here..the disabled, our Vets, the menatlly ill..the elderly..so on and so on!! It didn't stop her from building a $150 million estate to show off..why the hell would one person need a residence like that? Just to rub it in?? evidently
Amen, suzy diamond. Celebrity worship it is! OK, Oprah is a successful businesswoman – that's all! What about all the unsung heroes that go above and beyond every day and never get one iota of recognition! The only reason Oprah is able to do as much as she does is because she's a billionaire – yeh baby – a billionaire! Money talks! She won't get my vote – ever!
Congrats to everyone being honored.Can't hate, u have to work too! hard to do that.
Is it Saint Oprah yet? Has she been canonized yet? I don't care WHAT she's done, this celebrity worship is RIDICULOUS!
Great. That's all we need. Something else to feed Oprah's monstrously gigantic, spectacularly narcissistic, nauseatingly self-absorbed ego.
The only commnt I would like to say is the People in charge of this service award/artist or whatever has the right to acknowlege whom ever they desire. Its none of your business. I am so tired of negative people. Its getting worst. Jealous
is a dangerous act to have towards another person. I basically feel sorry for all haters. Life is a journey, enjoy it and stop the HATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS IS STUPIDITY AT IT'S WORST. WHAT HAS SHE DONE EXCEPT PROMOTE AFRICA. HAS SHE TAKEN IN ONE HOMELESS VETERAN, NO.
The awards previously were for contributions to THE PERFORMING ARTS, not for humaniarian efforts (although those sometimes are highlighted in the performances and biographies). I notice that the description has been rewritten for wiggle room. I know some people have turned them down in recent years, so maybe that was out of necessity. It is still depressing to see.
McCartney receiving the award is great and very much deserved? Oprah? Come on..... What talent does she have? She talks! That's awesome! I'm sorry, but I just cannot respect someone who "gives away" things that others actually paid for. Oh and her magazine? She is on EVERY cover. She is so full of herself it's pathetic, not to mention she is also so full of all the twinkies she's eating 🙂
Love Oprah! Love Paul! Well deserved!
WoW America! Some of the sick comments are just vicious! And people...spell check please! And get some psychological counseling!
To all the John Lennon supporters, I disagree with you saying that he was brave to speak out politically. He was very influencial, i'll give him that but he was a trouble maker. He's Brittish not American. Yet he came here to the US pointing out flaws that were apparent. In his song asking us to "imagine no religion" is an insult to the very core of what our nation was founded on. And that is why I think he was a trouble maker. Congrats Paul!!!
I don't get why Oprah is getting this honor. Sure, she may have done many wonderful things, but as regards the ARTS, I'm sorry, you need more than a movie role or two to qualify. This award is supposed to recognize significant contributions to the arts, and I don't see how Oprah can sit next to the likes of Paul McCartney or the other artists that will be honored.
If Oprah or Paul could read the comments made....They would be laughing while lounging in their million dollar homes. In the time that it took to write one negative word...they are making millions while driving around in their luxury cars...excuse me...being driven around in their luxury cars. They could care less what we think. Congratulations to all the honorees anyway.
CH, Tell me my brother/sister....you said "us lazy bums need to go back to school and maybe we can be like Oprah." Tell me, what college does that fat heffer have?
She graduated from Tennessee State University.
OPRAH???? Racist,race card playing Oprah?? She was nothing more than a Maury-check out her old stuff, who got a BIG break....NOTHIN' SPECIAL ABOUT OPRAH-PERIOD.
Yep – time to celebrate the knuckleheads and culturally shallow graves we universally recognize as the lofty pinnacles of American contribution to humanity, culture and civiliatzation. Cannot imagine how a Bach or Beethoven would do these days (of course, 99% of americans think bach's first name is barbara and 'what's a bay toven?')
Oprah proved that you can come from nothing and have something. Her influence stretches worldwide and she has done good for a countless number of people! Maybe some of you should get off your lazy bums and go back to school!! Maybe you can have the great success that Oprah has had!!
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I thought that the award was to honor American artists. Oprah is an artist? She is talk show hostest, with liberal views and a great fan of our president (Opps, that's how she got selected)...
Great...just what we need...a vegetable and a weed held in high esteem. Okra and Pothead Paul.
Why would we give Paul McCartney this award?? Not only is he not that good an entertainer on his own, he has no manners (the last time Obama and his Cabal gave him a stage to speak from he made disparaging remarks about a former President – George Bush). He is simply rude, crude and not very good at what he does.
......Why would we give Paul McCartney this award?? Not only is he not that good an entertainer...he has no manners.....he made disparaging remarks about a former President...He is simply rude, crude and not very good at what he does.
So some comment you didn't agree with (a joke) means everything?
And you try to pad your stance with other laughable reasons.
How shallow can one be?
I think Oprah is just as deserving at Julie Andrews. Oprah has done much more than her to influence and make a difference. Her show is on around the globe. She has helped many disadvantaged kids get an education. She has inspired many women in business, struggling with weight and all sorts of women issues! She is a trailblazer! She took syndication to another level. She was one of the 1st women billionaires (self-made). How many talk show host can even say they have done one of those things successfully! Some of the people writing on this blog only think about a talk show. Some only think of a black women. She means so much to women white or black!!!
Julie Andrews has a LONG established career on Broadway and in the movies. She was the original Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, she played Guinevere opposite Richard Burton's King Arthur in Camelot and she received an Oscar for playing "Mary Poppins". Oh and there was that movie where she played a nun named MARIA!! I would put her career in the "performing arts" up against Oprah's career in the "performing arts" any day!!!!
And Oprah has a 25+ years in the TV, movie and broadway (with a little show called Color Purple, that just happen to put her on the map as an actress). Julie Andrews has influenced who actually? I don't want to take anything away from her, because I do think that she is a terrific actress and entertainer. I enjoyed the Sound of Music and countless of other musicals. I feel even better about Oprah. Many of these entertainers have money and give their money to charities, but not many start schools and build houses and personally make a difference in the lives of many. Most of them throw the money at a charity and keep walking. Which is not bad, but sometimes it's the effort too. I think Oprah could've sat their and did that but she didn't. She believed in education so much she started a school. She believed in teachers so much she gave to many of them. It is simply the fact that we can put a face on the numbers that Oprah has helped. Who has Julie Andrews helped? What charities did she donate to? Just a point to make.
WoW to judge someone we really don't know is harsh. Wouldn't it be easier to just be happy for them.
All the recipients are deserving.
Life is much too short to be so hateful. I'm sure most of you have given little awards to your parents or friends and it made there day. All the ones named above have done more for many. So applaud them! They made a difference.
5 deserving people, each in their own right, are going to be honored. All I've read so far is mostly vitriol, racism, anger, hostility towards one or more of these honorees. What is wrong with you people??? These people have contributed something amazing to society, whether you agree or not. Congratulate them politly and move on. Begin to do something amazing with your own lives. Make the world a better place.
Why not Michael Jackson? Look at what he as done over the entire course of his career donating millions and millions of dollars, and his time to world organizations. Even before it was the fashionable thing to do! Sir Paul? Makes no sense. Just another potical move, as always!!
Yes, Calvin, I posted in reply to someone else above that I agree MJ should receive this honor even though he is no longer with us. It would be long overdue. There are a lot of uneducated and unwilling-to-be-educated people in this world who just want to regurgitate the same untruths and lies about Michael that permeated the entire second half of his life. Rather ironic that Sir Paul McC gets the honor in view of the fact that Michael's purchase of the Beatles catalog was the catalyst for the demonic slandering of this good and charitable individual. RIP Michael.
The Kennedy Center Honor is not awarded posthumously. Chosen honorees have to be living.
Really this is to Suzie who replied to me – sounds very simple,doesn't it? One needs to be living to be honored? Somehow I don't think John Kennedy woudl approve. If it's so, that the person needs to be "living", then they should re-write the rules.
Calvin. you are so correct, he is so much more deserving than most, one of our most generous humanitarians, he quietly gave all that he could, and as a artist, globally he is at the top.
SuzyQ, George Carlin, the comedian was honored after he passed away, so........not so sure how when that rule is enforced and when it is not.
Oprah is nothing more than a TV personality who was in the right place at the right time. What performing art has she provided?
how does paul mc cartney gits a kennedy center honor for musical innovations and lil richard doesn't? without little richard there would be no beatles or paul mccartney
....how does paul mc cartney gits a kennedy center honor for musical innovations and lil richard doesn't? without little richard there would be no beatles or paul mccartney
But then what about Little Richard's dad?
Without him......
Of course you can go on and on this way....what' about (someone else who's older)?
So, we have a daytime drama queen (probably lezbo) who probably caused more divorces with her ill advice than a mother in law.
and..
We have a hillbillie.
Two fine examples.
For years I have been angry with white racist and the hatred the spread cowardly in comment box around the web. But lately I have begun to look at it from a point of compassion and pity for a group of people so hateful. I encourage fair minded and well breed whites to fight this disease in their coummities,famalies,work environments and etc. Let these cowards know they will be called out and their behavior will not be tolerated.and they won't be able to hide under some fake name on the web.
I'm white and disliking blacks come natural. To the point, I almost wrote to nibisco about the oreo cookie. I think the cookie should be vanilla and the cream chocolate.. just my 2 cents.
u all negative people get a life
Since when is being a talk show considered a "performing art"? I can think of a long list of performers who have yet to be recognized, who have made huge contributions towards the performing arts, notably Kris Kristofferson, Neil Diamond, Carole King, and many others. I think the committee needs some help...ALSO, giving to charity is not a performing art...
You so right on Su! Oprah is nothing for nothing but a sistah playing it pale!
All Oprah did was flap her jaws about men and she's been a lezbo the whole time.
You alls fools! None of these phoneys should get the award statute. These peoples just playahs. Give it to the Househos of Atlanta bitoches! Cause these sistahs got it down and not fakers neither. All these dead folks like Orpah and them gay dance bo9ys! Go ATL! Hottchey mamas rules!
why some people are so negative oprah deserve it she open my eyes saying yes i can just like obama did if u dont have nuthing good to comment u negative people shut ur mouth
We gonnas crack your head open and show it be empty you fool talking nut bag! Okrah is the fakes shaizzizzles!
I am not an Ophra fan. This will probably be my first Kenneddy Honors I will miss. There are many more talented peoplein this US than Oprah. It takes not a lot of talent to do a talk show and use your clout when needed. I am very gald this is her last year. But I am sure she will not go gently into that good night.
TO ALL OF THE OPRAH HATERS, NO ONE HAS SEEN YOUR NAME FOR ANY KIND OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS!
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR SOCIETY? DON'T HATE THE PLAYER, HATE THE GAME!
Hey Boocat – so you're thinking Ringo is a top-flight drummer, eh? Then why did George Martin bring in famous Jazz/Funk/R&b drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie to play on a lot of their recordings???Maybe cuz Ringo wasn't able to play what was required by the music???
Never happened.
Urban myth.
i guess people forget about the dead. even though they are they should be honored cuz too many influential people like Michael Jackson don't get the credibility even though people like him would just do to help others for no reason but to do it thdu should still be honored
Susan, YOu are an idiot. What you met her on her show or a brief tour of her office or something?? Unless you are close friend you dont know her anymore than anybody who has never met her. Of course she will be kind to company and she is actress get a grip. Again I am not saying she is bad or horrible and nobody can dispute the fact she has done good but come on...................And what does your having to be white have to do with anything? Are you indicating that so people wont think you are black and you only like her because she is black. I know plenty of black people who done like here, whats that got to do with anything? Why does color always come into it.....
And furthmore.........she is self righteous, gives advice on topics she has no experience of knowledge of. She was a wild loose teenage who was pregnant at age 14 or 15 I believe. She has tried cocaine. She lives with a man she has no intentions of marrying. And I am not saying she is horrible or criticizing her for mistakes in her life.......Im just pointing out to all your followers, shes a human being just like everybody else with flaws. She is not God, she is not perfect. She got where she is with some hard work, some luck and being in the right place at the right time and stepping on people along the way to get there. Nobody gets to a place of hers without having used some people as stepping stones. Again, it is her life, it is her money and she can do what she wants with it but dont make her out to be a God.
You people who bash Oprah, have you met her, I have, she is great. Oh by the way I am white.
Why do you keep having to justify that you are white? Do you assume you have to prove that white people can like black people? You sound like a self hating racist! You as goofy as Okra girl!
Rock on Veronda! You got it down with this chubby chunker Susan! Bet she got it going for some heave ho brotha! These chubby white chicks just loves our mens! Go sistah go gets the biotch!
To begin Congradulations Oprah,
You deserve this honor, as an african american female, I can truly say I am proud of you and your accomplishments.
You have given so many african american women hope, and other women as well. I can attest to this, because of your influenential nature on television, I went back to school and I now have a doctorate degree As for all you haters get a life, because it's obivious that you don't have one. I'm truly having a hard time with the fact that after 2011, you will no longer have your talk show. For me this is like grieving a death, even though I know you'll venture into new areas, this has got to be one of the hardest for me. I wish you much success in your new endeavours.
You have a doctorate degree and you spell congratulations as "Congradulations"? Oprah does appeal to the lowest common denominator like Michelle Shaniqua Obama.
get a grip a.y.h.ole. Oprah is a scam and pockets millions from the sponsors so they can say they support someone black!
Primary reason John Lennon is not getting an award....You are required to be 1-alive and 2-attend the events. Irving Berlin was asked several times before he died and he told people to mail it to him...so he was never honored. As properly mentioned, you do not need to be a US citizen to be recognized. Many people still have time to be recognized: in no particular order...Al Pacino, Gene Hackman, Meryl Streep,
Oprah is a complete fraud. The only thing she has accomplished is to pile on the pounds and pollute the airwaves with her drivel. Next!
Amen amen and pass the biscuits!
Rahiq Syed- did you just fake your name to make Muslims look stupid??? And what have you done to make society better? Oprah has done plenty......
Rahiq Syed- did you just fake your name to make Muslims look stupid??? And what have you done to make society better? Oprah has done plenty to deserve this honor......
what about the greatest entertainer who ever lived and who gave billions to charities one of the most generous, influential, humanitarians Michael Jackson
For pedophile washed-up crotch-grabbing druggie of the year he'd get my vote for sure! Barely beating out the Lohans!
Yes, Michael Jackson gave quietly to many organizations and individuals, paid for surgeries when patients could not afford them, paid for funerals when families could not afford them, supported worldwide hunger projects with millions of dollars, homeless projects, AIDs projects, orphanages worldwide; gave all his net proceeds of just about every world tour he performed to charity. Difference between Michael and Oprah is that he did it quietly, never wanted the attention; only after his death is this information becoming known. You people who post negatively about Michael Jackson should take your time, read an educate yourselves not only about his creative genius but his philanthropic endeavors that will not and cannot be matched. And make no mistake, I'm of the 60's generation and love Paul McCartney but in my estimation he does not match up to Michael Jackson in any capacity. Michael also was instrumental in race relations in America; if there was no Michael Jackson, there would be no Oprah (or Tiger Woods for that matter either); Michael was the crossover artist who revolutionized musical culture as we know it.
Junie, I completely agree, I could not have said it better.
You Oprah worshipers are a bunch of followers with no minds of your own. Its what annoys me the most are people who think she is a God doing, saying, acting no wrong and anything she says is true and to be believed and followed. You cant make a decision on your own but if she says so well then follow what she says because as you think she is always right. If it took one woman to make other women believe in themselves its a pretty sad world. She is no better than any of the rest of us. Trust me she is getting huge tax breaks for all her spending or she might not be doing it.
thank god they are recognizing jerry herman. What a true talent and master of the Lyric. I got no problem with Oprah getting it and as for Paul,,,,,,he deserves it!
Sounds like Dylan personally knew the Beatles. After recording Love, Sir George Martin said that he thought Ringo was one of the best drummers EVER. Ringo played an important part in the formation and image of the Beatles.
I vote Jack an idiot, too. Lennon was a genius in his own right, but he didn't live long enough to let us hear what he could do in later life. Paul is still going.
WOW, the hateration from folk who have contributed absolutely nothing to society but to hate on another human being. Stop asking what's wrong with the kids today. Just read the hateration and lack of self esteem and self respect displayed here and there's your answer.
Wonder if Gail will be sitting with her that special night. Surely not Stedman.
She and Gail should come out of that closet. Gettin awful stuffy with their pals Tom C and John T. Hey if I could get car companies to donate stuff, I can play big shot and "give" it all away. Okrah is such a pathetic fraud! Shame on her blind followers. Hey this sounds like she qualifies as the antichrist! That would be a hoot. Never thought of an L word a.c.!
Obama is president.....Oprah is a billionaire and a huge Obama supporter. No rocket science here folks..................
I see alot of the credit for Oprah's success going to a father who told her C's were not acceptable grades in his house because she was capable of being better than average. Living up to that got her where she is.
Oprah getting this award is just like Obama getting his Noble Peace Prize........ FOR WHAT?
sure why not give oprah one, they gave obama a peace prize for no reason too! don't get me wrong, i'm a dem and voted for obama but we seem to be in an awarding nothing rut!
Let's see. Where are the following previous winners from: Julie Andrews (2001), Itzhak Perlman (2003), Elton John (2004), Andrew Lloyd Webber (2006), Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry (2008)? Since its inception, the Kennedy Center Awards have never operated in an "American-only" vacuum.
Kennedy Center honors? More like those who kissed the HNIC's butt the most.
This is for Jack . . . are you serious? I am guessing you didn't see Roger Daltry or Pete Townsend receiving their Kennedy Center Honors. Next time, please google stuff like this before you make a statement that makes you look kinda ignorant.
Oprah is living proof that you can be what you want to be if you are willing to work at it. I hope she has a long, long life and keeps doing for the needy as she has done in the past.She is one of the best ever.She knows that education is the answer to so many of the world's problems.
What a bunch of haters commenting. My two cents are simple, give us people to honor. I thank god every day for Oprah even though i am not african american I am a woman of color. Oprah opened my eyes that I can be somebody and I am. Paul mccartney deserves alot of credit because music isnt easy to read write harmonize or play left handed. If there are stil public haters regarding the beatles get over yourself! Take some of that energy and field a campaign to keep Lennons killer in prison. For all the death destruction and calamitys in this world today, lets be thankful for the good too.
Past recipients have included Johnny Carson so there is precedent for giving it to Oprah, although she would not be my first choice. Glad to see that Jerry Herman is being recognized. One of his stars – Carol Channing – should be recognized too. Another legend who should be recognized is actress/singer Barbara Cook who is still going strong at 82. Another person who would also be deserving of the award is Jerry Lewis for his contributions in films, television and nightclubs. Seeing him on the telethon this past weekend reminded me of his legendary entertainment career.
Did any one bother to tell these guys that Paul McCartney is NOT an U.S. citizen...yep giving an American award to a foreigner. I guess that is like the Democratic (Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)) representative giving away money not only to her relatives but also outside her district where as she said, there was no one deserving. Guess that is a habit now. No one deserves it in the U.S. so we go to Britain.
YOU ARE QUITE THE FOOL JACK!! IS YOUR LAST NAME A$$!!
What?! Are you going to say next that should not have given Mel Brooks one because he is Jewish, or one to Oprah because she is black?! Sir Paul McCartney affected people all over the world. He was a huge influence in the United States, so why the hell not?!
It is not an award given only to U.S. citizens – go to the Kennedy Center website and learn who receives this award.
I don't care if McCartney was born on Mars. Your comment is just plain ignorant. If you check the list of Kennedy Center honors over the years, Paul McCartney is not the first non-American to get such an honor. And what the hell difference does it make?
Bob, why Oprah? Because she changed the lives of millions of viewers around the world and refocused the television broadcasting industry to produce shows that helped and benefited the well being of the audience in additon to making millions in profit. Whether you are willing to admit it or not The Oprah show has been immensely profitable, provided jobs for hundreds and moved a generation of women to believe that there are innumerable options for living a better life. That's why she deserves an honor bestowed on those for making a difference in this country. What have you contributed to make this a better world?
A Kennedy honor for a daytime tv show? When is Monty Hall gonna get his for "Let's Make a Deal"?
Oprah? You have got to be kidding! There are many people more deserving that have done so much more! Surly the KCO is not that desperate.
McCartney influential? Altering creation and perception of music around the world? Guess they're not counting his "Wings" period and the fact that Lennon was the creative brains behind the Beatles. Bleah!
Actually, you're wrong about Lennon being the creative brains behind the Beatles. They were both equal in that regard. Who introduced avante garde music to John? Paul. Who thought up the disparate chord build up on "A Day in the Life"? Paul. Who was the better musician? Paul. Who wrote more hits during the Beatles run? Paul. Who conceptualized the Sgt Pepper album, generally considered the best rock album ever made? Paul.
Because of his tragic death, a lot of uninformed people have cannonized John at the expense of Paul, and it's not fair. You should know your music history before running your mouth off.
You are totally ignorant. Get a life!!
My last comment was for Renee. You are so misinformed it is scary!!
Renee, I agree with Wayne in that you have to be careful not to confuse the creative abilities of the two most influential Beatles with their personal abilities. on the other hand i disagree with wayne's comment re the public's 'cannonization' of John. It was he and he alone that rose politically to deserve such credit. He died as a result of THE brave political statement 'The Beatles are more famous than Jesus' (a deeply political statement about the priorities of the modern world) which in a truly 'free' USA ought he ought to be perfectly free to speak. Unfortunately Mark Chapman focused on John, mistakenly, as the center of his own demons and subsequently robbed us of a man willing to voice unpopular yet totally relevant opinions, shared by many.
Actually, I totally agree with Wayne. I have been a life long Beatles fanatic as well as a musician. It is quite true that Paul was not only the musical genius of the band, he was more the intellectual than most think. While John was living out in Weybridge with all the stock brokers, it was Paul who stayed in London and hung out with all the artists. It was paul who helped start the International Times. It was Paul who had the interest in Indica Galleries. It was Paul who came up with Sgt Peppers. It was Paul who Yoko was first interested in! John was a genius too, but not to the degree Paul was. Lennon was confrontational. he ALWAYS had to slip something in against "the esablishment". John was quick witted, but not so highly intellectual. Lennon would be the first to tell you, words in songs like "I amthe Walrus" were just gobbligoosh. Meant nothing. Sounds very poetic, but were just words that came out. I loved John's work, but the main talent was McCartney. read Geoff Emericks book! John grew up middle class while the others were the ones who had an edge from their lower class upbringing. It was John's mom, Julia's death, that gave him his edge, one that Paul also shared with the death of his mom. Wayne's right, read your history before jumping to conclusion. Unfortunately, in society, we like a "story" about a weird or exotic personality and that is John! Paul was rather normal in his personal skills, yet bled musical genius.
It's apparent you know nothing about the Beatles. The Sgt. Pepper album was totally McCartney's idea, from the name of the album to the concept. Around the time that the Fabs were working on Pepper, John Lennon was taking so much LSD that even some of the other members worried about him. So McCartney stepped in and took "leadership." McCartney would never deny that Lennon was a great song writer (nor would anyone else who knows Lennon's work) but to say the McCartney had no major input in the band's records IS JUST PLAIN DUMB!! McCartney also wrote the song "Yesterday" which is the most covered song in history (check out the Guinness Book of World Records if you think I'm l ying). And one more thing, it was McCartney who designed some of the suits the Fabs performed in. Must be where his daughter, Stella, got her designing talent. You apparently should brush up on your Beatles knowledge because you have virtually none.
I think ALL the Beatles should be included in the honors. Period.. They came along at the right time, after JFK was blown away. It helped the US in the healing process of losing JFK. But, the only thing that always got me, was the small contribution allowed for George. We were, I think deprived of some great tunes on Beatle albums. The best Beatles solo album? All Things Must Pass. For evidential proof watch the Concert for George. A great catalogue of music played by some of rocks best musicians. As for Paul- so what if he wrote some silly love songs. He was and continues to be amazingly busy. Paul yes for KC Honors. The Beatles? A bigger yes. Peace and Love to you all
Kennedy Center honors ...............BIG WHOOP.
So why did you read the article?
Every one needs a good laugh, AKC!
OPRAH.....FOR WHAT. You are kidding everyone, right?
Oprah has been a such a humanitarian and has given so much to so many people! Feeling like you do is such ashame,since her genorosity and charities have helped people all over the world. It's a pity that people like you just
don't get it!!
Oprah, much as I feel she has recently diminished her personal stature as much as she has fattened her bank account, was a talented actress, best known for her role in 'The Color Purple'. Nevertheless she is a model of economic and business success in the USTV industry to her Afro American community and , it could be argued, represented the rise of blacks in a universally controlled white USA, a rise begun in a fictional character who threw off the chains of oppression, from both cultures, in the movie mentioned above.
Yea, right Dylan. Talented actress. I see it doesn't take much to impress you. Her head wore out three bodies.
I have no problem with Oprah getting this honor. I just don't appreciate how she publicizes all of her good works. It's totally classless. It's like she wants everyone to know what a charitable human being she is. Personally, I do not like her show and I do not like her.
Like her or not, she is watched world wide and is a breath of fresh air to Islamic countries where many topics were taboo. She has stimulated thought and discussion including but not limited to gay rights and women's rights.
Oprah is a fake. Whenever she "gives away" stuff, she doesnt pay for it. She gives reduced fee advertising for the donator! She is the perfect example of an inflated personality. ANYONE can do what she does – she was just lucky enough to be the right place right time. And the right shade of skin – ie affirmative quotas on the news!
Of course she is a fake. Let he come out of the closet for once and for all – and start sharing that loot she robbed from the public. Eve here Africa school is a fraud – its UN money people! She gives nothing of herself but throws herself lavish parties. Share that with the homeless sistah!
Where have you been for 25 years? Do you not know about the humanitarian efforts this BLACK woman has done? Go read!!!!
Yes, Oprah does display humanity towards minorities. She doesn’t promote racism or prejudice yet her display of humanitarian actions draws lines between cultures/ skin color. This is not displayed in the guests on her show but rather who is benefiting from charities, give aways, and whatever else that allows her to be put on a pedestal. She would be a wonderful representative for the RACE exhibit – where children that are not of a certain race feel just terrible and ask why she/he has to white. Yes it is brilliant that Oprah is “unaware” of the message she is sending. Kudos for her achievement.
My aunt is Chita Rivera. What a thrill when she got hers!
Your aunt is/was a MEGA talent! WTG.
Saw her one woman show on Broadway a few seasons back (and also saw her in the original CHICAGO). She was amazing and still going strong. What a true legend!
She is one awesome talent.
Once again Ringo gets snubbed
Puleeez !! Ringo ? Sheesh ! Ringo was SO lucky that Pete Best was ousted and he took his place. On all levels he is a much, much lesser talent than the other three Beatles.Compared to John, George and Paul Ringo had little to offer. He cannot sing worth a damn and his drumming could have been replaced by hundreds of far more talented musicians. Ringo provided comic relief and the simpleton 'everyman' touch, if anything. Paul was by far the most technically musically talented ( as shown by his later foray into classical scoring,and he and John proved the old adage of 1+1=3, BUT on his own he is revealed as merely a lite-pop musician with little of substance to say and what he did have to say continues to be palpably trite. I don't think of Paul as exactly a deep thinker. George was by far the most the spiritually thoughtful of the group but it was John that deservedly garners the most respect in that was such a huge intellectual , politically aware and deeply personal person, willing to challenge the political times as well as his own inner demons.
Dylan – knock Ringo all you want. Ask any drummer. He's one of the best ever. If you know anything at all about rock and roll music, you would know that normally the bassist and the drummer play in tangent. Ringo played with McCartney (in my opinon, the best bassist who ever lived) who is the most melodious bassist in rock and roll and for that reason, Ringo was just not keeping the beat. He was playing the song! One case in point – listen to the drums on "A Day in the Life." Phil Collins (another good drummer) said that when he talks to young drummers today, they have no idea how Ringo did what he did on that song.
I have to agree about Ringo. I always thought he rode on the coattails of the others, esp John and Paul. He's a mediocre drummer and he can't sing. Don't begrudge him his living but NO Kennedy Center Honors. He hasn't earned it.
how would one get tickets to this Kennedy center shin dig?
Man, this would be a tough choice.
The Bagles as musicians or Pam Anderson as an actress.
Tough, really tough!
All I want to know is when Vikki Carr will get her award. She has been in the business 50yrs, sang for the Queen of England and 5 US presidents. She has also won 3 grammys and a lifetime achievement award. Did I mention since 1972 she has given many scholarships to young people to go to college. She of all people deserves to be honored.